This time last year I think that you'd have said the same thing about James Clare. To SOME players, the idea of playing regularly to give yourself the chance to improve is more important than being a squad player at a Super League club. Even if sometimes it means earning a little less money. I think that Mariano is OOC at the end of the year and he's already played for Wakefield and Hull KR before his time at Cas, so I'd say he could be a realistic target.

I'd like to see Matt Cook back at the club. A solid forward and Good leader.

Not sure how long he has at Cas though.

Re Cameron Scott,
Cameron turns 17 in October, numerous SL Clubs were in the hunt for his signature. I doubt he will be kept under wraps for too long.

Oddly I'd just read about him wanting a new deal at Cas and he's there until end of 2017.

I think he would be great for us but seems to fit perfectly at Cas, and already talking about new deals there.

I think his problem at us initially was his utility he was still filling out and we couldnt decide whether he was a centre or back rower.

To be fair, Cook always looked a prospect that wasn't going to quite fulfil the promise when he was Odsal. Could see he may be a top player, but never really got tot the level where he was demanding a place in the 17 every week.

Yeah now he'd likely be doing that, but would he command a place in Wigan or Warrington's team? I don't think so.

Destined to always be one of those who looked like he could be a superstar and never quite got there. But a solid player nevertheless.

Cook was in a similar position to to such as Brett Ferres and Ryan Atkins, and to be fair, quite a few more, when he was at the Bulls. They were all excellent players, but we had a great side back then filled with genuine stars, and you didn't break into it by being just, 'good', you had to be pretty outstanding to get a look in. Quite a few young players from the academy couldn't, and wouldn't, wait to be given the nod, so they left for pastures new and got on, rather successfully, with their lives.

Has now officially signed for Widnes on a 2 year deal.

Looking at how the squad is shaping up for next season we could do with a couple of props and a couple of second rowers.

Add 5 or 6 U19s and we're good to go.

Exactly. We look a much more balanced team instead of 8 second-rowers, 10 wingers and 8 props (with about half no where near good enough) and no HB.

This time around we've have quality in key positions with the youngsters providing the depth.

I like how Liam Kirk has been playing at prop for the 19s. He's a big lad. I can see him moving up.

Deserves its own thread VBFG.

Going on next year, we need a good partner for Chisholm (if Charnock is available, I can't see why we'd not go for him) a stronger centre who will actually pass to his winger, a couple of props to replace those who are leaving and at least one second row to cover for the losses there.

But I'd imagine that we'll have a smaller squad next year but of better quality

What about that French centre that played at Leigh? He is a big strong lad.

He was linked to us earlier this year but I think Danny Tickle might be a good fit for what we need from forwards.

I also hadn't realised Alex Mellor was with us until the end of next season, so now we have 19 signed up - even though some may not stay.