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.

Tickle would help with goal kicking as I aren't sure we have one signed up at moment

As Bullseye stated though, we are definitely short of forwards at the moment. We have a 13:

Moss, Caro, Purtell, Welham, Clare, Thomas, Chisholm, Kavanagh, O'Brien, Sidlow, Mellor, Haggerty, Lovegrove

Then a couple of hookers and four backs:

Lumb, Keyes, Mendeika, Ryan, Halafihi and Campbell


I tend to agree with Bullseye about Liam Kirk too. Big lad and showed up well in the friendly with Castleford and the one other time I've seen him this year. I haven't seen as much as some, but when I did, he looked ok.

Haha you picked Oscar Thomas ner ner!

I also think Kirk Yeaman might do well, he's another player I like who I think we should sign. This follows on from my earlier list players I'd like to see at Bradford of: Chris Nero, Lee Gaskell, Dale Ferguson, Lucas Walshaw, Jean Philippe Baile and Luke George. (and Richard Whiting, bloody Leigh)

That list wasn't a particularly brilliant hit rate though was it?!

Hahaha. I only did it because I knew Leon Pryce would actually be there, but I can't put him in until club confirms it

I like Kirk Yeoman, but he's a left sided player, as is Ginger Welham. Not a fan of playing three quarters on their unflavoured sides. If we didn't have Welham though Yeoman would be a good move.

I love it when phones autocorrect.

Was reading and knew there was something wrong but couldn't put my finger on it.

Nobody likes the unflavoured sides. Like when you take a Pringle out of the tube and make sure the side with the most flavouring goes nicely onto your tongue.

Can't see Lovegrove carrying on after this season. It was a risk signing him in the first place, I think the last concussion he got probably told him it was time to retire.

Shame really as he looked a useful player. And never nice to see someone have to retire through injury, especially in the case of concussions as that doesn't tend to go away in a matter of months.

6 u'19 lads promoted to the first team squad next year. Great news

Nevermind, he's signed for Leigh. Seems someone at Leigh read my post and panicked. How about Adam Henry? He's well good Degsie.

We have definitely signed Leon for next season

Still a bit anxious about signing someone his age, but at least we already have backups for if (when) he gets crocked.

Should certainly help sell a few season tickets though you would think.