It does make Steve look pretty inept. No mention of any transfer fees or anything of that nature, but I do wonder if cash was (and perhaps still is) our stumbling block in these matters. The bottom line is, Leigh have money and we don't.

From Steve's comments recently about deals that fell through, you could tell he was referring to loan signings rather than permanent ones, which again would suggest to me that we can't afford to be paying any transfer fees.

On Drinkwater, I wasn't impressed by him when he played for London. They finished bottom of SL with him in the halves. But he could have improved since then, and he'll certainly have plenty of time and space on the ball playing behind that big Leigh pack. Will he be good enough to get them into SL? I still have my doubts, only time will tell.



Leigh don't have a reserve team, remember? All the eggs in the one basket for them this season. If Ben wants game time, he'll need to go out on loan (again).

I don't think its a case of not wanting Reynolds as they handed him a 3 years deal at the end of last year. He is highly thought of but is still very young.

You cant expect to go a full season with 2 halfbacks especially heading towards the middle 8's in a competitive league like this and not expect injuries.

Lets face it Rangi hasn't lived up to the hype.

Riddy & Reynolds where great yesterday but if one gets a knock we are screwed.

We should hopefully see McNally, Barlow, Patterson, Tonga, Beswick, & Dixon back in the next 2-8 weeks and really have a selection headache come the 8's

From what I remember of Drinkwater in SL with London, and what i saw of Reynolds on loan at Dews; i'd sooner have the latter!

Reynolds has played in most games since we brought him back to the club from Dewsbury. He is playing well and getting loads of game time. Not sure why he would be looking to move anywhere when he is only 21 and playing a key role in a team at the top of the table. If he has competition for his spot then he needs to work hard and keep his place. If he plays like he did yesterday he should have no problems doing that.

However last season we learned the hard way that playing the same 2 players in the halves all season can backfire if one gets injured and you end up with an untried combo for the 8's.

This signing does seem to suggest Rangi is a goner so having 3 half backs is vital. Hopefully Jukes will be wiser than Rowley and give all 3 of them game time ahead of the 8's.

Reynolds, Ridyard and Drinkwater to move us about the park, the best two will start. Higham and Patterson can cover if needed. One more to come in, possibly two before July.

So Rangi is out then?

That's my assumption based on rumour and this signing, seems the club have learned to sign replacements first

I'd have him for a guest appearance for us a week on Saturday to see who his friends over there really are.

I doubt if Rangi has a bad word to say of the club if he has left/is leaving, he was treated very well.

The Bulls were desperate to sign Josh, hes signed for us on less money......

Nobody will prove that, did you speak to Smith/Green, did you see the contract? etc lets be happy for us and see how things look after the fat lady has sang in October

He’s only signed until the end of the season, why would he sign for less money?

Lets see what smith has up his sleeve. If Drinkwater was poor at London then why should we be downhearted we haven't signed him.
I have got confidence in Smith knowing the market down under for decent fringe players who can't get a game and could do us a good job. He only started today so lets give him time.

At least give him till Friday to have signed 3 or 4 future internationals before we have a go at anyone!!!!!

TBF Drinkwater was playing in a woeful London side and is only 23. Meant to have done alright in the NSW cup. Denny Solomona didn't exactly set the world alight playing for London 2 years ago and he's done pretty well.

Smith i fully trust to get us a decent 7. Ferres I don't.

Drinkwater was playing behind the most beaten pack in the league that year. (With Gale behind the second most beaten pack)