Orford is our first choice goal kicker, Ah Van is also a goal kicker.

Ainscough is far from nailed on as a starting winger though. I expect to start at FB or centre. If Royston starts the season at FB, then Sykes will start at centre. If Sykes starts at FB then Ah Van will more than likley start at centre.

I agree that Ainscough isn't guaranteed a start, but if it's not him then Raynor will take the wing spot. I really can't see Sykes playing FB when we have Kearney/Royston and Halley all above him in the pecking order for that position.
I'm still second guessing with regards to Royston and Ah Van's positions at this stage as I've hardly seen either of them play!

For once it's nice to be able to have so many players available to start in our back line.

I don't expect to see Orford back next year and Ah Van has only kicked 5 goals for NZ Warriors according to Wiki, do you actually know if he is any good? I hope that we recruit a halve who is an able goal kicker otherwise it is a big weakness in our squad.

Ah Van is a goal kicker

But Kearney will be playing stand off more than likley if we dont sign one. Halley is injured for months, and I'm not sure if Royston is above Sykes in the pecking order. Maybe, maybe not.

Bully B, Sykes can kick goals

Trying to sign one and signing one are not quite the same Mattchew.

That goes without saying mick, however all the info ive had says that club has a significant amount of salary cap still available and its for a standoff. Whether its anyone good remains to be seen.

Rumours, rumours, rumours. Without a source none of them are worth any more than a Sun Exclusive, to be honest.

I've no idea what recruitment plans are: much as I, without any 'info', and I would guess along with many others, would be hoping for a quality outside half to be signed, Lynchy in today's T&A says how happy he is that no 'big signings' have been made.

To be honest, I can't imagine that Lynchy's comments were made without the active involvement (or inside knowledge about the plans of) the management, so I'm guessing that it means any later signings will be the same type, ie not big names. Personally, I can live with that. We seem to have a few who can play full back, Kearney (who would be my favourite in that position) can stay at Stand off. All assuming that the Aussie rumours have no substance of course, and we still have a scrum half.

Of course, what effect the lack of a 'big name' will have on the pledges is anyone's guess, but it's hardly likely to be positive. Where are all the thousands who were just waiting for Macca to leave, I wonder?

Looking to their next excuse.

A statement from Orford about how much he is looking forward to next season with the Bulls would help..

I think an article or statement regarding Orford committing to the remainder of his contract would be just as effective as the signing of a marquee player tbh.
Good news or bad, I'm hoping for some kind of closure on all of this over the next few days or so..

I have it on the highest authority that the club will not conduct its negotiations through the media, no matter how much that might be the wish of (understandably) impatient fans. I have it on equal authority that the club is of course fully aware that good news on the halves front would boost the pledges - so they will not be deliberately withholding anything!

Lack of closure does not necessarily mean lack of action. I understand a great deal is going on behind the scenes. But remember, premature disclosures can seriously weaken bargaining positions and can prove very expensive, as those who have been involved in serious negotiations themsleves will be fully aware. I suggest continued patience is the only realistic option right now?