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?

My comments were based on Connor's recent tweets more than anything else. According to him we were set for a 'busy 10 days' about 5 days ago. That leaves the rest of this week for something to happen!

Hopefully this leads to the Orford situation being cleared up, but I agree that these things should not be rushed, so I won't be too frustrated if we still don't know anything by this time next week.

Well 3 good signings today. Though I feel Crookes needs to step it up next year, all 3 have potential to be great players.

A new coach and a lot of new players for next year. It may take some time for everyone to gel, but I suspect the Bulls will shock a few people. One thing I like about some of your signings is that they'll be busting a gut to prove themselves. Ainscough, Walker and Raynor for example, all for different reasons but I bet you couldn't ask for players more determined to show everyone what they're capable of.

On a personal note I really, really want Ainscough to become a star - partly because England need all the decent wingers we can get, and also because IMO he was written off ridiculously early by a lot of fans and by Wigan. This idea that he can never, ever get better under the high ball or other kicks is a load of nonsense. He's short so will occasionally get outjumped, but with a big centre giving him some protection, some decent one-on-one coaching and a bit of confidence there's no reason he can't get a lot better. If with all that he still doesn't make it then sobeit, but I have the feeling that too often young British players with obvious flaws in their game are just cast adrift and expected to sort things out for themselves.

He was banging on about quiche last time I checked

Quiche?

Does he play in the NRL?

Can he play at 6?

come on then what would everyones 17 be for next season so far considering rumours etc.....

Kearney
Ainscough
Walker
Ah Van
Raynor
Pryce
Hanbury
Lynch
Lestrange
Hargreaves
Whitehead
Elima
Langley

Sub: Donaldson, Scruton, Godwin, Royston....... hard to pick!!!!!

1. Brett Kearney
2. Shaun Ainscough
3. Paul Sykes
4. Shad Royston
5. Patrick Ah Van
6. Leon Pryce
7. Thomas Bosc
8. Bryn Hargreaves
9. Heath L'Estrange
10. Andy Lynch
11. Elliott Whitehead
12. Olivier Elima
13. Jamie Langley

14. Wayne Godwin
15. Nick Scruton
16. James Donaldson
17. Chev Walker