How on earth do we find these players?

Game time for both works out at about 15% per season.

The exit door for both please come September.

I think McPherson has a real talent, unfortunately he also has a talent for falling over a blade of grass and injuring himself. Rapira I think was brought in by Noble to try and add some NRL beef to the pack, this has failed for me miserably as he is no more worth a bench spot than the Walne Brothers.

I'd expect both to be given the Spanish Archer come the end of the season as McPherson would have to count on the quota when given a new contract (I think with his Crusaders ties he was exempt to allow him to find a new home when they went bump) and both will be on a decent wage. I'd much rather their combined wages go to a high quality number 13 and the aforementioned Walne Brothers trusted to offer the remaining cover.

Good summary that MR.

Personally I would go for 2 British lads - still relatively young too in Westerman & Bateman.

Can't see Bateman being allowed to go by Wigan as he seems to be having a wow of a season. Westerman is a decent shout though.

Watched the SOO the other day and if the rumour of looking at Ben Te'o is indeed correct I'd settle for that as he looked a quality player who did more than his fair share of graft when he came on.

I think NOW is the time to be ruthless.

We have 3 overseas players - Rapira, McPherson & Mullaney and maybe we will get a handful of games from them for the rest of the season. They should be allowed to go now.

Our position in SL is not guaranteed and its time to give Iestyn a chance with fresh bodies.

There are good `fringe` players about - much better than the trio above - not forgetting Rugby Union, South Africa & France & we need to strengthen in key areas.

Locke & BJB are not getting in either so maybe a few `sweeteners` could be used as Top 8 not out of the question either.

I couldn't agree more about being ruthless with Rapira and McPherson as think both are gone already, Mullaney I think is slightly different was doubt he will be on a great deal of money and can see him offering plenty as a squad player next season and for me he hasn't been that bad this year.

As for RU players I expected someone to be announced around this time as the RU season is all but over, the issue you have is RU is an event at the Commonwealth Games and it's the RU world cup next year, means for me your only really going to get someone at the end of their career or a fringe player.

Couldn't see Locke coming early as a possibility but BJB if someone is released could well be a goer. Saw Peter Fox was signed for the remainder of the season by Halifax, I'd have liked to have a look at bringing him in as he'd certainly add a little bit more speed to the back line.

Having read shontayne's article today on the effects of concussion maybe Shannon should be thinking of his future m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article ... d=11264856

Having read shontayne's article today on the effects of concussion maybe Shannon should be thinking of his future m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article ... d=11264856

I doubt any player would just walk away after being "allowed" to go - you'd have to pay em off - which counts on the cap, leaving no space to bring anyone in to replace them - so what's the point? just look at some of Powells performances at Wigan last year if you want to rely on the RU plan!

Er safety.

As for RU - there are plenty of aspiring fast threequarters about including untapped South Africa & I think you will find there is still space under the cap after the exits of the 3 I mentioned.

Yes Barton but these are overseas players we are talking about so would suggest that there are ways ............... and a bit of creative accountancy never did anybody any harm. Our survival is paramount.

Agreed but I suspect the spotlight shining on us is fairly bright..,

I seem to remember a club having a player "retire" due to injury and insurance paid out. That was a Cap dodge. I have a feeling it was Wigan

westy signed new deal with fc this season, our pos so far, doubt pearson would even entertain any offer from koukash

What player?