I have no doubts whatsoever that we will be much stronger next year. Better coaching setup and as mentioned above several stronger players. If this team doesn't make the top 8 cut I'd be very surprised.

I can understand (and welcome) the odd Rovers fan coming on here to offer their thoughts on our new signing.

But I'm curious to know if any right-minded Turkey contributors (I think there are a few of us) go on to other fans boards and pass judgement when they sign a new player? Bar the odd higher profile announcement (Mossop to Wigan, Sims to Wire, etc) I have no idea who any of our opponents have signed for next season, and won't take much notice until the eve of the new season.

I assume we should be a flattered that we are garnering such attention?

This ex-player bagging is part of British sporting culture and extends beyond rugby league.

What a lot of opposition fans seem to forget is for the first time in a very long time we have competition for places in the pack and if any player dosen't perform then we now have the option of making changes.
That's not been the case for a long time

I take it all with a pinch of salt. It's just a windup because our owner has splashed some big cash over the last 18 months. A lot of people would love nothing more than to see us fail, that's life.

Pleased with this signing. Not loads better than we already have but gives us another strike player rather than a hard working Hansen, Hauraki, Dixon, J Walne type. Could cover the centres at a push (not a long term solution but could cover for a game or two) as he runs the right lines and has good hands. Hope it doesn't push Walne and Dixon too far down the pecking order but I'm sure they will get their chances with injuries and suspensions likely in the back row at times.

As many have said another prop might have been better than a back rower but with Tasi, Taylor, Griffin, Puletua, Morley, A Walne and the two making the step up from the championship that isn't bad at all - 6 all plenty good enough for SL and a couple of unknowns

Hooker remains the weakest position but am excited at the prospect of Hood making the grade

There isn't much cover at half back either. We only need a half back and a hooker injured at the same time and we will struggle to fill the 3 key positions

Oh and I'd pay good money to watch Jewitt and Paterson go toe to toe if it kicks off against Cas

Don't forget Evalds as extra cover in the halves, I think many assume he's a fullback/winger and aren't aware that he played 6 for the academy.

I also find it interesting when fans post what they believe to be the teams strongest 17. Personally I'd love nothing more than to see 2/3 youngsters make their mark and push out a few others. If this happens it will make us much stronger.

Good point, I'd included Evalds in a post on the virtual terrace about our half backs but then forgot about him on here! Would be a gamble as he's unproven at this level but I have every confidence he would do a job for us wherever he played. Looks very talented and, more importantly at his age, confident in his ability

And I agree about the youngsters. I think, in particular, if Evalds, Fages and the two Walnes get a decent run of games they will be hard to dislodge. Don't know much about Ford or the new youngsters we've signed

I would like to see Jordan Walne really kick on this year, he's got Hansen, Hock, Hauraki and Paterson infront of him but I have every faith in the lad. Luckily between those four you imagine a few injuries and suspensions will give Walne opportunities.

Have you been living under a rock for a few years ?

Try utube to see how good this guy is