Skimming the rules re salary cap I believe that players under 21 and earning <£30k pa don't count towards the cap. If that's the case, and of course I don't know how much individual players are on, then Wood may fall as under 21 but not Whitehead, which would count against him.

I go back to what Sam Burgess said about him wanting to retain Drinkwater but that cap space was tight for next year. We definitely need another experienced half, be that Drinkwater or AN Other, and a lack of space would suggest that we have another significant signing in mind that would account for the combined salary of Drinkwater and Nicholson. There was also no mention of not having an overseas quota spot for Drinkwater. The tealeaves are telling me a non-overseas half, but I haven't a clue who it is (please, not Lomax).

I would argue we haven’t lost with Bateman, him only being on loan.
His inclusion displaced Holroyd, who will be coming back matured an hungry to disprove Wire’s decision to drop him for Bateman.
Fitzgibbon fit is a greater presence than Nicholson. We still have Currie too.
And with the academy lads pushing themselves on the fringes, backrow is one area Wire really has no weaknesses.

Re: Bateman, I was considering the strength of the squad as 2024 ended vs the projected squad for the start of 2025. Bateman was in the former, but won't be in the latter. Hence a loss. His performances really improved over the final weeks. But I like Holroyd and hope he continues his development.

If the squad numbers are anything to go by it looks like Currie and Fitzgibbon in the 2nd row with Yates at loose forward.

If Fitzgibbon can stay fit I think that's a pretty strong back row. Let's hope his shoulder is in full working order going into 2025.

I also like Holroyd, would just like to see him pile on some bulk asap as he's pretty fearless and is going to take some knocks.

Russell, we'll wait and see but using a quota spot on a player with his record still leaves me a little surprised.

I believe Fitzgibbon's surgery went as well as could be expected, fingers crossed he stays fit as he's an excellent second row. Also hope Holroyd has been bulking up a little as he's a real quality player IMO.

Fitzgibbon, who has a history of shoulder problems, underwent surgery that is believed to have uncovered and corrected an underlying issue, so the hope within the club is that he will be able to play a full part in 2025.