There should be a bit of cap space available still, Drinkwater wouldn’t have been cheap, and Bateman too came at a decent cost despite the deductions. And while we have seen extensions and upgrades to a few junior players, I understand Stef Ratchford has taken a considerable hit.

I would expect a new face alongside Leyland.

Not half OUCH!!

Re recruitment as others have said if we saying bon voyage to Bateman Fitzgibbon and Nicholson then we need to prioritise SR

So are you say Ratchford will play alongside Leyland?

From Burgess’ interview last night Fitzgibbon has had surgery, so will be back next season, sounds like it’s not the end of his career like some feared? Of course only time will tell

Was speaking of this with someone that if he was to continue and not miss to much if anything at all he needed to have surgery now if a consultant said it enables him to continue.

Yeah doesn't seem the immediate retirement injury people kept banging on about. He's got about 5 months to recover, rehab and strengthen for next season.
Will be very happy to have a 100% Fitz in the team. If we have signed this George Hirst the other 2nd row spot might be between him and Holroyd. Unless we have designs on a more experienced player already?

I think Holroyd is a more than worthy candidate to step up. His only faults have been the odd bit of indiscipline, but that will come with experience. We do need another second rower replacement, but as long as Fitzgibbon is on the mend for 2025 I don't see why it has to be an expensive one.

I think you are expecting a lot for Hirst to step up to SL and hit the ground running.

The WOW signing being speculated about was Nathan Cleary. Won't be happening to my knowledge, but fair play to SM for the attempt.

I wouldn't be surprised if Sione Mata'utia turned up here next year. There is a strong connection with Newcastle Knights players here that he played with previously.

I think that shows that the club are not prepared to go with Leon Hayes at first pick starting half, if we are looking to recruit for his position.