Not really the same as Burrell though in terms of idiocy.

Genge a significantly better player than Burrell, he’s also younger, and not considerably past his best. Probably harder conditioning wise for a prop, who would be significantly heavier than the RL equivalent. Would make no sense for a RU prop to come across though cause it would remove the scrum, which is half of a props job in RU anyway. That’s why they get the big bucks

There are plenty of players from Union who could migrate across, and that works both ways. Just need to identify the right players, rather than random choices and going for big names. Don’t know why Union don’t do it more often, guess the risk isn’t worth it and the gap isn’t as big as it used to be. Sale have a few former RL youngsters on the books for example, so they are trying to grab them younger. Think it is fairly common for young lads to play both codes at age group level as well.

Lots of those highlights are fairly old, so probably before the high tackle framework was introduced. League is now more strict and irrational re high tackles, cause they took too long to deal with it and are clearly in a massive panic about it.

Don’t get the issue re defence. You could show highlights of League players and the defence wouldn’t look great in isolation. Suspect you could have a 5 min video of Sita Akauola bouncing people! Obviously defence is still stronger in League, and that will always be the case. There is also a bigger size gap from player to player.

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.