So all gone quite on the Baptiste story since Monday's League Express and nothing showing up on NRL news threads for awhile.

John Davidson on twitter just said he's got couple of exclusives for this weekend. Regarding us by sound of his response to a fellow tweeter.

He signed.

John Davidson?

No Jim.

We still need pace and depth in the backs, but who is available.

I'm ready to hold up my hand and offer to step in. On the basis that there is a ground swell of opinion that our backline is slow and can't catch or pass I figure that as I'm slow and can't do any of those things I must be in with a shout. I was worried that at 56 and 3/4 I might be considered a little old but given the age discrimination laws that should see me right.

Baptiste?

I've heard he's backed out last minute. No idea how true it is.

I'm sure we'll find out sooner or later. I'm not so sure we really need Babtiste anyway, he'd offer more depth than another dimension.
I'd prefer another prop if depth is what we are looking for.

We need a winger. DESPERATELY.

I still think Russell will be okay in this squad. In fact I think he can add something few others can.
As I've said, I've wiped the slate clean and I'll not be a critic until the season starts.
Remember I have probably been a major critic of him in the past.

Won't be losing any sleep if he has. Let's be honest most of us had never heard of him till a couple of weeks ago.

My only concern is that the only area we're weaker now than last year is at hooker.

Clark/Smith < Clark/Dwyer.

I'd not heard of Baptiste either, but a decent interchange 9 is something we needed to look at.

However, if we shut up shop now, I'd be happy enough. We've addressed the two main issues, being the hole at halfback and beefing up our pack (inc the return of Currie and Crosby).

A winger would be the cherry on top of an already delicious looking squad, but not a necessity for me.

Baptiste isnt a bad hooker, although he hardly gets much game time at Canberra due to Hodgson. Sometimes when Baptiste comes on Hodgson then goes to 13 with Baptiste going to 9.