The more I look at the combination of size, strength and pace in the top back lines the more I'm favouring a line up of Lineham & Atkins on the wings with Ratchford and Currie at centre. That would give us probably one of the biggest wing partnerships in SL. Let's face it, Atkins will never be a top centre and probably isn't best suited to second row either. Currie has such great handling skills he is probably wasted in the second row and has pace to burn. Ratchford is elusive and quick too.

If we have signed Westerman he would fill the 13 role with Hughes and Westwood in the back row. As someone else has said, that frees up Harrison to take up an additional prop role. I'd be happy with that. Russell would start at FB for me with pressure from Johnson, if only because he has such a great kick return. Having a ball playing 13 reduces the need for an extra pivot at fullback.

Aye. We may end up winning nowt again. Like you did this year.

Currie is never a centre in a million years, sorry. For what it's worth I think we've got a pretty solid first 17 (if we have signed Westerman), maybe lacking a bit of depth after that. In an ideal world I'd add a centre and a hooker (probably harsh on Dwyer) to this (plus another prop for depth):

1. Russell
2. Lineham
3. Ratchford
4. Atkins
5. Penny
6. Gidley
7. Sandow
8. Sims
9. Clark
10. Hill
11. Hughes
12. Westwood
13. Westerman

14. Dwyer
15. Harrison
16. Dodds
17. Currie

I think we're a good prop short of being contenders although it's hard to predict given the number of changes. I think Gidley will be key for us as he has the leadership/onfield decision making skills we've lacked. I'm really excited now about our chances next season.

Happier than I was 12 months ago.

Halfs are a much better, and hopefully the time sandow spent in the last month or two was well spent so he can hit the ground running next year.

I think we will be up there with Leeds, Saints, Wigan, Huddersfield & Catalan battling for a top four spot. If we can bring in a quality centre, I think we could be serious contenders, once the side gels.

In chris hill we have one of the best props in the country, Clark had a good end to the season and if he can continue that in to next season and get him some quicker play the balls we have one of the best hookers in the country. The back row has two skilful back rowers with plenty of pace and a loose who is big with plenty of ability.

I certainly can't see why we wouldn't be challenging next year.

Yep i concur that Hill is on par with any of the best props around. Any side would want him in. Gidley is a good signing (on paper) but so was Asotasi. But again he is just a stop gap. Wil he play No. 1? I think the young lad Johnson looks the real deal, as does Patton. I would love to see these guy's blooded a bit better rather than signing over the hill Aussies, but training with Gidley can only be a good thing for Johnson. I don't like the Johnny come lately that come over for one last pay day. Some are superb and some really pee me off. I think you have a decent side but from the outside looking in i think it's only a 4th 5th 6th side at the moment. I think Westwood has gone and losing Joel M will leave an impression. Sandow could go either way but i wasn't really impressed with what i saw of him. I think losing Myler will have a bigger impact than Wire fans think and i honestly think Lineham will find the Joel M role a tough one to follow.

Whatever happens though i can't wait for next season because i know that the rest of SL love Sam Tomkins

lineham is one of the best attacking wingers in the game, but in defense is gash, westerman if he is coming to you guys will be me marmite,love him or loathe him,imo I like him

Forgive me if I don't "strike up the band" and get the tickertape parade organised, but this is (I fear) where we've ended up. Being linked with "yesterday's men". If we'd've been linked with this fella four years ago, I'd've been a happy bunny. He showed great promise, and looked like he'd really kick on. Trouble is, he's gone down hill ever since. He's hardly Brad Fittler, but still holds a decent reputation.

Nah, not for me.

But that's where we've ended up
In the last few seasons, our recruitment policies have ranged from a selection of aging Aussies, or "punts"...will they work after injury/loss of reputation.

It's been a long time since we had a "WOW" signing

If he has signed then true he's not a WOW signing but a capable one having a good skill set, a ball playing forward that we needed, he must know what's expected of him and that this could be his last big chance, I wouldn't mind if we signed him.

Recruitment policy still leaves me unconvinced unfortunately.
But I have been wrong more than once where TS is concerned, and I hope I'm wrong again.
The pack is light and sooo much seems to depend on Chris Hill - too much.
Dodds is a gamble, but just shows how difficult it is to get a real top class prop.
Judgment reserved for Gidley and Sandow (ok the latter didn't set the world alight for the few games he played but I'm not too worried by that).
Lineham's defence is a real concern for me, but again a young guy. Monas wasn't over the hill. He can still finish
Hughes seems decent and age is on his side.

Regarding Westerman, has TS EVER played a ball playing 13?
I'm not sure but my belief is not. That's why I don't think we've got Westerman coming in. Definate talent but depends if he's brought in to play his natural game or become another battering ram.
Hill, Clark, Sims, Hughes, Westwood and probably Harrison/G.King in the pack. Dodds with Dwyer and maybe B.Evans and Philbin as key back up men.

Given how much I dislike the Pies, I have to say their conveyor belt of home grown talent is really impressive, and I'd say more of their recruits are successful.
Saints and Leeds aren't far behind.

Overall I think if we get in the top 4 we'll have done very well and punched above our weight.

Not at warrington, I think Ratchford has started the odd game there, possibly Grix too, but predominately he has played a 3 prop game at Wire.

He obviously used Sinfield as a ball playing loose while coaching Leeds & Great Britain / England though

Why is Dodds a gamble?

Because he only made the bench for the NRL Grand Final; obviously.

So am I led to believe so far this last year we have enquired about rangi chase. .. Gareth hock, justin Carney and Joe Westerman. ...

What are we trying to create. ....?

the calibre of targets is right up there with the biggest wits the game has produced ....

Or its all bull