We’re going to need at least two backrowers and one of them needs to be pretty hefty IMO.

I suppose that's why we've apparently signed George hirst, big bopper of a 2nd row. I wonder if We'll put faith in Holroyd next year. He'll be much better for the experience this year and a good off season and pre-season and he'll be better equipped physically next year as well

forgot about Hirst, he looks like he has potential - let's hope Okoro does too.

I'd say we put faith in Holroyd ths year. But he's clearly behind Fitzgibbon, Nicholson, Bateman. And in terms of bench - Crowther, Philbin, Yates.

thats to be expected in a reserve, who we already know has played more than sam was expecting at the start of the year, though, 3 of the above you've mentioned dont play in the same position, and 2 wont be here next year, possibly 3.....

I know the bench players are different positions, but assuming you have Powell/Walker as one interchange, then your other three are going to be middles or bullocking second rowers, not a Holroyd type, who for the record, I'd be happy to see starting second row next year.

Was there ever anything more substantial about Oli Leyland signing?

Wood and whitehead extensions announced.

I wonder if the club are waiting until after tomorrow’s game to announce him. I understood he had signed a few weeks ago but that is second hand information. He looks really dynamic and it would be interesting to see how he goes in a stronger team

Burgess said in an interview on love rugby league he's interested in Leyland and he would add to our team, if he's available. I'm reading between the lines but i read that as we are trying to get him, if we haven't already got him that is


On another note Lolohea has just scored a superb broken play try out of nothing

Abe said that Leyland signed a few weeks ago

Think he said verbally agreed unless iv missed an update. He looks like a really handy addition if we get it over the line

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.

Perhaps it was a little groundwork for a more serious attempt somewhere in the future Abe?

I think it was for one season. Also Leon needs competition