Genuinely believe that the time is right to also say goodbye to Atkins.

Ratchford

Lineham
Goodwin
Livett
<New winger>

Roberts
Patton

Hill
Baptiste (Smith to start on the bench if there is nothing in this rumour and Clark to start)
Cooper
Currie
Hughes
Murdoch-Mesila

Clark
Philbin
Akualoa
Crosby

I thought 2017 was Atkins and Sims finest hour.
Happy with Ryan's improvement and happy he's staying.
With a big pack, Currie and Ratchford in support, I think Lineham might get some very healthy ball too.

Atkins to go??? very strange when you look at his stats still has a lot to offer!

Is there still some sort of exemption on the SC for players returning from RU? In which case a cheeky bid for the Charnley may not be so far fetched,,

Ratchford

Lineham
Atkins
Goodwin
Russell

Roberts
Patton

Hill
Clarke
Cooper
Currie
BMM
Livett

Crosby
Akuola
Philbin
Smith

What is worrying is that when injuries come round, we've nothing in depth as yet. Plus we have 3 new lads on the same edge with BMM a reputation of blowing after 15 minutes.

There never was any exemption for players returning from RU. The exemption (that is still available) is for players who have never played competitive RL before to join a league side. Anyone with previous experience (Charnley, Eastmond, Barba etc) does not qualify.

The exemption means that 100% of their salary in the first year of their contract is not considered on the cap, 50% the following year, and then from year 3 onwards not eligible for any further exemptions. Clubs can also only have 2 such players at any given time.

There is an exemption for returning players, but they have to have been away for five years (I think?) and it's only a 50% salary exemption.

Quote: Alffi_7 "There is an exemption for returning players, but they have to have been away for five years (I think?) and it's only a 50% salary exemption.'" I am happy to be proven wrong, but the only reference in this years rules (below) is the new talent pool allowance (5.13) which is as I described above. www.rugby-league.com/operational ... html#p=275 If its a new rule to next year, I can't find any news relating to it?

Quote: Alffi_7 "There is an exemption for returning players, but they have to have been away for five years (I think?) and it's only a 50% salary exemption.'" I am happy to be proven wrong, but the only reference in this years rules (below) is the new talent pool allowance (5.13) which is as I described above. www.rugby-league.com/operational ... html#p=275 If its a new rule to next year, I can't find any news relating to it?

Quote: Magic Superbeetle "I am happy to be proven wrong, but the only reference in this years rules (below) is the new talent pool allowance (5.13) which is as I described above. Not sure where the operating rules are, but in the bbc article below. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/39506517 For a returning talent pool player, for example someone returning from rugby union, they must not have played rugby league for five years and in the first season their wage contributes only 50% towards the cap and 75% in a second season.

Quote: Magic Superbeetle "I am happy to be proven wrong, but the only reference in this years rules (below) is the new talent pool allowance (5.13) which is as I described above. Not sure where the operating rules are, but in the bbc article below. www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/39506517 For a returning talent pool player, for example someone returning from rugby union, they must not have played rugby league for five years and in the first season their wage contributes only 50% towards the cap and 75% in a second season.

I don't think his ability to play RL again was ever a factor...you don't forget how to ride a bike.
There was a concern over his ankle.
Salford went public a few weeks after I heard he was on our radar saying they were out if the running follow medical advice.

With the 5 re-signings confirmed, our squad is now as follows....

1 Ratchford
2 Lineham
3 Atkins
4 Goodwin
5 Russell
6 Brown
7 Roberts
8 Hill
9 Clark
10 Cooper
11 Currie
12 BMM
13 Livett

14 Smith
15 Crosby
16 Akauola
17 Westwood

18 King G
19 King T
20 Hughes
21 Patton
22 Julien
23 Johnson
24 Philbin
25 Moran (I assume he's the 25th).

If we still had Hiku, that'd be done for me, but I still want another three quarter.

I think Baptiste will happen.

I woukd ideally want to see Russel as back up and not starting. Taylor Prell could be worth a chance or a new winger and if Baptiste signs too then all the better. That squad looks alright to me at this stage though, what a difference a month makes. I'd also retain Pomeroy, he has shown he can step in and quickly form an understanding with someone he's never played with before. Good cover in my opinion and another option better than Russel.