I think Nanyn had already gone before the injuries really began mounting up following the win at Hull KR. As you say, it was a gamble that a player with a phenomenal scoring record at a lower level, both tries and goals, could step up with the extra training at our level but it didn't work out; that doesn't mean anyone should be slaughtered for giving it a go. A stranger decision IMO was to send Grayshon out on loan in exchange for Sam Thompson.

My biggest concern is that we lost three vastly experienced and influential players in McLinden, Hill & Paul a year ago and still haven't recruited one comparable replacement since.

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Here is the rub, and the nub of the problem. We probably don't have the cash and are hence doomed, unless we do a Wakefield.

Grey, Grey my world is grey.

Why would we ever have needed more than 3 recognised centres? Its hardly a specialist position like stand off or scrum half - an Academy lad can do a reasonable job there for free.

Maybe on the other pages www.nwemail.co.uk/raiders/news/e ... rPath=home

Maybe on the other pages www.nwemail.co.uk/raiders/news/e ... rPath=home

"Quins chief Blanchard was quoted in League Express as sayingsome crucial positions and hooker was one of them.”

Seems our recruitment is not over yet.I wonder what other gems have yet to be revealed?

It's a pity that Brett McDermott isn't 10 years younger. I reckon he could have been a big hitter in SL.

Well yes, I guess we were spoilt between 2005-8, but just one top class player in exchange for three surely isn't asking that much? If we'd won half of our last twelve league games (after winning two thirds of the first fifteen) we'd have finished in the same position as Wakey with the same number of points. Actually we did "do a Wakefield" for more than half the season just gone. I'm still waiting, not necessarily for an explanation, but for a solution as to what went wrong. I'm hoping it can be fixed as soon as it broke! Attritional perfomances aren't so unacceptable if you're winning most of the time.

I belive we need a couple of monsters to strengthen our squad and our resolve.

He looks okay from what I've seen of him, but not sure whether he's really got the size for a modern SL prop, I have the same worries about Matt James.

rlAndy Ellis signing confirmed.rl

Great news IMO. First positive signing in ages.

Why particularly? The only time I've seen him was in the GF at the weekend. Ball distribution was good and I got the impression that he did a load of tackling (and maybe played the full 80?). But no great sparkle and no sign of a kicking game. He looked a bit on the small side too. So, a workmanlike player, "wouldn't let us down", but I saw nothing special.

You've obviously seen more of him though.

This guy is class. OK, i'm speaking from a Championship point of view here but he's been head and shoulders above anyone this year. I have no doubts whatsoever that he can do a job for you in SL. Trust me, this is a good signing.