I have mixed feelings on this.

1. Salary cap - yet again we see players leaving for Union and the NRL. We simply can't compete with the salary cap at the level it is whilst Union and the NRL increase theirs.

2. Josh has played really well so far this season but for the last couple of years he seems to have had his head elsewhere and as has been more interested in off the field interests. This may be unfair but it is certainly the impression he has given. Dan is still only young and has shown that he has the potential to be a very good player.

3. Questions have to be asked about the senior staff at the club. We seem to be the only club where there is a steady stream of players leaving year by year. I look at a player like Manfredi and whilst I am made up that he his progressing like he is, I am concerned that he will naturally attract the attention from union and the NRL. Other clubs don't seem to have this problem, certainly not at the level we have experienced. We cannot rely on the fact that that our academy system will continue to produce players at the level that it has over the past few years.

4. Recruitment - It is glaringly obvious that we need to recruit in certain positions. We are desperate for a recognised goal kicker and I read with despair in pre-season that the players were having a competition to see who would be kicking goals. The loss of Micky Mac is a huge blow and it is too much to rely on Sam Powell to put in a shift like he did at Saints week on week. Now that George Williams is injured we are on the bones of our in the halves. We now have Lockers who started the season at prop playing stand off. We have to recruit even if its only a stop gap signing. Again, other clubs can pull off short term signings so why can't we?

We have started the season well compared to previous seasons but in my opinion there is a great deal that can improved upon.

Why is it poor business?

The alternative to is to try and sell them early before their contracts are up just to raise cash which means you lose their services to the team and have to find replacements anyway. You can't force them to sign a new deal just so the club can raise a fee so if a good player sees his contract out that is what you want.

Anyone up for a Pat Richards return? Just in case Burgess wants to stay another year at Roosters?

I very much doubt Pat would be, I'm sure he said the main reason for coming back over was to live in France and experience the lifestyle.

I usually take what players say when they sign for a new club with a pinch of salt.

Usually along the lines of 'I spoke to (insert ex player for club from Aus/NZ) and he recommended it, (insert club name) is a great club with a lot of history I'll do my best to get (insert club name) back to the lofty heights that they experienced (insert last successful period of the club).

If they sign for Catalans it's the culture, if it's a UK team they mention the history.

I reckon he'd snap out hand off to be honest and that gives us time to find the right winger and not just what is available at the end of the season, it gives us longer to scout.

I dunno, I find it hard to imagine that the club didn't put out some informal feelers to PR when he left the NRL. I would have thought, if he wanted to be here, he'd be here.