End of the day Saints have had plenty of success in over the SL period with a $hit FB so it can’t be that critical in achieving success.

Say what you want about Wellens, but over the last god knows how many years he's been a cracking FB. awards, good try scoring record, good support etc.

If you're naming the top players Saints have had over the last 7 years or so it's easy to see how important a FB is.

I didn't write that

Wellens is a cracking superleague fullback and the sort of fullback we could do with but it still shouldn't be seen as a priority until we've sorted out 2 props and a halfback.

Think the general feel is that a prop and possibly two is the more important signing to be made.

I'd like to see an enforcer prop (which Stu should be) and another impact prop.

With this I'd start with the new impact prop signing and the enforcer.
My other two props would be Feka and Stu/Prescott on the bench.

After 20mins or so of the impact battering the defensive line I'd sub him for Feka, between the two of them they could charge at the opposition for the full 80.

The enforcer prop to play around 30-35 mins then to be subbed for Stu/Prescott. keep them on till around the 60 min mark bringing the enforcer back on for the last 15-20.

Totally agree!!

But I only think we'll sign one prop.

I hope to see the back of Phelps, Bailey, Coley and Prescott at the end of 2009, hopefully making way for a new prop and halfback

Frontline set up next year being

8 - New Prop
9 - Riddell/Leuluai
10 - Fielden
11 - Hock
12 - O'Loughlin (2nd Row!!!!!!!!!!!!! Noble)
13 - J. Tomkins

Subs
Riddell/Leuluai
Feka
O'Carroll
Mossop/Hansen

I think that frontline is quite decent, heaven forbid any serious injuries.

Then end of 2010 bye bye!! Fielden ( ), Hansen and Carmont (maybe)to go

Mossop taking Hansen's position in the squad, and with the Mighty Fielden's hold over us gone, another decent prop and a GOOD fullback.

With neither Richards or Roberts being exactly comfortable at fullback, I would expect Phelps to be kept on as he can cover every position within the backline.

Bailey, Smith and Coley (and perhaps Goulding) to be moved on at end of the year.

A halfback and a prop forward to be next years signings.

100% Agree.

If Phelps keeps his recent form up until the end of the year i'd defo keep him on for another year or 2.

and were do you place Aniscough??

Phelps must go.

Unless he really shows up at 6.

Its no fault of his own but given Roberts is on a 4 year deal and we are strong in the backs Phelps has to go, unless he becomes the 6 we badly need.

I got an idea for fullback

REARDON you never know, he might last 12days with us

Why if he is on a low wage and can cover every position. At the moment Id keep him over Pryce.

Phelps is taking up a quota spot, thats one good reason.

and we simply don't need him, his cap could go towards a prop which we do need.

But I do feel people will be shortly arguing that he's a better FB than Pat.

The quota will probably be the reason he goes, I really dont believe his salary would make or break a prop forward signing. Bailey's can do that all by itself.



So we do need him, since he will prove to be easily the best fb at the club!

Phelps could go and if Noble is to depart as well then we may bring back a former full back who's currently in Union.
No way would Noble allow Ashton back into the club but a different coach could very well have a different view on it.