Let's not forget that Deacs will be on the coaching staff by 2012. I can't see him playing on beyond this year. Will he go straight into the senior set-up or will he go and work in the Academy for a while?

Of the two, I'd go for the first.

I think Tommy is much more effective playing at scrum half. He's a very good hooker but he's world class at first receiver in my opinion. He was man of the match by a country mile for the Exiles on Friday and also won the Harry Sunderland award from scrum half in last year's Grand Final.

That said, I still don't think McIlorum is ready to play as an 80 minute hooker, so I'd be looking to recruit an impact 9 to come from the bench and really inject some momentum into the game towards the end of each half.

I haven't seen much of Mellor in the under 21s but I'd be cautious about giving a player with as little first team experience as Joe a bench spot from the word go. Problem is, when do you give players the chance to get that experience?

On another note, is the Matt King rumour simply wishful thinking or is there a (supposedly) genuine source?

Two signings would make a work of difference. I'd like to see Matty Bowen and Matt King out of all the recent names discussed.

They would add experience to a team that is losing experience this year (Deacon/Coley poss Carmont) and fill in adding more strike to our team.

For example:

Bowen
Charnley King Carmont Richards
Tomkins Finch
Fielden Tommy Prescott
Hock Hoffman/Tomkins
Lockers
--------------
McM Mossop Faz Lima

Plus many others to fill in.

I would love a Quality hooker so tommy can go back to full time 7...Robbie Farrah would do

Well Kearney from the Bull's has signed a new deal with them. So whether we wanted him or not, he ain't coming now.

These are all the hookers off contract in the NRL next year: Paul Aiton, Clint Amos, Shaun Berrigan, Glen Buttriss, Isaac De Gois, Beau Falloon, Stuart Flanagan, Jake Friend, Aaron Heremaia, Masada Iosefa, Andrew McCullough, Casey McGuire, Anthony Mitchell, Aaron Payne, Mark Riddell, Terrence Seu Seu Taken from: www.zerotackle.com.au/rugby-leag ... z1P6Yl38yf Now I dont follow the NRL much but are any of these worth a shout? Obviously I know of Riddell and Berrigan but cant see any of those coming back to Super League now they have 'been there, done that'

These are all the hookers off contract in the NRL next year: Paul Aiton, Clint Amos, Shaun Berrigan, Glen Buttriss, Isaac De Gois, Beau Falloon, Stuart Flanagan, Jake Friend, Aaron Heremaia, Masada Iosefa, Andrew McCullough, Casey McGuire, Anthony Mitchell, Aaron Payne, Mark Riddell, Terrence Seu Seu Taken from: www.zerotackle.com.au/rugby-leag ... z1P6Yl38yf Now I dont follow the NRL much but are any of these worth a shout? Obviously I know of Riddell and Berrigan but cant see any of those coming back to Super League now they have 'been there, done that'

I have absolutely no idea, that might be out of date a bit.

Just seen Andy Tuilanga has been released by Sale, would be an interesting proposition to look at this year as centre cover. Don't think it will happen but could provide us good cover this year on a short term deal with a view to him replacing George.

Personally always felt his game was much more suited to league than union.

Is he the one that banjoed Ashton?

That would be nice

Ah yes, you are right.

TBH any tenious link to the Ashton pasting will do. Get him signed!!