I dont disagree but the steps forward international rugby has taken are massive, the last two world cups have shown Samoa png Tonga as genuine challenges for th top 3 sides. also some of the smaller nations have massively improved like Lebanon Japan. if we can continue to improve internationaly and the union spectacle continues to struggle then we can close the gap on exposure. I just dont think the rofl or super league really do much after a World Cup or international test to promote the game. do we think the improved viewing figures and attendances have nothing to do with the greta world ciup we have recently hosted ?

A lot had posted that it was happening on here but the club have confirmed Hampshire is staying for another year.

Probably one of the smartest signings for 2024 imo. Very, very good cover to have around the squad and balances us out nicely. Injuries are part and parcel of the game, so I'm sure we'll see plenty of him in 2024.

With Cust/Shorrocks no longer at the club, it only takes one injury to Field or French and he's first choice halfback.

From what I understand it he has started preseason like a house on fire too and came back in outstanding shape before it started as he is injury free for the first preseason in a while.

I expect he will take the Cust role next year but also may some time at Trinity too.

Good news. Essential cover across several positions for the coming season.

I wonder whether Leeming will be next in line to play in the halves if we have injuries?

He's definitely an option but I think Hampshire will be first choice as he was last year. They may even look to give Farimond some game time

Hampshire then Keighran would probably be the plan - gives us two players with experience in the halves, also could move Field into the halves at a push if needed then leeming as well. We have enough cover unless we get really unlucky with injuries.

Hardly worth its own thread but I thought this comment from Sam Burgess in a recent interview was quite funny:

“I won’t give you all of the grand plans because quite frankly, I don’t have one – that’s just me being honest.”

With all these new regulations about the number of minutes and games players make play in. Perhaps this will affect who we will be loaning to Trinity in the DR arrangement.
Maybe fewer forwards and more backs?

Genuine question are those rules applicable for.next season?
I actually agree with a degree with some especially if players have had more than one concussion in a given period, infact I think that's where the sport should head rather than the tackle rulings. If a player gets a leg injury we think nothing of a six week or loger layoff that's how HIA should be treated especially if you have a few. The below shoulder rule is almost impossible in the guise the RFL was selling it, pretty sure one of the Salford players who played in the legal tackle showed on the clip said an HIA and confirmed concussive injury occurred in that very tackle something most who played or play already know.

I hear Wakefield are lining up a move for Tom Johnstone from Catalans. Would that mean under the duel reg agreement we have in place that Johnstone could potentially turn out for us? Might just represent peak Danson sh-ithousery if that's the plan