was thinking that myself. the team that played for us was not the one that won the title.
a synchronised schedule with a WCC a fortnight after the GFs would be good

I agree, I've been saying this for years.

He brings a huge, hard running, hard hitting unit at prop.

He made a mistake. Shit happens.

Can't wait 'til I see him bring that.

All depends on the quality of SL this season.

We've lost our best player in Tomkins (a genuine match winner), but replaced an ailing Richards with an exciting winger.

Hansen and Mossop will be missed. Jury is out on the new guys yet.

I never expected us to hit the ground running with so much turn over.

I think they look stronger than last season. There best side since 2002 i think and they may even be better than that team.

I dont think any superleague side could of matched the rooster today.

Proud of the effort but like lockers said we just didnt play well enough, thought our 5th tackle kicks were shocking. I was more dissappointed with the amout of errors that we made.

Mostly worried that we don't have a goal kicker.

He's 19!! He'll play plenty of games this season then likely become first choice next. Ridiculous comments to say bringing in Bowen will hinder his development! Throwing him in at 19 would be more likely to do that. I'm far from impressed with Bowen atm, though I don't think he's as bad as people are making out, but his experience can only be beneficial to Hampshire IMO.

This, and hampshire will probably be first choice when we play in the WCC next year..

Just an opinion mate, I don't think there's anything ridiculous about it.

I'd agree with you if we'd have signed Bowen on a 3 or 4 year deal, but we've clearly brought him in to ease the transition for (likely) Hampshire or Tierney to take over next year. We've got a very young and inexperienced squad, particularly in the backline, SW has backed Burgess (19) to replace Richards, Sarginson's only 20, Charnley's 22, Thornley's 22, bringing in someone with Bowen's experience can only help guys like that to develop. If Wane had just asked Hampshire to replace Tomkins and he'd had a couple of shaky games, particularly in big matches like this morning, it could have had more of an effect on his development than bringing Bowen in for a season will.

Possibly. But I do think having Bowen could get in the way of Hampshire this year.

Agree with this. Seems sensible. And actually there really is no-one in England right now who we could have signed other than Lomax and Hardaker, who we wouldn't be allowed to sign by their respective clubs. It had to be an Aussie. Super League isn't the enticing prospect it once was so we are stuck with a guy who is clearly finished but might be able to help the kids progress.