.... Jack has changed is job to days... as from last week,, regular days

666, Marchy is preparing the squad with the budget to compete in League One.

Unfortunately, when it comes to signing players and letting them go, we'll be doing under the restraints of being a League One club hence why we're making the announcements at the times we are.

The Rugby League World won't stop why the RFL probably screw us over again despite breaking there own rules.

I think it worth mentioning that many clubs (though it pains me to say so) are still involved in play-off games and the general coming and going of most players won't happen until the season is over proper - whenever that may be! Massive admiration of the players who have already signed for Cougars even though they are taking a cut in pay - thanks lads!

Looking at this as positively as poss

Of the 9 players signed, all 9 would have got in any of the current championship 1 teams best starting 17 - That's positive

We have settled pivots which many teams struggle 6/7/9 all sorted and some quality props and obviously White is still a very good winger

Of the confirmed departures - Shickle Haley and Lynam would have been 3 players I would like to have kept for deffo - But It does bring comfort that the first 2 have retired and Josh is going traveling - None lost to rival teams and all probably would have done the same if we stayed up

Josh, out of interest do you post on here on behalf of the club or are they personal posts?

Haley was very injury prone, but when fit was a very useful centre. Thought he was outstanding against Fev.
I fully agree with Dreamers comments regarding Hesketh and whilst Craven had some good attacking attributes I was less than confident in his defensive capabilities. He also seemed prone to ankle injuries. I think both are Kirkless based players so I guess It's a move closer to home. Can't blame them but I know what everyone means about it being Batley.

Good nucleus of players signed on and I am confident we'll have a very competitive squad for next season.

Mostly personal. Only post on the club's behalf if Gary asks me too.

Thanks for that.

We're doing a press release which is going out to Love Rugby League and League Express which confirms the ins and outs so far.

Will that be published here too Josh ?

I can now OFFICIALLY confirm that James Craven has joined the Batley Bulldogs.