Firstly I think its unfair to slate newton before he has even arrived (if it does happen).

I think in terms of attacking play - Drew is world class and can tear apart the oppositions defence if given the time and space. He gies us that extra dimension and i feel that at some times this season - when he has been injured we have looked a bit flat in our attacking play.
In my opinion - from the games i have seen he is a bit of a weak point defensively though. He isnt the biggest guy in the world, hes not lightning quick and with his age hes not really one to keep on for long spells.
I would love to get another quality season out of him next year but its not worth the gamble IMO as i reckon he is on a decent wage and this could be spent more wisely. i'd probably let him go at the end of the season.

Newton is a very good hooker and although he has a bit of a reputation and some people will see this as a negative signing i think it will be very good for the team.

Realistically are we going to be able to sign anyone better? Probably not

Craig Wing perhaps......

I've lost track of the timescales with Kear and Newton.

Were they both at Wigan together or had Newton moved on by then?

Wasn't kear there 96, making newton a 16yr old in academy.

Wasn't he there with Raper in 2002 - so he'd still have been there I'm sure.

Bulls have signed Craig Wing for next year. It was annoucned on the Footy Show a couple of weeks before Setanta went pop.

He will be on big money as he's current State of Origin quality