I wondered if were looking at a half/full back. Like a widdop/ratchford style who are comfortable at both rather than an out an out fullback like the original interest in Shaul. Bowes might get a bigger crack at hooker now seen as mash will have watched him through the ranks

I see Shaul as a full back/winger at a push but we have cover there. I don't think Hampshire would be right for us now but someone in that mould. I did think Gaskell was that type of player and maybe he can still be. Trying to think of a 6/7 that can cover 9 but no one is jumping out at me who might come to use.

We have our utility back in Gaskill I think he will be a Jack of all trades next year and whilst maybe not guaranteed a start when we are at full strength could have a big influence over our season.

We need another halfback as Lino was not consistent at all last season and then we have a bloke who might not be able to cut it in the lad we've signed and Gaskell whose best position is unknown these days (who knows how he will go?). Two props would be nice and a loose forward and a hooker.

You missed out Dear Santa.

Is that a hooker to add to the 4 players we have who can play 9?


Hood
Kay
Bowes
Smith

I really don’t think 9 is a priority.

I’m fairly happy to give Lino/Smith the chance. Lino is a pretty good player (though it’s time for him to step up) and Smith for me is a Miller type player but I’m looking forward to seeing his short kicking game close to the line which he appears to be good at looking at his highlights. Though I’d agree we could do with another halfback and I’d have Gaskell challenging at centre where we literally have only out starting 2 centres which is thin. Gaskell for me could cover fullback too but I don’t see Gaskell as a halfback. He was good at centre though and okay at fb.

Sorry but this is precisely why we struggle. Kay is a winger. Bowes is young and learning his trade, Smith is a halfback and can "do a job" which leaves Hood who is an actual hooker. Surprised you haven't put Crowther in that list as well just because he's had some games there. We can't be classing people as Hookers cos they've played there before. I mean we need a Hooker by trade. Not people who can do a job. Tbf Bowes has looked alright and maybe he will come into his own this season but I still think it's a risk.

Interesting to note both Antrobus and Laybutt are being linked with moves to England.

Antrobus to Leeds and Laybutt to Fev.

If we were looking at Antrobus you would think the Ford link would assist.

I agree with your point but Bowes has had plenty of game time and needs to be able to take a regular position this season.
Equally Kay isn't 'doing a job' any more. He's converted. It's just a question of how good he is. He's no different to Sam Powell who started as a half back.

Kay is not a winger, he's now a hooker. You know in the way that Fifita was once Centre but became a prop. It's not a difficult concept.

Further to that, Kay is actually a halfback if you're going to label player, or at least that was what Trinity signed him as when he was young.

Kay came on in the last game against HKR and changed it into a win.

He needs to be able to but if he's good enough I'm not sure. Maybe he would benefit from a loan like a couple of other young lads so we can see what he's got week in week out against seasoned pros. Kay I quite liked at Hooker but with only three other wingers on the books - one that has been dire and another that has spent half a season out injured, I think we will need Kay for the wing possibly.