Interesting to note he played today in the ball playing 13 role for most of his time in the field today in his final preseason friendly.

He also looked to have bulked up in the offseason.

Whilst he is a 9 it’s good that he can cover multiple positions and I also think he could play in the halves too.

I like what I've seen so far.
We haven't actually announced that we've signed him but assuming we have we need to replace both Hood and Pitts eventually, probably 2026.....though Pitts looks like he is getting better with age.

I can see Pitts maybe going 1 more year but I think I’d look to spell him with 40 minutes next season. He has the skills but if we manage a top 40-50 minutes from him he’s worth a spot in the squad.

With regards to Jay Pitts, we should keep him going for as long as we can.
Experienced ball-playing Loose Forwards are like rocking horse dung, remember what a hole was left when Westerman went back to Cas.

I agree. He's proved his age isn't an issue this year. He stays until we get an equal replacement to me.

Hood is also 33 and had looked awesome in the games he’s played so far. Powell very much rates him. Be interesting to see if he goes round another year also!

Liam Hood is everything people praise him for, I also am a fan of his, but, he does get injured more & last season on his own admission he said he was near the end of his playing time etc.
It's like having the best drink you can but when there's no more left it leaves you feeling for more but there's no more left etc.

Think it is a bit like Lino you rate Hood or do not .Way past is best .Think the HKR game showed we have 2 young 9 that can do a great job and think Russell is a good shout for 9 can tackle as good as Hood and as a kicking game ,though on Thursday it was a bit of

Hood isn’t by any stretch past his best. He just needs spelling. You only need to watch the Leeds game to see the positive contributions he made.

I don’t agree with comparing the 9s and using them against each other. We should be celebrating the fact we have 3 good 9 options and a player in Russell who also looks good at 9. Just because you like a player or prefer a player more in a position does not ultimately mean another option is past their best or good enough. I’d be more than happy for any combination of the 4 at 9 come match day.

If we have signed Smoothy I highly doubt Hood will be here next year.

My bet he will have informed the club it will be his last season with us or vice versa so both have time to sort out how they move forward.

Carrying 5 lads who can play hooker doesn’t make cap sense.

I’d put money in Hood not being with us next year. I think he’s class - he’s fitter than he’s ever been and he still whacks in defence (sorry alegend, but the idea Russell tackles anything like Hood doesn’t add up to me). But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep improving and building for the future. Doyle is still growing, as is Smith obviously, so Smoothy seems the ideal replacement to lead the line for us. Great signing this.