The previous two times we made the 8, IMHO the biggest mistake we made was not investing in QUALITY for the following season. This time round I really hope Agar goes with quality over quantity. I don't think we're that far away. Maybe another 3/4 QUALITY players to complement the squad we already have....

So with this in mind what do people think we need?

Here's my initial thoughts:

1 - PROP:

With the big question marks over Amor and Johnson this must be priority. Even if one stays I still think we need one more top quality addition here.


2 - FULL BACK:

Will Mathers stay or go? He's done a job, but don't we need more quality in this key position. Unless he plans on giving Ben or Lee Smith a go here?


3 - WING/CENTER:

I think this is still an area that is somewhat of a weak link for us. We have lots of potential partnerships/options. Improve what we have, try something new or bring someone new in?


4 - STAND OFF:

Is Sykes really the longer term answer? Will he even stay? Do we need more proven top quality in this crucial position to complement and assist Tim Smith?

If Mellars is going to be here for the entirety of his contract then perhaps he could be pushed out to the wing, particularly if the Fox rumour is true.

What the Fox rumour?

some one on here mentioned he has signed for Fev. I thought he had another 2 years to run with Wakey?

Quote: Come On The Trin "The previous two times we made the 8, IMHO the biggest mistake we made was not investing in QUALITY for the following season. This time round I really hope Agar goes with quality over quantity. I don't think we're that far away. Maybe another 3/4 QUALITY players to complement the squad we already have.... So with this in mind what do people think we need? Here's my initial thoughts According to the interview on the wildcats pages, Agar is looking to make the Mathers and Sykes moves permanent. www.wakefieldwildcats.co.uk/news ... 3/2012/09/

Quote: Come On The Trin "The previous two times we made the 8, IMHO the biggest mistake we made was not investing in QUALITY for the following season. This time round I really hope Agar goes with quality over quantity. I don't think we're that far away. Maybe another 3/4 QUALITY players to complement the squad we already have.... So with this in mind what do people think we need? Here's my initial thoughts According to the interview on the wildcats pages, Agar is looking to make the Mathers and Sykes moves permanent. www.wakefieldwildcats.co.uk/news ... 3/2012/09/

A lot depends on who stays or goes. I would be surprised if Fox left and to be honest I don't feel changing the wingers is necessarily a priority. Fox & Cockayne got a more or less even spilt of 30 tries between them, when did that last happen at Wakey? If we can replace Fox with genuine pace & quality great but it would be way down my list.

For me we need more grunt up front. I feel we've been an enforcer short all season and would like to see this remedied. If PJ and Southern go then two props will probably be needed, one of whom can also cover the back row.

Mathers or not to Mathers, that is the question. He's good joining the line going forward and is a good on-field talker and bar once or twice has been relavtively sound under the high ball. But he lacks pace and can't tackle for toffee. In fact half the time he looks scared to death when the opposition break through. If the price is right then I can see benefit in keeping him on but if, as rumours suggest, he would be on the thick end of 100K then i'd be tempted to look elsewhere.

Sykes? Has been good for us and more importantly has brought the best out of Tim Smith. Not sure he is the long term answer to the stand off position but would happily keep him there next year as i'm struggling to see anyone available at the right price who would do a better job right now. He's best goalkicker we have although that said he has missed more than a front line kicker should.

The kicking has been a problem all year, eased by Sykes, but not solved IMHO. As a team we scored 30 tries more than last year but only kicked 10 extra goals. Sykes kicks at just under 75%, whilst Issac John was at just over 73%, albeit that Sykes achived that over a lot more attempts and Smith & Cockayne also had a few goes when Johns confidence was shot. But its something that needs improving for next year.

It seems we will go with a smaller but higher quality squad next year and with what is happening academy-wise getting the balance right is a tough job. In the main we got lucky with injuries this year but next year could be different and we need to have enough depth to cope. With guys like Tony, Morton, Davy, Hyde etc moving on it should free up some cap space for a decent player or two but will mean a reduction in number. Their will have to be a couple of utilities brough into the squad to help fill a few holes.

This season has exceeded expectations but because of that expectations will be higher next time round. Agar needs to get his recruitment spot on if we are to continue to progress and not suffer from 'second season syndrome'.

I would agree with everything you say apart from this bit. I'd like Amor to stay and I'm happy if PJ stays but not upset if he goes.....BUT when we get a prop replacement he needs to be an out and out prop for me. It's ok for the odd switch but I think the two roles are getting further apart and we have a number of options at SR. You wouldn't put Graham as an example in the Second Row because he is a prop through and through. He could probably do a job, but he's wasted there.
The only one I would consider who could cover both would be Crabtree, but I still prefer him at prop.

The principle signing for the enforcer role would be an out & out prop, a proper knock 'em over type of player. Mose Masoe at the Roosters is out of contract and would be perfect for that role if we could get him over. The other would be a replacement for PJ (assuming the rumours of him going to Hull are true) who the jury is still possibly out as to whether he'd be better up front or further back. He seems to play either role at a similarly decent-enough level but for me he wouldn't ever be classed as an out and out prop. If the squad squad is going to be smaller then there going to have to be players in there that can fulfil that kind of mix and match role at times. Maybe this is where the rumour of Ian Kirke comes in, although I'm not a fan of his, he fits the bill.

Rather than wholesale changes I'd like to see us building steadily.A couple of quality additions and we should be aspiring to a top 6 finish.

The back three, even without lightening pace, isn't an immediate problem.
Centres; Not really convinced by Lee Smith but see what happens after a good pre-season. Collis fine by me
SO; Don't see Sykes as a long term solution but what other options are available.
Props; would like to see a barnstorming, bullying enforcer added for next season.
Hooker and back row not in need of major surgery but wouldn't mind a hard hitting, hurts in the tackle type of second rower ala Westwood. Hopefully Southern could be that man.

Hopefully some of he younger lads will flourish next year and flirt with the first team.

Solomona could also fill that 2nd row/prop role

Who would people prefer? Kirke or Solomona?

Solo for me everytime. Full pre season under his XL belt and he could still cause damage if spelled correctly.

I can't think of any circumstances that Sol could be seen as a viable option for us to look at given his age and recent record. He was fantastic for us when here and has some of the best skills ever seen in a forward in my opinion but he needs to stay in the past. He is a luxury player, and a team like ours cannot afford to have 2 (Ali being the other obviously).

I would have said the same at the start of the season, but at no part has Ali been a luxury player this year. I would be surprised if he hasnt averaged 60 mins a game when starting and put in his fair share of graft.

Solo, would be a luxury, but i dont think the reduced substitution rule has had as big an impact as people thought. If he could get fitter (which wouldnt be hard with a full pre season) and on a contract that suited both parties, i still feel he could do a job albeit not on a week to week basis like in his first stint with us.

If you watch the highlight video that the club put out yesterday, quite a few attacking opportunities/breaks came from Ali. Obviously it is showing the best rather than worst of a player, but I am certain that it shows just how valuable he has been to the team!

As for the Solomona rumours, i would say thanks but no thanks. I have fond memories of Solo when he was here, don't want it ruined with a poor season.

Solo is a strange one. If used in two 15 minute spells he could be a useful signing for a year. I'd be willing to give him a chance if he were to be in Agars sights.

Suppose it depends whether Agar thinks he can use a solo type player in short spells.

One things for certain we need a enforcer forward though like a Morley figure in our team if we are to rise to a next level.

Hoping for 3/4 quality acquisitions this off season.