I absolutely did say that. Was a terrible deal on the face of it. But I didn't know how good Dagger was then.

I'd have still preferred to keep Hall, as would Mash and Carter (as both are on record saying so) but clearly Mash knew what he needed and was prepared to make a deal to get what he needed.

So we're agreed then I think.

Dagger has worked out well.

But the deal to straight swap him for Hall was a poor one.

Re the Hall/Dagger swap deal - at the time I said it was the worst bit of business EVER! We were losing a player who seemed to have all the attributes and was mentioned as a possible future international - we were getting in exchange KR's third choice f/b,who I had seen on SKY a few times, who looked ok, but nothing special.It also seemed at the time that KR were taking advantage of our dire position. Not surprising then that it was accepted by most as a stinker. BUT-gradually,and especially after Fri night,our Mr Dagger is turning out to be a very shrewd signing.Time will tell, but at this moment in time I will happily say that I wouldn't swap them back again.

On the basis we had no money to sign Gale is it possible we needed to offload a player to get Dagger and Hall was the one they wanted. If we are honest at the time of the swap Hall was considered the better player but I guess finances required his wages to be saved to cover those of Dagger.
I would think now that the situation would be different because we are clearly in a stronger position financially.

That isn't the reason.
We wanted a fullback. We tried for Shaul, Escare and Dagger.
Shaul and Escare was a flat no.
Hull KR saw an opportunity and took advantage as we'd already turned down their bid for Hall twice.
Mash decided he needed Dagger badly enough as he also gave us other position flexibility when Max came back. Covering Gaskell's intended role.
We and Hall agreed to the deal and the rest is history.

All this was explained in public more than once.

Always liked Dagger at Leigh and was disappointed when hearing that he was Humberside bound. With him not playing there, assumed his form or fitness had gone en forme de poire, but still didn't like him being dismissed. This weekend he's a hero. Next week?

Huddersfield have played their part in a great weekend for Leigh. Thanks to them for that but now you can stuff 'em.

This is the same Shaul who was ready to sign for us after his loan but we changed our mind because we only had the money for one player and our coach wanted a forward. I don’t think it is surprising he did not want to join us part way through the season.
With regards Dagger it was considered at the time that we had been out negotiated because at the time you would expect Dagger and a transfer for Hall. Hull KR knew we had no money after all we told people often enough which gave them a strong bargaining position to do the deal they did.

I didn't say he didn't want to come. Smith also publicly said he wanted to keep him.

You are welcome to draw your conclusions as you see fit.
I'm just telling you what all the people involved, on both sides have said.

In fairness, he's been excellent since he came here, playing in every position in the backs and all to a good standard.
Friday was just exceptional and his goal kicking was of the highest order, with a drop goal too.

Our biggest problem will be where to play him if/when we have something close to a fully fit squad.

I'm happy to admit not wanting him in place of hall but, he's more than proved the doubters wrong and deserves the credit that he's getting.

Dagger for me plays 6 regardless of who is fit.

I checked the details on this.
The deals for Fifita and Gale were done well before the new guy put his money forward. That's in public print.

His money, that the current guys negotiated, helped with new signings like the French guys (and I guess paying off the two that left - though I don't actually know that).
Of course for such a large amount he's bound to be consulted but he isn't in the driving seat yet.
Just the same as all the other sponsors. You wouldn't expect 360 accountants or Asos to have an influence in how we spend their money.
One day that will change.

I agree. He's earned that shirt.

Hall clearly has potential but let's be honest he wasn't having much of an impact, no one was. Dagger is a game changer. It's worked out well for us!

Not wanting to defend the doom mongers PT, but Dave is sponsored by DIY Kitchens, which would make me presume that they, and by they I mean Ellis, is funding his wages, which for him to leave his family behind must be a pretty penny (and money very well spent I should add)

The sponsorship doesn't pay his wages.
A sponsor gives money to the club to put their name against a players name.

The deal to get Dave on board was started way before Ellis was involved. Dave himself said it was talking to Applegarth that got him back.

The money from Ellis definitely arrived after Dave's deal.

I think there'll be a sponsor group forum soon so I'm sure that will be raised if you want more evidence than just my post.