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.

Ian Kirke is on his way to you if rumours are correct, hes been playing well at the end of the season, possibly his best rugby since coming to Leeds.

I'd be relatively happy with Kirke as a replacement for PJ but for mine, we'd still need to recruit an old-fashioned, hard as nails prop forward, who can add some steel to our front row.

It's difficult to have a view on other positions without knowing who will be coming and going; I like Mathers and Sykes but if we have other targets that offer overall improvement, so be it.

Players coming in must be an improvement on what we have already.Dont see big changes at all but think we need a "dont mess with me" prop choose what.Sykes I dont see as the greatest of stand offs but wont let you down and lets Smith play his game and dont see anyone else out there that would do better.Like wise with Mathers not the greatest but will give his all and who else is out there thats better available.With a full off season to go at unlike this we will at least be better able to have a good start next season

Does anyone actually know what's happening with southern?

Nope. But I hope he stays

Mariano, Lautiti, Kirmond, Washbrook, Aiton, Walshaw all fighting it out for three jerseys, IMO and for no fault on Southern's part at all, just circumstances we could let him go.
Not saying we should as i think he has a lot to offer us in the back row, but i think we have enough in this department and could do with the quota spot/wages/another body, elsewhere to benefit the squad.

Id say they were fighting it out over 5 shirts with 3 sub shirts to be won in the forwards, and with that in mind I'd keep him, I thought when he played in his true position he had some really good stints. But I completely see your point of view regarding over seas spots.

I think he came over not quite 100% and then with the mixture of other things not really helping ie playing prop/setlling in new country/wife giving birth etc he just had a bad time of it.
There were signs of what he was capable of, but for me, as mentioned above, the deciding factor as to keeping him or not would be if we need the quota spot/cash for someone RA see's as more important to the team ie a big, tough, rough assed prop.

Arguably you are right, i still think if it was the best for all concerned we would be ok.
A couple of good additions at prop (i'm happy with one being Kyle) and i think we are pretty blessed as far as all the pack positions are concerned.