This could be where the Wigan link comes into play short term. I would be surprised if Hampshire doesn't play a few games for us this term if we have a problem in the halves or fullback.

I'd agree as things are now, but I've also heard we're close with a young prop from the NRL so we'll have quite a bit of depth if it comes off. And Ashurst, Pitts and Griffin are all 34, I'd expect at least two them to move on at the end of this year. There's an opportunity to experiment if we want to.

Interesting about the prop. We pretty much look to have a lot of quality there unless it’s a special player that we see as a long term investment then great.

I’d have thought because of what you mentioned with Griffin, Ashurst and Pitts that we’d be looking at a second row for the future.

I have no issue with us dipping into the overseas market for quality players for the next few years or even the short term this year.

I would like to see us try sign Judah Rimbu who’s a halfback/hooker was great with PNG and earned a train trial with Dolphins in NRL.

Would imagine a whole host of players have come on the market. I hope we can cherry pick a couple of the best young talent to see us through to SL.

I don't watch much NRL so I can't really judge any of them. But we look well set for the Championship, and any signing going forward need to be with SL in mind. We'll definitely need to upgrade the halves and hooker, and probably the back row and three quarters.

As it stands Hampshire is the only cover they've got for Field, French and Smith. I think he could end up playing a fair bit for Wigan this year.

Could do with a Jimmy Leuliai or a Steve Diamond.

Alternatively, are there any good up and coming full backs around.

Wouldnt be surprised if these became more back up squad players as the seasin progresses, a bit like a changing of the guard

Ashurst maybe
Pitts I think has longer
Griffin will be a star man not a backup.
Imho

Griffin will be the top SR in the championship. He’s a real handful for most SL clubs, and was for Leeds on Boxing Day in that position

I was a little disappointed to see Salabio go as I thought there was the making of a really powerful front row/enforcer in him. He also brought some size and youthful explosiveness with him.

That said I think we might have signed a better player in Vagana, certainly a more developed on but still with masses of development ahead of him.

Would have been interesting to watch the two of them develop alongside each other

I agree on both counts.
Can't blame him for taking his opportunity at Giants but I do wonder if he'd have shone more with us and given him a better springboard. We'll never know.

It would of been nice as he wouldn’t have counted on our quota either if/when we get back to SL. I’m more than happy with what we have so far, just can’t wait for the season to start now in the very weird position as favourites.