Pleased with this, I was slightly worried we would be lacking size in the front row. Decent front rowers are hard to come by especially ones who can play plenty of minutes. I was a person who criticized Scruton on the terraces and probably on here however since Webbo has arrived he has been running on to the ball (Probably a word from Tim Smith in there) and some good hits in defence. Happy with the extention, lets hope we have some more renewals next (Walshaw, etc)
Regarding Ali, he will know when it is time to hang his giant boots. I reckon it will be a decision he makes after the season as the last third of games will give him a rough idea if he can go through another pre-season and another season and injuries such as he has overcome that could affect him later on.

Rubbish he played well all the time but our numpty coach at the time didn't want to know

Disagree Mariano was inconsistent until his contract renewal. Also ducked out and went missing when it got hard in some games. Catalans away was a prime example. Se were in control and Frankie was doing some damage but two forwards out a decent hit on him and he vanished.

I don't know when or where this myth cropped up about Mariano going missing. I used to watch him very closely and he was a lot more consistent than others players.
Agar obviously had some sort of agenda regarding him and has been a massive loss to our squad. Gutted when we didn't offer him a half decent contract.

I never saw him go missing and as far as I can recall he's the only player who's 'commitment' in training was leaked to the general public. I think Agar tried to do a job on him but ended up having to go cap in hand. I rated the guy but I am happy enough with his replacement in Ryan.

Had never heard of Matt Ryan before he came, has been famtastic for us.

We dud offer him a contract Cas offered more ghosts how if works thought he was OK but average don't think we have missed Jim tbh and I would much rather gave Ryan who gives 100% all the time

So which of our back row would you drop for Mariano?

Matt Ryan is a solid enough player, can't fault his commitment, like a harder version of Kevin Henderson, but Mariano has got a bit of class and would easily replace Washy in the pack for me. It's all about opinions but Mariano is a proven tackle buster/try scorer. That's enough to convince me.

And with Smith would be even better but I'd like Washy for his defence.

Apparently linked with Richard Horne for next season, if he carries on after this season.

Matt Ryan looked a good prospect at Parramatta but he did not fit with the plans of the new coach.

All teams need experience but to what degree????

Considering retirement, doubt we'll offer him a new deal with Pryce, Sneyd, Ranking, Abdul and HTW all as halves next year.

I've suggested Horne for 2 seasons now but he's heading into coaching now apparently.
No reason to take an old man now who has struggled with injury.