I don't agree. Aiton was much slower with ball in hand. It doesn't matter as much at Leeds and even then he has improved in that area but McShane brings more to us. We have lost the defence there is no doubt.

Oh come on mate.

Average or OK a bit above average is still pretty good in SL but he’s not world class is he, even if he did ok for Somoa. If you think he is then you’ve been watching Trinity for to long.

Regardless of our varied opinion the fact remains that a SL can not find or grow a British player anywhere near as capable as an IMHO an “average” non regular NRL player. Let’s be right when we signed Pita he was a total unknown even in NZ.!

I do agree however that under Smith he could well mature into a very good SL player - assuming we keep him.

I what way, jeez you talk some bull at times.

The exit door will be well and truly open at the end of the season. Over the last few seasons im not aware of to many players extending their deals. For stability 2 year deals would appear to be best option , with an extension offered after year one. Any player who does not take up the option could be made available by the club for immediate transfer. The present system aint working the more successful clubs will always get the first pickings and tap up players nearing the end of contracts.
With 13 players off contract we can expect a really busy closed season.

Although I am one that always calls for stability and would like to keep much of the squad, wholesale changes are getting to be the norm so we may have to get used to it.
I'm starting to think we live without Smith even though I'd love him to stay. I hope he can turn his form round and make it impossible to let him go.

I'd really like to keep Anderson, Scruton, Simon and Kirke (possibly) for next year. Front rowers are hard to get and when they are all fit it is quite a good group.
We can build the impact runners in the back row.

This but I feel that still need an additional real impact prop from the bench to replace what Paea was supposed to offer plus a centre and a specialist full back rather than utility backs. Plus retain Godinet, McShane,Johnstone and Washbrook not sure about some of the others...

Agree, although I feel we need two centres, Lynn is a winger, never a centre. Not doubting that he's played well in the centre on the odd occassion but he could, with a little confidence, be a quality winger.

Agree with regards to centre and fullback. I wouldn't retain Washbrook and McShane though, time to bring in fresh blood in those departments.

Anyone know when SOO arrives? I'm sure I heard he could be straight on a plane.
He won't need the same permits and visas in France.

There is a reason that Washbrook and McShane are being pursued by other clubs and that is that they are two of our best players in an under performing team.

Luckily the club signed Johnstone for a longer contract but I think players need to be signed for a minimum of 18 months so this mid season pursuit of players may at least lead to clubs having to pay Trinity transfer fees.

No update on Sio? It's a long flight from Aus if the press report was true! Hopefully Brian Smith has a couple more cheap 'good find' (hopefully) signings to get as we're playing a half back at full back and a second row at centre.

No update on Howarth's arm?

Total opposite for me if Lyne is anything it's a centre, but not a good one. Hasn't got the speed of mind to be a winger.

Has Sio been announced by the club.... He is a player I know nothing about... Haven't noticed him in the game here in Aus at all!!

Probably because he has never played any first team rugby.