I agree.
We have 4 decent props with a couple more who can cover if needed.
Yes we could do with another.
Yes we are pretty much the same as the other clubs
Loads of time to go yet.

And thats why this is a forum and everybody are entitled to there own opinions

I think we have 2 very good props and 1 average and 1 below par agree we need 1 or 2 more and find the full back postion a bit baffeling .
If say we lost walker and gigot and replaced with battye plus another forward then we could have a good squad

Time will tell though

As MC has already mentioned ,prices for quality props is at a premium as the demand is outstripping supply, and according to the boss, Danny ward wants to keep battye who has a year left on his contract, but the door isn’t closed.
Would love us to unearth a championship player of the bullock mould or the likes ,as with likely looking shrinking money pot from sky ,money as always will be at a premium for clubs like us ,and could do with unearthing a nugget or two in the lower leagues

Battye would be best purely because we know he fits in the team, that’s 95% of the battle. Any player who fits is worth way more than a superstar who doesn’t, it’s that simple.

Battye in no superstar he has some talent no doubt but he mainly ust grafts which I suppose in a way makes him a star.

As noted Battye is to be fair a cut above technically, good offload but in truth we don’t even need that although it would be nice. We just need an honest workhorse to fill in the gaps, average size, average ability but above average commitment. I’m certIn there are plenty of those kicking about. The fact that these guys wake up every morning and train then put their bodies on the line for a pittance in front of a few hundred people, tells me all I need to know.

Even if we are lucky and this prop is only used sparingly they still have the ability to put pressure on the incumbents. I think it was fairly obvious tha Fifita upped his game when it became clear Battye was usurping him as the fans favourite. He’s worth every penny just for that alone.

Are all our overseas players back here in training?

I’m not aware if anyone went home due to the quarantine rules here and overseas, MC did say that, Mason Lino was due to land in the U.K. December 31st (tomorrow). I think he might have to self isolate before joining the training sessions. First job is to get him some warm winter clothing. What a time to arrive in the U.K. I hope he settles ok, does anyone know if he arriving alone or with a partner/family?

That's really important you are right.
I hope he settles quickly and that we are putting every effort in to make him comfortable.

It's sometimes better when players come without family as they only have to worry about themselves settling and the boys can help but if you have a family, being away from them can be tough.
It's important to get it right.

Pretty sure he has a girlfriend but don’t know if she’s joining him.

There is a large number of Samoans in the SL and they seem to offer a very strong support network so I’m less concerned than if it were an Aussie or Kiwi. In a way he was already living abroad now he’s just a bit further abroad. Hopefully he’ll be fine.

How do you just ‘lose somebody’ ?

Very easy to say (or type) very hard to do in practice given fixed term contracts etc etc

Indeed. Apart from the fact I wouldn't lose them anyway as they are good cover which we have proved is badly needed in an impact sport like ours, you can't just end a contract because you are not keen anymore.

Feel sure Masons married with a small child. He deffo refers to bringing his family with him.

Yeah you might be right but he’ll be ok I’m sure.

I think he will be OK vastman. I don't do any of the social media stuff but he seems quite active on it.
Time will tell but all the indicators seem in the clubs favour

Just a saying in losing terms i mean say walker to london part of a battye deal and gigot somone one like toulose come in for him.i know we cant simply just offload players

So keep and we have plenty of cover for full back cos thats we have 4 as for good cover really seen nothing from either to say good cover.so lets go with 4 full backs and 4 props little unbalanced but keeps some happy.as for simply letting players go im fully aware you cant just do that but like i said other clubs may come in for these plsyers