Such a ridiculous short term decision to increase the non-fed limit and revert back to the loopholes that existed prior to when the quota and non-fed limit was set a five.

The 'quota' is effectively defunct due to all the possible exemptions allowed, Siejkas polish passport been a good example. I believe neither Tautai or Godinet count as 'quota' due to their pacific island heritage. Its all about non-federation trained these days, which the level has incresed to seven overall. As we stand we have Collis, Tautai, Godinet, Ryan, Anderson and probably Siejka on that list. So oom for one more if we had the funds. Now rumours are that Sammut is available.........

Just because we have a place available does not mean we have to fill it. Unfortunately this is the awful effect of having relegation again. Too much short term thinking. We were just starting to see good youngsters come through, but I fear they won't as a coach will go for an experienced overseas player rather than take a risk

If Siejka comes, we don't need Sammut

I suppose that depends on how quickly a relatively untried, untested 21 year old settles in a country 12000 miles away from home. Sammut for all his faults is a known entity. Seijka is a punt. Not that I think Trinity could afford Sammut.

I just mean we should decide which we are going for and only get one of them. We don't need both.
If we had the cash for both we have other areas that need bolstering.

absolutely 100% correct.

Five years of licencing blown, in one month of a recruitment circus, where everybody is signing dross.

The season is already underway and teams still haven't got "full squads", whatever they are...

The Aussies London have signed are no better than any of the English Championship players - they weren't even getting reserve grade games every week in the NRL.

It's just saddening.

Agreed, Sammut over Siejka if he was ever a viable option.

Official confirmation of Lee Smith to Newcastle RU announced on WTW site

Thank you Lee for the last 18 months and good look with your new venture

Shame. I await his replacement with interest.

Like I said before. A real shame Smith didn't leave before Cowling. He may have been persuaded to stay on at the club to fight for the now available centre spot.

Pick one of Briscoe, Kienhorst and Lyne.

Lee Smith wage will free up a bit of revenue from this years playing budget. If the right player became available we might be lucky enough to acquire them. The club are still not affluent, so if we don't use it for another addition then we have made savings.

I thought Lees biggest asset was he could bounce of players with ease and make good yards. He could be elusive and came up with some good individual plays and scored a couple of nice tries. (Obviously a good goal kicker too). He wasn't poor or great for us but I don't think he broke too many pots. He has experience and only time will tell whether we have players to fill his boots. With Briscoe, Keinhurst and Walshaw chomping at getting game time, I'm hopeful they will be more than adequate.

Fill yer boots boys, as one door closes another one opens...

tongue in cheek? can't place the context there WTID! I thought you'd signed a few backs like... Unless that Harry Sjekia (?) is the replacement?

Didn't like Lee Smith, for the reason that he always played well against Cas!

Guess £ is the influence, can't knock the bloke