Looking at the squad, we're short of props, halves and a fullback, unless we plan on using Kay.

Can’t see us going with more halves than we have. We currently have 3 front line halves in the squad. The duel reg agreement may also give us access to Rocky Hampshire and Jack Farrimond (who is a very special young player)

Props I’d like to see 1 more experienced older head sign, duel reg I am sure will see us get access to at least 3 or 4 props including Chan, Hill and Eseh all who have SL pedigree.

Fullback is a position I’d like to see us get cover. Wingers often cover fullback but Jerry isn’t a fullback and Walmsley has played there but I’m not convinced by him.

I expect us to have access to Ekerskey (very good young centre) abd also Douglas (winger) if we pick up knocks from Wigan but I don’t really see where they have a 1 coming through although Rocky has again showed he can play there very well if needed.

Funnily enough, it's only 8 days since Lawford signed, i was thinking the same as you till I went back to see who was the last and there were a few like Walmsley, Bain and Harvey Smith that all came close together. Hopefully, we get a number of signings like we just had before Xmas, or we sign some guys from down under after that's out of the way..

It's great having access to some of the Wigan boys, a great move by both clubs.
However, if we want to be challenging and actually gain promotion, it's dangerous to rely too much on the dual reg.
If Wigan pick up injuries at key times for Trinity, we could be left high & dry.

I agree but the props and halves particularly it would take a lot of injuries for us not to have access to most of the lads above for large parts of the season.

That's all to do with the agreement.
We shouldn't be looking for week to week contracts. Has to be a full season or at least a significant number of games before they can go back.

I'm not sure about Eckersley he looks a real top.player, I think hel get a bit of time in wigan team this year. Ryan looks very fit again and it's his first pre season in two years so he should be knocking on the door aswell and farrimond is still young but he looks good aswell, not sure if eseh will come back I think yhey might look at him after pre season see how he kicks on

That's not how dual reg works, being dual reg means a player can flit back and forth week to week day to day, they are covered to play/train under the players insurance and separate competition rules for 2 clubs at the same time, if you want a player for a specific time, that becomes a loan agreement not dual reg, the current minimum loan agreements as ruled by the governing body is 4 weeks (there was a temporary week loan brought in during covid) before any recall, however if a season long loan is set, quite often the parent club put a 30 day immediate recall clause in, meaning that once the loan period has passed the 4 week minimum the player can be called back to the parent club.

I see Eckersley as the replacement for Thornley in the Wigan squad. If they get a knock in the centres he’s in but to be fair we have 3 centres and also Griffin if needed so shouldn’t rely on him too much.

Good to hear about Ryan tough gig to get in that team with Smith, French and Field floating about but I think he will get chances in the same way Cust did last year. Hope he takes them.

I don’t see any point in either of them playing reserves though both too good so if they are not getting in the 17 would be good to see then link up with us.

Ah yes. That makes sense. I was mixing up loan deals and dual reg. Thanks for clarifying.

A prop definately (maybe even 2 'middles') but doubt we'll be going for another second row at this point with Griffin, Ashurst, Pitts & Boothroyd all options there plus i think Ethan Wood has a first team contract this year and he plays back row as well.

Agree that a back up fullback would be useful but i think Liam Kay will likely be that unless Jowitt goes down long term again. I think Kay will be the Mr Fix-it again this year.

Really not keen relying upon Wigan to fill the gaps with players of questionable commitment to the cause is a good way to go. If we are hit with injuries it's a good back up option, but for squad depth no thanks. This is why I wish we'd used loans and not dual reg as I see no benefit to Trinity, especially if, as I heard, Harvie Hill is supposedly going to Salford on loan.

Somebody sent this through to me the other night. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ev ... nd-of-2023 There aren't many left I'm sure one of the NRL sites generate a similar report, though I would imagine that its probably the same situation there now. I can see us strengthening more now, as the season progresses

Somebody sent this through to me the other night. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ev ... nd-of-2023 There aren't many left I'm sure one of the NRL sites generate a similar report, though I would imagine that its probably the same situation there now. I can see us strengthening more now, as the season progresses

Quote: Eastern Wildcat "Somebody sent this through to me the other night. Ah, just found the one that relates to the NRL. Nit sure how up to date it is, however. https://www.zerotackle.com/players/off-contract-2023/

Quote: Eastern Wildcat "Somebody sent this through to me the other night. Ah, just found the one that relates to the NRL. Nit sure how up to date it is, however. https://www.zerotackle.com/players/off-contract-2023/

Looking through those names I've got to admit, most I haven't heard of with not watching much NRL the past 2 years. But if I was after a decent Prop that could easily handle the championships, I'd defo have a look at Morgan Boyle. Also going with the theme of signing young up-and-coming Aussies with a point to prove, I'd have a look at Tukimihia Simpkins,21 years old, 6ft 4 105kg when he signed for the Wests they were certainly quite big on him and saw a future for the lad. That's just to chuck a couple of names out there for the front row, like you do.