Thats why i think Phelps and Cockayne would be decent signings as they can and have both played in the centre. And i cant see Motu Tony going all season without picking up a knock or two and unless im forgetting someone we dont have another fullback.
As much as i would love to see him stay, im not sure about Tongia as i dont know the ins and out of the quota, how many we can have etc. If its a choice between him and John, then John wins hands down? (Im basing this on Monty Bethams reccomendation and the fact we are crying out for an out and out 6. I can honestly say up until 3 weeks ago, id never heard of him!!)

I get the feeling Tongia isn't going to be happening or it would have been announced by now. So I agree that Phelps and Cockayne would be good pick ups to cover the threequarters and fullback. Issac john and Obst/a.n. other for the halves and Dowes & James up front and the jobs a good 'un.

I don't believe Tongia is dead in the water and I hope we can retain him - I've made my thoughts on Cockayne clear already so suffice it to say, I hope we don't sign him.

Tongia, Phelps and John with a.n other prop should see us right and on paper, provides a squad that looks WAY better than any of us were expecting.

Agree with all the above, would be happy with that but still cant see a goal kicker??

Morton can kick and didn't someone say Collis has got a good boot on him?

Thats true Cockayne and Phelps are full backs that can cover all the back line, i agree with you though that Tongia would have been announced by now and that given the choice between the two it would be John hands down for me as a half back with the options we currently have is alot more important than a full back even if he is exciting to watch. That being said i have no clue on our quotas of how many spaces we have available, not to mention that Tim Smith rumor is still doing the rounds. Also while browsing the Hudds board yesterday they seem to think that they have signed Tommy Lee and he will either cover the Halfs or Hooker with Robinson covering the halfs if they get the injuries they had this year.

Why would Tongia have been announced by now? The only bloke that seems to genuinely be in the know on here is Mole rat, and he alluded to the fact that the hold ups in announcements could be down to visa related issues. If the club announced the like of Tongia/John/Smith/Wiki this week only to be told next they won't be allowed in the country, would we not look a tad bit foolish? and where has this Phelps connection suddenly emerged from?

I'd really like to see Tongia playing for us for the next couple of seasons. He had that 'spark' that i've not seen down Belle View for quite a while!

i know i had said he hade signed but there as been a problem. now i dont know what the problem is but its not looking so great now.....

to me its a big shame

Unlucky Bren

That doesn't sound good but I must admit I feared this might be the case. would had liked to have seen him sign up, certainly has that wow factor that is good to watch. Guess we will look for an alternative who can fill a few positions across the backline and Phelps seems to fit the bill and is now off quota I believe.

He's signed but Agar does not rate him, someone else as been signing all the players up.

They are trying to off load him and thats

I hopethats not the case and Agar gives him a chance to showhat he can do.

Can't imagine they issued Tongia with a working visa for 4 games.

He looks like a luxury signing to me. Another Paul White (at the top of his game). If we can't get the players we want, he might get the nod. If we do, he's out of the door.

Again, this is just a gut feeling on my part, no inside info etc.