Sailor would have been ideal. I think it’s obvious that Lam was never really interested in a move to another SL club as Saints would have been all over it if so, instead they’ve gone and got Sailor.

We made Lam a very good offer by all accounts, but you can’t force someone to sign if they have no intention of playing for the club. I know people have accused the club of bluffing with stuff like this before, but it does seem that we really do have money available for the right top class player/players, big sign the financial situation looks a lot better.

Bit bemused by those already pencilling Nick Stavely as a regular starter next year, just don't see it yet - loads of development & S&C needed yet.

Is he really that far ahead of Laidlaw & Gardner who rarely get mentioned in the 'new crop' discussions but have far more games under their belts ?

Had a poker night beer with an ex NRL player who played for Crusaders whilst in SL.
He had a lot of insights - he’s aged 44.

He said JC is an aggressive coach and well respected and we will be very fit and play aggressive in your face rugby.

We flunkin need something

Club are a difficult place, both Rapana and Seizer were signed late August, after our initial targets fell through, the club could have waited to see if the likes of Levi and Hastings become available, but that's a gamble and one we maybe couldn't afford to take, whose to say these will come to SL or even want to sign for Hull (we don't exactly look that attractive right now).

FWIW I would have help back one quota place (Cust's) and see what becomes available.

As for Staveley, it's hard to say, he only played 4 games, but had a good spell in the championship and impressed in those 4 SL games, from what I've seen of him in those 4 games, the reserves and Academy he is well above those two. Looks to be more physically ready than either of those also, expect Wainhouse to go above both Laidlaw and Gardiner next season too.

The Director of Rugby was James Clark.
He is the person who is in charge of recruitment and retention.