After losing to Wigan last week a better result. https://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/stat ... jZ9dQ&s=19

After losing to Wigan last week a better result. https://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/stat ... jZ9dQ&s=19

https://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/stat ... pEoUA&s=19 Another good win.

https://twitter.com/hullfcofficial/stat ... pEoUA&s=19 Another good win.

Impressive try by no 9, Balmforth... https://hullfc.mysportsonline.uk/video/ ... ademy/3989 (PS can you change the title to thread rather than threat? ) (I think I preferred threat to threaD. )

Impressive try by no 9, Balmforth... https://hullfc.mysportsonline.uk/video/ ... ademy/3989 (PS can you change the title to thread rather than threat? ) (I think I preferred threat to threaD. )

he looks really good out of 9

People talked about Balmforth's size when we signed him but he has quickness and pace too.

Can definitely see where the Cunningham comparisons started

For all the bleating about our production line, so far this year we're averaging 7 homegrown in our 17 (can't remember whether Scott is technically ours but still ). We've also contributed to other clubs eg Abdull, Litten, Hadley at Rovers, Lyne at Wakefield, think we might have classed Westerman as ours once upon a time, Briscoe at Leeds etc. With Shenton and Pete Riding on board to give fresh impetus maybe we can keep progressing in this area.

Wakefield 6 Scott, Houghton, Fash, Lane, Wynne, Brown
Saints 7 Shaul, Scott, Wynne, Houghton, Fash, Lane, Shaul
Salford 8 Scott, McNamara, Houghton, Lane, Fash, Brown, Bowden, Shaul
Cas 7 Shaul, Wynne, McNamara, Houghton, Lane, Fash, Brown
Leeds 7 Shaul, McNamara, Houghton, Fash, Brown, Cator, Bowden

Will be interesting the decisions around the hooking role for next season. Especially with Houghton out of contract.

With Lovodua looking an absolute find, will he secure the starting hooking spot, and if Balmforths looking ready for a bench spot by the end of this season, we could save a big chunk of cap on Houghton

Interesting to see how Hodgson manages the situation

I'd think he'd take JJ place in the squad.

Would still like to see us sign another 9 for next season.

That’s quite possibly in the clubs thinking especially the way Lovodua has started at the club and imagine an extension will be made to his current deal soon too.

Think may well see a 1 year deal offered to Houghton while progressing Balmforths development in the first team next season.

I'd rather us take another punt on a Lovodua type signing than re sign Houghton. No offence to Danny, he's been a fantastic servant but just think we need a change.

Can see JJ going and I'd give Houghton another year and renew Joe's deal 2/3 years to work alongside Danny who still offers a lot for me but needs to do a Roby role where he plays 40 minutes max.

I think JJ will be gone and Houghton will retire , with possibly a conditioning or youth role within the club, I know there are people already in those roles, but having DH on board, in either set up, would be a bonus and he certainly has a part to play at the club he loves.
Ironically, this season, we haven't seen much of Joe at 9, through various reasons, but having a player like him that can step into most positions and improve on or two of these positions, is priceless, much like Rich Whiting was to us during his stellar career with us.
I'd agree with previous posters that have suggested we should be looking at the "not quite made it " types down under, if there is no obvious homegrown talent coming through.

For me, Houghton hasn't looked too bad this year. His worst game, as with most, was Saints at home - but he played at 7 for most of the game