Its a shame Okunbor didn't work out. He's got the perfect build for a rugby player, big, athletic, physically resilient. Goes to show if you haven't got it in the head it doesn't really matter. Can you imagine if he had, say, Brad Fash's mental attributes? He would be a star.

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Mark Twain.

We did ask them and they all said not to believe anything you say.

Been reading Richie Myler's interview from earlier in week and got to say that I am impressed again by him. It sounds like we have a long term plan for the club and what we are trying to build. Something that he plans to build over five, six, and seven years. This is incredibly important to me. In the past when we have built great squads such as around 2005 and 2006 and again in 2016 and 2017, we have found that it hasn't taken much to dismantle them. I want to see some solid foundations being laid, not something built on quicksand.

And that plan has stages. Right now it seems to be about finding and adding experience to the squad for the here and now and the next few years. Players for the younger players to learn from whilst not blocking their pathway to the first team.

Also it seems that they see John Asiata as almost a Gareth Ellis/Mark Minichello type signing. It's not just about what he will offer on the field but what he's also going to offer off the field too. I was impressed with the announcement last week and I am all the more impressed now.

using Hardaker as a role model for the younger players is also a masterstroke
I like you are so impressed

Big rumours we've signed Abdull for next year

That and Lam as coach are the latest rumours.

I've put on the other thread a risk, but when only 50k will count on the cap, it's worth taking.

My only concern (and I know recruitment isn't done yet) is the lack of pave in the backline if this iscout starting side.

Walker
Martin
Sutcliffe
Hardraker
Briscoe
Trueman
Abdul.

But still have at least 3 quota spots to fill (if Ock goes).

No doubting Abdull's ability. He kicked us to death at the MKM last year, he's one of the best kickers in Super League. At 28 he's at a good age. Clearly the issue is his injury record. In both 2022 and 2023 he got a bad one around this time of year and missed the rest of the season.

But as Dave says, financially it makes sense.

Dunno how much Rovers would want as a fee? 100k? Or do they just want him off the cap?

Played 8/10 games this year, wish some of our big earners had played that much as that.

Didn't abdull only say in an interview last year before the derby "I hate hull FC now" people complaining about hardaker signing, would you want someone at the club that hates the club?

Hardaker signing is contentious I must admit. He’s not the attacking threat he used to be, and has had off field issues. I guess he’s learned from the latter. He is a decent defender, which is what all players must be, and if a big part of his remit is to help youth development then I’ve heard he’s good here too. We have to look beyond the lazy analysis of past his best and a bit dodgy? Similarly Okunbar - I hope he gets a couple of further first team opportunities to show he has the application of the talent that’s is within him.

Quote: Offy86 "Didn't abdull only say in an interview last year before the derby "I hate hull FC now" people complaining about hardaker signing, would you want someone at the club that hates the club?'" He said the two clubs hate each other. And that he can’t stand Hull FC, he’s a Robin etc. According to the HDM. The original promo is likely knocking about on the internet somewhere. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... er-8328883 Catalans have first refusal on his services and have until July to decide iirc.

Quote: Offy86 "Didn't abdull only say in an interview last year before the derby "I hate hull FC now" people complaining about hardaker signing, would you want someone at the club that hates the club?'" He said the two clubs hate each other. And that he can’t stand Hull FC, he’s a Robin etc. According to the HDM. The original promo is likely knocking about on the internet somewhere. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... er-8328883 Catalans have first refusal on his services and have until July to decide iirc.

https://www.totalrl.com/greg-eden-set-t ... portunity/ We're probably on a short list of clubs who might be interested. It would give Martin a break. He's the right age.

https://www.totalrl.com/greg-eden-set-t ... portunity/ We're probably on a short list of clubs who might be interested. It would give Martin a break. He's the right age.

From what people are saying, he seems to be a good role model on both the playing field and the training field for the younger players. In that sense, it could be a masterstroke. Obviously it's the off the field stuff we have to be careful of. Time will tell.