I read somewhere that L'estrange would be either be covering or starting 7

I think it was in the same article claiming Orford wanted to go home and there were some clubs showing an interest

I think last season was about being solid and hard to beat after two very poor seasons, I now expect us to build on that and my post just suggested a few areas we could do that in.

Maybe Orford isnt coming back?'"

That he appears distinctly average. As an overseas recruit, I would be underwhelmed. Just my opinion like, and would be more than happy to eat my words.

Would you rather we went into the season with no halfback cover?

TBH Paul it's what we usually do.

But as I say, compare it to 2005. It's pretty much the same positions, too (a prop, a scrum half, a winger, a back rower, a centre/utility, then another backrower compared to another utility). I don't personally think that the getting to know you issue should have made much difference. Certainly not enough for us to be a noticeably better side next year just because we'll gel more.

No, but I also would not want to jeopardise 2012 with panic signing.
We have Tansey anyway for the halves, we would be better employed signing a competent fullback IMO.

Rovelli is only being talked about as a 1 year signing. How would this compromise our 2012 recruitment?

It doesnt look like Orford is coming back so L'Strange will move to 7, if Orford comes back I can see L'Strange moving to 6 and Kearney to 1.

So as it stands, we've retained Fitzgibbon, Tickle, Manu, Houghton, Whiting and Yeaman, some with upgrades. We've released Calderwood (who played 4 games), Cusack (about who plenty moaned we only needed 2 out of him, Radford and Dowes) and Craig Hall. We've brought in Sharp, who has potential and is likely to play more than 4 games. We are looking to bring in a back-up for Horne/Long, on a one year deal, who has experience. We are also linked with Westerman. If the Westerman signing comes off:

Tansey
Sharp
Berrigan
Yeaman
Briscoe
Horne
Long
Fitzgibbon
Houghton
O'Meley
Manu
Tickle
Westerman

Moa
Lauaki
Radford
Washbrook

Rovelli
Turner
Dowes
Whiting
Lyne
+academy

Looks OK and certainly not weaker than 2010 IMO. Even without Westerman, we look to be putting Fitz at prop, so not too shabby.

the set up for 2011 could potentially be a great improvement

does anybody know where westerman started out? i don't think he started cas...

Wasnt it with us?

I thought so but can't find anything online to say so...