Possibly. But personally, as much as I think Whiting has the better rugby brain I think Washbrook copes with the physical side better than him, so I'd have still leant towards him instead. So he still wasn't necessarily in line to be 1st choice. I just don't see Whiting at his current size holding his own down the middle where the big boys play.

Whiting is so useful in many positions that I think he will get enough gametime to keep him at the club. Washy is a tough one as when we sign Rovelli we then have halfback cover and with Westerman signed we have a few options at 13. Washy's only position then is impact hooker but I tend to think Rovelli will play from the bench whenever Horne/Long are fit and spell Houghton as he can cover 6,7 & 9.

You're quite right, he has spoken about this several times. Whiting is the same type of build Sean O'loughlin was for Wigan but he has now 'beef-up' slightly. Niether will never be a 'mountains' but Whiting just needs to now concentrate on this area.
Like O'Loughlin, he'll be fine, he knows what he now has to do. Everything else is in place for Whiting.

how certain is rovelli to sign?

We're still light in the backs and lets be honest is anyone really that confident that Tansey will play the entire season. There's no way that Richard Horne will either so Whiting will still be a very valuable member of the first team and will more often than not occupy a position in the backs.

I wouldn't be surprised if Cas maybe tried to sign Washbrook at some point, even if for an extended loan period.

Not that concerned about our backs.

Tansey at fb with Whiting to cover.
Lyne, Sharp and Briscoe as our wings with Jack Briscoe or Turner to cover too
Berro and Yeamo in the centres with Turner and Whiting to cover (and Briscoe)
Horne and Long with Rovelli to cover. (and Washy and Whiting if needed)

I'd say our full squad will look pretty balanced and well covered when Rovelli signs.

The winkers seem to think it's certain.

He's the one I'm hoping to see in and around the squad at times this season - hopefully. Like you, I have high hopes.

Agreed. 9/11, Global warming and the declining bee poulation are all his fault!
On a more serious Note. Good to see the club getting a youg talented player ona long contract. Hope he does manage to learn from Fitz while they train and play together

I'll get on the blower to Obama, dont think Agar's on his wanted list. And to think of all the money and lives we've wasted in Afghanistan and the culprit has been right under our noses!!