The draw back for me is we kept Mini and Sika probably a season too long. All 3 have been 80 min back rowers for us and the wrong side of 30

A lot of our recruitment and retention is currently based around the potential new deal with SMC, I have heard that a decision could be made in the next few weeks. If we struggle to get a better deal with them then I wouldn't be shocked if we did leave a couple quota spots free for a couple years and go down the younger British route.

I find it hard to justify releasing Houghton and keeping Gale.

I thought AP was trying to reduce costs/debt, not hitting the cap every year?

I took that to mean no Marque players. Times would have to be very hard if we are planning on being under cap. I hope we aren't at that point yet.

I'd look to replace both if we can, but don't see it. Gale was brought in to add leadership and accountability. I just don't see us shipping him out after 1 season.

Some tough decisions coming up, I'm sure last season, we were in a similar league position and in the semi of the cup, we signed up alot of players and our season went slowly down hill. Despite a fee players playing better we need to be ruthless and only keep the players that can help us progress, look at Saints last year, could have kept Coote and Fages, but wanted to put faith in young players and freshen up other areas of the squad.

I'd only look to make minimal changes to the squad, if possible sign Trueman to replace Reynolds, I'm a big fan of Batchelor at Wakefield he'd bring some depth to the back row and we'd have a quota spot to maybe look at bringing a 7 over from overseas.

If Mellor has signed, think we are OK in the backrow.

I expect us to to go with Gale next season at 7, with Hookem and McNamara as backups.

Shauls a tough one, played well on the wing the last few games, would probably have to take a pay cut to stay as not one of our main players anymore.

I think I'd rather have Batchelor than Mellor but haven't seen too much of Mellor this season. I'd agree with Gale, I can see us keeping him for another year, hopefully he'll be on the pitch a bit longer from now.

I'd look to release Johnstone and Bowden definitely, Balmforth and Burrell can take their spots in the squad.

Like you say Shaul us a tough one, depending on the money I'd look to give him another year maybe, especially if Griffin is moving into the back row.

Agree with all that, not sure Mellor is needed, although that might depend on what happens with Ma'u.

No need to really keep Houghton or shaul or we are going down the sentimental route again. Lovaduo and balmforth to replace Houghton and we have barren wynne Mitch Scott litten to cover what shaul plays

I would imagine talks are ongoing but it has been fairly quiet now for a few weeks and we can’t afford to wait around at this time of year.

Be interesting to know if any progress is being made and also how the talks with the council, that Adam hinted at, are going.

About time the council started playing ball with us?

I think unless we recruit a hooker we have to keep Houghton for one more year, give Balmforth time to develop.

I understand that side of the argument too just feel if that was the case Houghton would probably still be first choice and with lovaduo would balmforth get any actual game time to develop. I must admit he looked very assured for his first game I think he could easily be in the 17 now