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

Question for those in the know, what are Manoa Wacokecoke and Charlie Severs like? Picking Wacokecoke out as he bagged a hat trick last weekend, and Severs was very much involved in first team pre-season activity. Two worth following?

Just think it'd be cost effective with the cap, using Bamlforth if he's looking ready as a replacement hooker, rather than a chunk of cap on an over seas signing.

Especially when we l have to invest heavily In the half back positions.

Evey bit of cap will help.

Can someone confirm the pronunciation of his name? I think it's Wa-thocka-thocka but I got that from a YouTube video so might be wildly wrong.

Does anyone know what's up with Walker?

Only seen Severs in friendlies and highlights, but he looks top class, very strong runner, tall aswell, so once he bulks up will be a real threat.

Don't know much about Wathocka except he is Fijian origin and he brother plays Union for Newcastle Falcons.