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

The priority should be renewing contracts for players for the future - not the past...

For mine, I'd release Reynolds,Shaul, Houghton, Johnstone, Bowden , & Mau - if finances are tight...

Agree with all but Ma'u (correct spelling) he's having a great season so far.

I’ve seen no leadership from Gale in the 5 1/2 games he’s played for us so far. The 7 games he’s been suspended add no value to the club.

When he returns he needs to significantly improve his kicking game too. A big couple of months for Gale. Owes the club and fans some big performances. Otherwise, he can move on for me at the end of the season.

No they went for better money

yes Batchelor would be a much better option than Mellor.
I expect several clubs will be looking to sign Batchelor

Mau is super fit so not an age problem for me.There is no better second row in S/L at the moment.
The problem is does he want to stay another year and do the club have the money to keep him as i dont see the huge cull in players we expect.
You could say we dont need Johnstone,Bowden,Houghton Shaul,Gale or Reynolds but apart from Bowden and Reynolds i expect to see the others at the club next season unless Shaul or Johnstone get better long term deals and decide to leave

But Saints could have kept them by offering them longer and better deals, but they had faith in Welsby and Dodds, rather than pay over the odds for players.

Coote left because Rovers offered a 2 year deal whereas Saints offered 1 year.

They knew injuries would start to take its toll?

And better money.

Same happened with Dean Hadley, we offered him more per year (for 2 years) and rovers offered him less per year (for 3 years), but it added up to more overall. It's a risk players have to take when subsequent decent contracts may never happen.

Why he's our 3rd best hooker

Lovodua is miles better than Houghton

Balmforth showed more attacking intent than Houghton has in 15 years

Lovodua and balmforth can both tackle aswell!

Houghton get rid end of