Agreed, but it’s not entirely the same is it?

Bourouh signing as a number 9 from a club in the top half of the table, with SL experience. Balmforth is under 5 games for us (?), with only just playing back to back games with good minutes.

Pressure and expectation is always on more experienced players over youth.

I’ll call him Amir, as his surname certainly caused me problems, and others to.

At a guess, as others will know I’m not a stat person, but I’ve seen Amir play, god knows if it was for Salford or Wigan, nothing memorable mind, I presume Amir has played over 20 games in super league, apologies if this is incorrect, and no real feedback on him to be honest, it goes without saying he will be afforded the support of the fans if he makes his debut.

But after saying that, and having seen Balmforth come through our own ranks, and just recently made two exceptional performances for a young hooker, culminating in that great halfway line try, and a good passing game, will attest the criticism of his missed tackle against Wire, he was wrong footed, although he had influenced the path of the game previously.

Now here’s the conundrum for me, it looks like we will not sign Balmforth, hope I’m wrong, but it looks like theres been no joined up thinking on this occasion, one of our own brings two pretty dynamic performances, scores a couple of tries, and an assist, and he seems to be criticised for errors almost all the team make, it seems almost political to me, a three year deal for an almost unknown unwanted hooker, and the talent at our feet is dismissed.

I can only comment on what I see, and it seems we are on the wrong track here.

Plus factor in that Balmforth is three years younger
You can learn a lot and develop your play a lot more in Three years

Having 3 decent 9’s the squad wouldn’t be a bad thing they would all still get good game time, I don’t see that being a problem. The problem is Smith is still contracted for next season too and now you’d think Balmforth will be in demand and his value will have increased a lot in two games, having all 4 on the books might be a bit of an imbalance salary cap wise especially if we have to give him a big upgrade.

It’s funny that just a few weeks ago both Litten and Balmforth seemed well frozen out from the first team for me and both looked on the way out. Since he’s committed his future Litten looks to be back in the fold now all of a sudden. I’m wondering if something similar has happened with Balmforth. I know Houghton had the knock but the recall from loan for the Leeds game still seemed a bit out of the blue for me. The club have spent all season saying he’s not quite ready for the first team and then bang he’s in. I hope that’s the case anyway.

He can also play 13. Not his natural position but having that versatility when needed is a bonus nevertheless.

A lot seem certain that Balmforth will be leaving. Infact more or less know he's leaving . Let's see

I think Balmforth will stay, and Morgan Smith will leave. If we sign Rimbu, and with Hodgson highly rated we will have 4 good, young hookers across the first team and the reserves. Balmforth can play 13 too

I’m a fan of balmforths but even I can see his weaknesses after watching him in the reserves and last two games.
He’s got a lot of potential but i personally wouldn’t be happy at 20 yrs old getting chased down by 30’s old drinkwater.
Just my opinion of course..

According to the HDM, Balmforth's future is still undecided. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... re-9364312 Without Balmforth we wouldn't have beaten Leeds & we wouldn't have been close to winning Vs Wire. Balmforth & other youngsters should be given a proper pre-season under Cartwright & a new S&C trainer, and then, see if they are potentially first teamers.

According to the HDM, Balmforth's future is still undecided. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... re-9364312 Without Balmforth we wouldn't have beaten Leeds & we wouldn't have been close to winning Vs Wire. Balmforth & other youngsters should be given a proper pre-season under Cartwright & a new S&C trainer, and then, see if they are potentially first teamers.

A nearly 100kg hooker playing in the middle getting chased down by a halfback who spent most of the game having a rest isn't something to be concerned about.

At least he wants to stay (I wouldn't blame him if wanted out).

Hopefully we sign him up, really like to see what he can do with a decent pre season.

Watched the Warrington game again, I starting to wonder if Moy could be our first choice FB next season, I'd at least be looking at a fullback who could also play 6.

Is Balmforth big enough for 13 or just another Joe Cator at 13.

Cartwright is going to want a big middle player at 13 and balmforth doesn't have the engine for it anyway

This I agree on