I'm cautiously optimistic at this stage but until recruitment and retention is complete I've yet to make my mind up.

We have made signings for next season that are better than what we've got but I can't see us getting any where near the play-offs.

We need at least 3 more high quality signings to really make a statement of intent.

The thing that excites me most is the number of quality youngsters coming through that will hopefully provide the core of the team for the future but that will not happen overnight.

With the club openly prioritising a quality fullback and most fans identifying the need for a strike centre with some pace, I had a quick look at the out of contract NRL players in these positions. I'm not particularly familiar with NRL players and I'm sure plenty of these are beyond our reach but the thing that stood out for me was the lack of recognised fullbacks available given that the club are looking for 'quality' in this position. This obviously may not be accurate and I can't find a similar list for the QLD/NSW Cup comps. It still looks like our options are limited unless a player is released.


CENTRE
Euan Aitken, Paul Alamoti, Grant Anderson, Daejarn Asi, Zac Cini, Mathew Feagai, Max Feagai, Morgan Harper, Delouise Hoeter, Kayal Iro, Michael Jennings, Josiah Karapani, Krystian Mapapalangi, Taane Milne, Tesi Niu, Marion Seve, Gehamat Shibasaki, Jeral Skelton, Isaiah Tass, Valynce Te Whare, Izaac Thompson, Enari Tuala

22 players off contract

FULLBACK
Bailey Hodgson, Daine Laurie, Khaled Rajab, Leon Te Hau

4 players off contract

In terms of the full backs - first two no chance.

Last 2 not heard of ??

Lots of these guys are able to play across the back line though, likes of Harper, Niu, Tass would likely be within reach ?

Kayal Iro would be an unreal pickup

If we can bring in someone with a bit of speed and creative spark why does it matter if it’s at fullback or centre? I’m sure they’ll be looking at someone who can play fullback and a bit of 6 too, HDM mention a ‘creative fullback’ which fits with that. How many times are we likely to field our first choice 17? I know we do have a couple of decent options at fullback but Moy, Litten etc will get plenty of game time regardless when we inevitably have to switch things up a bit due to injuries and suspensions.

The off contract list is a good place to look but realistically we are not going to get someone who’s in an NRL starting 17 every week. With the NRL salary cap as competitive as it is I think it’s just as likely we’ll get someone who under contract and deemed surplus to requirements. I’m sure Clifford was contracted at Newcastle when he joined.

Yep, don't think contracts mean too much, Cartwright was under contract.

Of that list, would like Milne, Iro or Niu. Can't see Milne or Iro, so hoping for Niu with the Cartwright and Ese Ese connection.

For full back, Hodgson stands out with the Hull/family connection, but not sure he is what we need. Laurie would be great, but unlikely.

One player not on those lists who is out of contract is Perham, who nearly signed a while back, been in brilliant form at FB in the NSW cup, can play 6 too and is the type we look to be after.

Still hoping for Sailor, think if he fancies SL, we will have a good chance.

Keeping the Brisbane connection, I'd like the last 3 quota spots to be Sailor, Niu and Taupau.

I know Taupau will he 35, but still a great player and would offer great leadership skills for a year,

Perham is tough one, looks like he’s got ability to be at least a top SL player but it would be a brave call going for another bulldogs flop. I’d take the gamble but I’d worry some of our fans would see what bulldogs fans say about him on Facebook and be on his back before he got here. Various factors have made playing for Hull harder than anywhere else and fan expectation has been part of that.

Just watching Armstrong play at number six in the reserves.
Any news on if he's re-signing for next year?

How is he getting on, wouldn't mind seeing him getting a run at 13 with the 3 forwards out?

Been having a nosey on Wigans forum and somebody mentioned that Briers maybe coming back as his wife is homesick…just a rumour but we can put 2 and 2 together with Cartwright and Hull connection and come up with 200 and odd.

Could be four
Cartwright off with an ankle injury

Franny Cummins doesn't sound too concerned about it.

Foot injury

However, despite some promise on show, Hull had to bring Cartwright off slightly earlier than planned, with a knock to his foot ending his time on the field. The issue is nothing new, and for Francis Cummins, it's nothing too serious either.

Don’t spoil his agenda.I would say it’s a bit concerning that it’s something that he has and it flares up.

His foot is a bit sore, but that's something that he's had for a while," Cummins told Hull Live post-match.

Has he asked the injury expert though?