Thats what the term 'cover' generally means. We cant carry spare 1st choice halfbacks.

But surely we need continuity in positions which is something we havent had for at least two years now so if Tanseys gonna be the full back then thats where he should stay barring a major injury problem. Having Rooney or a.n.other half back to cover Long whos never gonna play in all games and Horne whos gone majorly off the boil would be a very good idea IMO.

In years gone by we may have, but salary cap limitations mean we now need to have a flexible squad.

Tansey will be full back, but is also utility. If Long is injured i would fully expect Tansey to shift to 7 and for someone to come into the 17 to play 1. Thats not wholesale changes, its using the best options that we have in each position.

No you wouldn't be swapping have the team around, Turner could come in at 6 Horney to 7 or Tansey to 7 and Whiting to 1 thats only two changes in both cases.

You'd rather employ a player that Wakey don't think is good enough and is hardly tearing up trees in the Championship?

]
So that would be 'yes' then?

For cover we're better off with Tansey/Whiting/Turner/Washy. Rooney isn't going to be as good as them as for much of the season he wouldn't be getting game time in any position.

The argument for making a quality signing to be a permanent 6 in place of Horne is much stronger, but employing a cover player for a single position is not an efficient use of cap space nowadays.

I'm concerned that although we have some very talented young players coming through we don't seem to have anyone with the potential to be a top class half back.

Never mind injuries what is the plan for when Long retires in three years time, or maybe earlier if he gets a career ending injury?

Presumably we will be throwing a lot of money at an ageing Aussie?

Been told from someone who coached Turner at England academy that he is seen as a possible long term six......

I've seen that his favoured position is stand off.

He's captained his country too i believe at junior age groups so has a good pedigree. We just need to ensure we bring him on right and he may well be our option for the 6 shirt.

Thought Anthony Thakerey went well for Widnes the other night.

looked bigger & stronger than when he left, scored a superr try.

My idea of cover in a key specialist position, wouldn't be expensive & could blossom under Longy ?