indeed, neither Horne nor Long are playing at the standard we need to challenge for honours, but that doesn't seem to be why we're in business.

Bone density doesn't even start to decrease until 35 and it's a long, slow process - particularly in men. Long is 34. Intense physical exercise, particularly high impact, actually increases bone density and strength. Recovery time will increase with age, but Long is at no more risk of fractures than any other RL player.

And his lifestyle will not have affected his bone strength unless he's been seriously calcium deficient for many years.

If there was a better option at SH who was proven then I would admit that keeping Long would not seem the most sensible move. The thing is I can't see much quality available and when Long has been fit he has been very good I feel. The good thing this year is we have had genuine cover in Obst. Other halves get injuries too, recently I can think of Dobson, McGuire, Myler, Pryce as examples of players who have been out with lengthy injuries.

stop using sense like that Paul, it doesnt fit the thread remit mate

I agree with what your saying Paul, however the mail article says that with the salary cap change in 2013 and the poor exchange rate at the moment makes it very hard to attract quality overseas players, given that Fitz and Lauaki will probably leave at the end of the season we will need to replace them with quality and not unproven players either from the championship or u20`s, the signings of Hohaia & Laffranchi at Sts and the potential signing of Waterhouse at Wire shows that quality players are still interested in coming over, i hope we do have some quality lined up to come in for next season.

According to The Brother, we've signed
Aaron Heremaia.

I was mainly referring to halfbacks and the lack of quality available. In other positions there are quality signings to be made. Not too worried about our recruitment we seem to be getting it right more often than not these days.

I suppose your right Paul,time will tell i guess, signings from overseas are usually announced May/June so if we are to sign anybody we shouldn`t have too long to wait for some announcements.

I can't see any new signings from Aus, not with the cap change and currency exchange as it is, seems to me the HDM is keeping reminding us we're "going british" whenever we can.

Not exactly an impressive CV.

Not heard anything about him as a potential signing the only 2 names from NRL are Robertson & Burns

If there's a decent 7 available in Oz then surely Souths would be in for him anyway? There's a real lack of 7's globally, especially good ones. We'd be better off signing Ellis, and developing Lee Williams.
Sign Long on for another year with Ellis covering and let Obst cover 9 & 6.

We should be in for Dobson.