At what age does a half back mature?

All players mature at different rates. There are loads of back and forwards that was better in their careers closer to 20, and plenty that get better closer to 30 too. The big advantage of signing them younger is the fact they should be more resistant to injuries, have a quicker recovery time, and have faster reactions. This and the obvious fact that a younger player has more potential to improve than an older player.

We really need to check that he isn't made of biscuits too

I thought it was only me who thinks we'll really struggle next year, our team now will be pushing for 7th at best.

Tansey
Sharpe
Berro
Yeaman
Briscoe
Horne
Long
Dowes
Houghton
Shrek
Manu
Tickle
Fitz

Washbrook
Moa
Radford
Hame

That team really doesnt fill me with confidence, and thats assuming Long and Horne stay fit which isnt very likely. The bench is very poor baring Moa he offers something different.

We need massive change sand it all starts from the coach then to the halves. Wigan, Saints, Leeds, Wire, Hudds, Rovers are all better than us, the 1st 5 by some distance. I just cant see how we'll get into the top 6 with our current team and coach. 7th and 8th will be made up of either us, Bradford, Salford or Crusaders ( alot depends on Noble )

Tansey
Sharpe
Berro
Yeaman
Briscoe
Horne
Long
Hame
Houghton
Shrek
Tickle
Fitz
Whiting

Washbrook (Hk)
Radford (Pr)
Moa (Pr)
Manu (Sr)

Looks a good side imo.

Throw in an additional prop and half back (essential IMO) as planned then if injuries are kind I tend to agree.

Whiting at 13 would mean a different style of rugby hopefully again something I think is an important change for next season but the bottom line is we have some talented players in that squad...

Ah the memories. A team including biscuit leg, biscuit arm and biscuit shoulder. We were bound to have injury problems.

Do you think we'll get better than 6th with only 1 signing ? Hame at prop is a massive worry, any prop with any sort of movement he grabs at fresh air. Yeaman hasnt done anything for the last couple of years. We all know deep down that Horne and Long will play half a season max. I dont even wanna mention Radford and Washbrook.

You can understand why some fans have a negative attitude for next season, one signing is hardly going to freshen things up.

We have not had the chance to miss Willie Mason yet, Vella has missed a good fair few games in recent seasons now but again not a player we really rely on and in Galea's case, we do really miss him when he is out.

You might scrape a few more games out of Long and Horne this season. As it stands now with the squad you have, I really think you will struggle to make the top 8.

How many times do you think we will start with that side? probably be able to count in on one hand like this season, Long another year older, even more prone to injuries, how many games did Fitz and Shrek miss?? plenty. On paper agree that looks a half decent side, but we all know it wont happen. Where already look like were going to be missing Radders for the start of the season, so that team is blown out the water straight away.

Which is why a 'backup' half back is the most important piece of business we do in the off season.

Think you are been harsh on O'Meley as well.

Wasnt knocking the bloke, just a fact he did miss quite a few games.

It's a decent 17, but the squad needs 2 more players - at a minimum, even if Dowes/Prescott sign.

In case of injuries - you have Lynne, Turner and Jack Briscoe for the backs. No real cover for your halves. If your props are O'Meley, Radford (will be missing early season probably), Moa and ED/PP, you are relying on cover from players who played in the backrow this year - you are well stocked there at least. If Berrigan moves to centre you've only got Houghton as a natural 9.

Ideally you'd want a half-cum-hooker in the Tommy Leuleuai mould, [iboth[/i Dowes and Prescott and a utility back. You need the half, I suspect realistically you'll have to choose between the extra prop and extra back - with Whiting being a primarily a back or backrow forward dependent on this.

I can see why people think we will really struggle next season, It seems we are relying on Horne and Long to stay fit, but even if they did to be honest I'm not sure we will do well if they do, Horne was poor most games he played in my opinion only the first 20 of Wigan away stands out for me, and although he offered a bit of direction Longs kicking game was erratic, and he didn't take the line on as often as he did for Saints, this is what he was known for. Top 6 with our sqaud would be a very good season.

The squad will hopefully have two more signings, a prop and half back plus we have Turner, Lyne and Nicklas for the backs and Burnett, Kent and Cunningham for the forwards. We also have players like Whiting/Berro/Turner that can be moved around depending on the style we want to play.

We do need two more signings and should we get them then I would be reasonably happy. Hall and Calderwood have been replaced so just have to replace Yak and possibly Dowes.