Bit bemused by those already pencilling Nick Stavely as a regular starter next year, just don't see it yet - loads of development & S&C needed yet.

Is he really that far ahead of Laidlaw & Gardner who rarely get mentioned in the 'new crop' discussions but have far more games under their belts ?

Had a poker night beer with an ex NRL player who played for Crusaders whilst in SL.
He had a lot of insights - he’s aged 44.

He said JC is an aggressive coach and well respected and we will be very fit and play aggressive in your face rugby.

We flunkin need something

Club are a difficult place, both Rapana and Seizer were signed late August, after our initial targets fell through, the club could have waited to see if the likes of Levi and Hastings become available, but that's a gamble and one we maybe couldn't afford to take, whose to say these will come to SL or even want to sign for Hull (we don't exactly look that attractive right now).

FWIW I would have help back one quota place (Cust's) and see what becomes available.

As for Staveley, it's hard to say, he only played 4 games, but had a good spell in the championship and impressed in those 4 SL games, from what I've seen of him in those 4 games, the reserves and Academy he is well above those two. Looks to be more physically ready than either of those also, expect Wainhouse to go above both Laidlaw and Gardiner next season too.

The Director of Rugby was James Clark.
He is the person who is in charge of recruitment and retention.

He was, but there is a no way in the world that the head coach doesn't have a say in who stays and goes.

Thanks Dave, thought it was two.

Still wouldn't be surprised to see more leave and more come in between now and the start of pre season.

Can't argue with your post Dave, although for me not sure at all that Sezer is the right answer to our needs and its not like he lit up SL either, I actually think he'll be a poor signing to be honest.
As for Cust just don't see where he fits in and much like Sezer feel we've wasted 2 quota spots.
I hope I'm proved wrong but the evidence of Sezer largely being anonymous in SL games and Cust not making the field regularly doesn't bode well.
For me we were and still are in desperate need for a dynamic half with a running game and Sezer nor Cust tick that box. We saw what a difference Clifford made to a poor side and just feel we are back to scratching around for halves of no particularly quality again.

everyone in the media is aware that Sezer and Rapana were both on the back burner while our number one target was still a possibility but when he decided to stay at Leigh both were signed PDQ almost it was said to me in haste.

Pretty much agree, although to stick up for seizer he has played well this season and Wests are much better with him, think they have only won one game without him. Was good for Hudds, but inconsistent for Leeds ( Same as Croft this year).

Agreed... as mentioned already Sao is a potential one, Walker, Tuimavave, Tindall, Mitch already pretty much confirmed and Houghton retiring, Morgan Smith too looks like he will be gone.

Still think we're short on experience in the middles so see Sao staying unless there's a couple of domestic/fed trained non British players in the pipeline. Would still like a centre, half and prop but who knows if the players or cap space is available.

Unless Sao leaves, we have no quota spots.

I hope, that if Thirkell buyout is announced in the next few weeks they show some intent with a transfer fee being paid for a domestic signing

Rapana despite his age is a quality player but we desperately need a strike centre not a winger who has converted to full back lately. We have a good full back in Walker plus decent cover in reserve.

Sezer has had a good season for Wests but not the type of half back we need to compliment Abdull.

Cust is a half back who can play hooker but mostly off the bench. A specialist hooker is needed and either through injury or non selection he can't get in the Salford team.