Great point about Fitz, hopefully this year Joe has with Fitz will be the making of him both on and off the pitch assuming his attitude is right. He certainly could not do much better in terms of who he has to learn from.

Think outside of the box a bit BDT! Many think Westerman is better as a wide running second row so Whiting may still get the chance at 13.

Imagine a back row of Tickle, Westerman and Whiting - a very attacking feel to it!

Thats my point really. Whiting at this stage in his career probably needs to be thinking about more than simply scrapping for a back up spot that isn't even his preferred position.

Is this a sign of things to come, the board finally showing ambition? I really hope so

I hope they follow this up with another 1 or 2 quality signings, we have heard about the profits for a few years now so I guess it is time to invest some back into the team.

Hoping Rangi Chase will follow anyone?! Lol

Fantastic signing!

Better hope Agar doesn't play him at 6 then...

Great news,
I think the club has already sorted the half situation out just have to complete the deal and thats why they have moved onto their next target and signed Joe.

Westerman is a good player but to be fair last season he wasnt very impressive for cas whether or not going to hull will make a difference only time will tell and cant see Rangi Chase jumping ship unless there is something going on at Cas that only the players know about very imnteresting.........

Whiting is possibly the best utility player in SL. I personally don't consider that to be a 'bit part'.

Get a grip!!!!

RL is a sport where transfer fee's are few and far between, 150k for someone who only has 1 year to run on his contract is alot of £££££'s imo.

I like Westerman and hope he does well, but if things don't work out for him pretty quickly then that transfer fee could be an issue for both him and the club.

Absolutely cracking signing. When we first enquired and Cas wanted a big fee i honestly thought we wouldn't stump up. Well done Rule/Kath

So, where will he play? I've got a feeling he'll be our back up half for this year whilst covering Fitz at 13. Then taking over in 2012 from Fitz at LF, although i hope it means Fitz to prop. There's also the option of putting Fitz/Westerman in the second row and moving Lauaki up to the front row.

What does this mean for Washy/Whiting? For me Whiting will be our utility back on the bench as i see Houghton playing 80 mins more often than not and i'm sure Whiting could spell him if needed. If Whiting is happy doing this, which i think he is, he'd be there week in week out for me.
As for Washy, well, can't see him getting another deal tbh. It's a shame really as our style of play and injuries over the last 2/3 years has brought his development to a stand still. Still a very good 13 IMO, maybe the best thing all round would of been for us to offer Washy in the Westerman deal and drive the cash outlay down.

Rangi Chase of to leeds doing a swap with Burrows............