Some of Briscoe's contract won't count on the cap because he plays for England and has come through our academy, so qualifies for some of the exemptions.

I'd heard he'll be on £20k but his girlfriend got a job at Salford for 3 mil a year

I'm more upset about signing Jordan Thompson than I am about losing Briscoe or Tickle tbh. Championship player through and through. I'd rather run with a much smaller squad filled with quality, than LOADS of exceptionally average players.

Or you could trust Gentle's judgement.

I would Dave if any singular average looking signing had proved me wrong so far - which for me hasn't happened. Rugby League is my main interest. I watch around 5 games a week, and like most RL fans, I'm quite capable of spotting talent and ability. I, like yourself I believe, was banging on and on about Lineham for example well before he was given an opportunity. I believe I've seen Jordan play fullback, on the wing, and in the 2nd row, and so far I've yet to see him look better than what we have to offer in our junior ranks.

Briscoes on a lot less than £100,000 at present some folks get the salaries of players all wrong, what I do know is that our original offer was for around £120,000 and on that he would be close to the top of our pay structure, and since we withdrew that offer on the 1st May, he'll now probably be settling for a deal less at Leeds, their structure is famously lower than that. Thats of course is if he goes there. Unless Wigan come back or he opts for the uncertainty of Salford he's blown it in many ways, must be something to do with the name Briscoe!

It's highly unlikely he's quite on £120k, as you say, and if that was our offer to him I'm glad he's messed it up.

Interesting that one, because if that was the case and he wanted to stay, then I'm sure he'd have signed. I'm sure AP would have taken full advantage of all exemptions available and there's nobody else in our squad who'll qualify.

I just don't think he wants to stay.

I'll probably be shot down but I'm really not bothered by losing Briscoe, he's been average this year, and wasn't spectacular last year!

I'd be far more upset at losing Lineham and at this moment am much more concerned that we don't have a great goal kicker which is costing us valuable points!!

I see your point, I also feel that I can spot good players as I watch alot of rugby, there has been a few players signed my Gentle that has proven me and other wrong, Aspinwall, Mcgoldrick and Mcdonnell (although not me this one). He has also improved alot of the squad like Horne, Whiting and Houghton, He seems to have a knack of bring the best out of young players too, I'm not saying that all of his signings have been great, but he has a good record at improving players.

I seen Thompson play a few times and I see he has something, once in a better side and under gentle I think he could make a very good backrow forward, highly rated by Cas fans also.

Thomson for me will be a great signing, rare for someone so young to have that much top grade game time under his belt.
He's often been 1of Castlefords best players in poor sides in loads of different positions. Don't see him playing anything other than back row for us though. Think gentle will look to mould him into another Ellis while Ellis is here. Reminds me a little of Ellis at the same age.

I must have watched a different kid, is there two Thompson's at Cas?

Good player but not as awesome as most make out. Good luck to him

I'd have to agree. Briscoe is an excellent player, but I can't see an argument for paying him that sort of money.

To state Tom Briscoe is 'easily replaceable' is laughable.

Not been blown away by Thompson, however he fits Gentle's mould and I've been happy with Pitts and Johnson so far after they got slated as been average signings.