Interestingly the press release says ‘the ability to deputise at hooker when required’ usually these things push a narrative and if the plan was him as the starting nine I think they’d have made more of an emphasis on that.

Strange signing with all things considered, but it’s obvious he Cartwrights man as he showed real promise at Manly. Sometimes you just have to back the coach, concerning that proven coaches like Rowley and Peet haven’t got the best out of him though. I know people say it for every signing but honestly think it could be a shrewd signing.

He's a great 'number 14' for us is equally comfortable at 9 or in the halves and gives us genuine options during a game if we need to change things around. I think he's a good bit of business.

Maybe the Cust signing is insurance, IF Abdull fails to get into a decent fitness condition .

Deffo. Cartwright knows Sezer and Cust well think they might be his first 6 and 7 if we have the luxury of having all 3 ready for for the start of the season. If JA is fit and ready knocking on the door Cust could always move to 9 or 14 down the line.

All 3 of them wouldn’t have been my first choice signings by a long shot but I like the idea of having 3 senior halfbacks. It was night and day the difference when we had Reynolds for a few games this year, we need experienced cover in the spine or everything falls apart.

I like Custs attitude, knows there are some doubters and wants to prove them wrong

It’s an upgrade on Morgan Smith for sure, for that utility role.

Rapana is on his way

Love this from him. Love nothing more than to see a player prove the doubters wrong.

When does Cartwright arrive?

Think he's due to arrive in a couple of weeks time.

Going by his social media it looks like Smith is staying at Hull.

What has he said, I'm sure I've read he has signed for Sheffield?

Saying rest up and go again next year. A few of the players liking and commenting on his post. Still wouldn't be surprised if he does move on.

Carty will have Cust playing like a prime Darren Lockyer.

Yes, followed by black and white emojis. I thought he'd be moving on, in effect he's a reserve untility player.

Wasn't our worst this season by any stretch - in fact his try against London ultimately stopped us finishing bottom.

He puts more effort in that most but poor in terms of skill. Another baffling Tony Smith signing along with not big, quick, fast or elusive Tindall for the wing. Had we not wasted cash on these squad fillers we might have afforded a half decent 1st team player.

For me every player gets a clean slate under Cartwright, if they're here next season everyone starts fresh and Cartwright will make his own mind up.

Cust is gonna become a club legend I can feel it in my bones

Exactly this. I think there's been so much going on at the club in a number of different areas that culminated into what we saw last season. But it's time to draw a line under that. New coach, new backroom team, a still relatively new DOR and training facilities, new faces amongst the playing group. It's the very definition of a fresh start for me.

Agree with all of that, however players like Tindall and Smith, there isn't much more that you can get out of them, and they need to be moved on if possible

Any more news on the UK middle we supposedly trying to get in? So far names we have seen rumoured are...

Joe Bullock
George King
Sam Eseh

Amongst a few others, my personal choice would be King, was keen to stick around in the area and joining us would give him that option, he was linked with Huddersfield but not seen anything for a few weeks on that. Makes total sense to me.

Thoughts?
Names anyone?

Didn't King leave Rovers to be closer to family in West Yorkshire?

Brough is closer to West Yorkshire than Victoria Dock

King left rovers due to not getting game time, he does have family back in west you are right however he apparently wanted to stay if gametime was there but it wasn't obviously at rovers. Id take him as 1st choice then Bullock if possible. Cant really think of too many other UK middles? Maybe Bienek but im never a fan of bringing back former players

No thanks to George King.
Unless they’re a real standout player then I wouldn’t want anyone ex kr.

Liam Byrne would do nicely.