You'll probably find that panic time simply exists because there are no replacement props out there for Radford or Dowes. Would you rather we go into next season with 3 props. We talked to Fieldon and LMS and lost out on both. We showed good intention but as FC usually do we wouldnt/couldnt match what the big boys offer.

Could move other options such as Fitz up to prop and spell him more inreasing his playing life span and look at back row options. Not sure retaining props who do an average job will help bring this club forward.

I agree, retaining average props isnt the way to go but with Cusack gone and hopefully Dowes i can tolerate keeping Radford. Back to your original point, Rovers have nothing to do with this.

For what its worth my props next year would be:
Moa
O'Meley
Radford
Lauaki
New Signing

and i'd use Fitz, Manu, Tickle in the 2nd row. I'd play Whiting or Washy (or Westerman) at 13. I'd start with Fitz and Tickle in the 2nd row and i'd bring Manu on for impact where he has always been more effective.

If we dont make a new signing in the props i'd tolerate a lower deal for Dowes as the 5th prop but only as a very last resort.

I think we could make better use of the players we have already signed up anyway if we are to change our style of play.

Fitz to prop, Whiting to 13 and Briscoe to left centre would give the team a different dimension.

A centre and a half back for me although I would like to see Briscoe given a run at centre maybe take a punt on Calders. Lynnes a bit of yet maybe another year imo and as much as I like Whiting I'd like to see an out n out centre with a bit of pace.

I actually think Lauaki looks disinterested a lot of the time in the back row. Bringing him into the middle might get him involved more. First impressions for me are that Lauaki is here for a bit of a holiday. He was once referred to in Oz as the best impact prop there was.

Doesn't have the engine, technique or work ethic to be a middle man imho.

Spot on.

Maybe so. I'm not impressed with Lauaki either way.

Not sure he was the work ethic to play in the back row either.

Lauaki looks better at prop imo although not sure he is cut out to play there. In the backrow he never quite knows when the ball is coming and that seems to effect his game. Same with Manu, always gets the ball stood still.

If the Prescott rumour is true I will be happy, thought he played well last night.