Indeed this is the same Jamie Shaul who Gentle was going to bin if I recall and it was only through Radford's efforts that we kept hold of Shaul.

The problem with youth players and bringing them through has been a difficult task especially when as a club before AP took over found the academy side of things severely neglected. The changes made to the clubs youth programs were instigated by Radford. even AP made reference to this is a few interviews he's done over the years.
The other factor that has been a big problem with development is the lack of opportunity at a decent level from youth to senior RL hence why the club have been pushing for the reserve system to be brought in. This isn't just a problem we as a club face but RL in general. The only other solution if we don't go with mandatory reserve teams for all SL clubs would be to go down the USA sport route of farm teams so each SL club would in affect have an association with a championship team and have a major say in the playing rosters etc. The latter just won't happen as the sport isn't geared for that in any way.

I think all that said the club have indeed been producing the players through the system and it is evident in the team, lets face it Leeds who had a great youth line are struggling to get ones through that are good enough and they aren't the only ones. The other factor we tend to over look is the game is different to say 10 years ago so players coming through now have to be even better than players previously were to make it in to first team rugby, by law of average means less will make it.

Any way I've been critical of Radford at times as most have but we can't deny he has taken the club forward and achieved and even with the disappointments along the way has got more right than wrong.

If you email Adam P he will usually take the time to reply
He emailed today to say there were a few more signings on the way

I can see how you are entertainment value to him.

Brilliant news. Can’t believe people are arguing about us having too many quality players! Long may it continue

Exciting times to be a Hull fan.

Looks like we've learnt from this year, just having a deep squad isn't good enough. You need the quality there, which is why we have moved on Langtree and Thompson already

Not sure how we will fit all our star players into our backline next year, but its a nice problem to have. We've gone from having to chuck Thompson or Logan in at centre earlier this year, to having Connor, Carlos, Fonua or Buchannan ready to step in. Add in the depth on the wings, and the emergance of Wynne at full back. We must be looking at one of if not the best set of backs next year.

Hopefully we have the deals for Ma'u and Sao sorted and we're just waiting to announce them. Green has looked good since he's come back from injury, and he's managed to string a few games together which is pleasing, think he might end up staying. If we are losing Paea i'd like us to sign another prop too. Again to give us scope to roate the pack.

On Joe Cator, was he the young kid who covered hooker in the derby at the KCOM last year? Though he showed up well and put himself about, if its on the card he seems the replacment for Hadley.

If we have signed anyone on a Marquee wage, we don't have to announce that they are. If Ma'u and Fonua are those players, it might be best to keep hush. Looking at the impact it had on Prichard, Roberts and even Merrin to a degree.

We could be lining up something like this next year. If we do, I think we'll have a good shot at wining the comp:


Shaul

Fonua
Connor
Carlos
Swift/Naulago

Kelly
Sneyd

Taylor
Houghton
Satae/Evans/Ikahihifo

Jones
Ma'u
Sao

Bowden
Green/New Prop?
Savelio
Griffin

Masi
Fash?
Levy
Brown
Bienek

Lane
Ellis
Cator?

Litten
Harris

Wynne
Swift/Naulago
Faraimo
Scott
Buchannan

One thing that can't be underestimated in all this is the buzz that it brings to the club (just look at the level of activity on this board over the past few days compared with a few weeks ago). Bringing Mahe back is a masterstroke on so many levels - well done Lee, Adam and James Clark! Roll on the rest of this season and what anticipation there will be for next.

Over the years, we've all been overexposed to Swift. Saints have had more Sky coverage than almost any other team. No-one needs to be told what he's like. He's a 100% grafter and overall he's ok. The positive types on here are making out he's much quicker than he is. He almost never goes the length when in space. If he was to start over Ratu it would be criminal. The negative types are really exaggerating him being prone to errors. He won't let us down when we need to call him up. The fact is we'd never have signed him had we known Mahe would become available, and now he should be in the same position he's been in this season at Saints. It's unfortunate for him but if he wants a weekly start, we should look to loan him out for a season.

I never thought I'd see me post this, but is Ellis "going around again" going to happen, I've barely seen him mentioned (or I've just missed those posts when skimming through)

He's confirmed he is wanting to play next year in his article in the Yorkshire Post. Had talks with Hull but nothing agreed. Would hope they could get something sorted as would hate to lose him from being around the club in whatever role that is.

Completely agree.

i can still see kelly possibly leaving which will fund some of these changes plus it will enable carlos to play centre alongside fonua, with connor switching to stand off

Yes I have my own business the only downside is all my properties are off Hessle rd

Dont forget we have a reserve team to fill with players next season in what should be a weekly meaningful competition.
Unless we have injuries Swift will be starting as a reserve.
Dawson Jones will be the one to be released in a similar fashion to Thompson.
Still expect to see Swift play as both wing and centre when required.

Indeed, but if not playing and didn't like the admin type stuff, maybe even more embedded in coaching?