I was interested to see that NH expects to leave several slots free for the new coach to fill. Several is a loose term, but given that we've already announced 4, plus Withers and Taulapapa very probably, that does sound to me like there'll be more departures to make way.

Given that Cockayne, Mason, Fox, Colbon, Briscoe, Vella, Cook, Fisher, Newton and probably Clinton will all be gone its probably fair to assume that we have only scratched the surface of our "announced" recruitment.
It wouldnt surprise me if part of the interviewing process with the prospective new coaches is asking which players they would be able to bring with them.

Is this a definite then, Newton going? Where's he off, Penrith?

Watts at thirteen is an idea I wasn't on board with initially, now, I think it's a great idea.

"What's at 13?", "I don't know, you won't tell me".

matt cook and ben fisher could be staying Clint Newton signed 2 year deal with Penrith.

I'm hearing rumours that Fisher maybe still here next season!

It's a rumour I'd be very happy with.

I agree as well,whereas hodgson is still young and progressing,fisher offers so much more at the play the ball speed wise.Is fisher still classed as quota.?

No - but nor would Withers be. I'd be happy enough with either.

Be nice cover to have an extra hooker. I'd love to sign Withers and have Withers and Hodgson being our 1st choice hookers. Have Fisher giving a little time to the academy hookers and see how they come on. No surprise that Hull have Houghton who's come through Hulls academy being coached by Andy Last.

Maybe a luxury we can't afford though?

Our conditioner was a top flight hooker.

There is no way that we will sign a third hooker unless Hodgsons future is seen in the back row, which i cant see. We also have a couple of good hookers coming through and i dont think we would want to block their progress.

Would have being nice for him to pass some of his knowledge onto those coming through the ranks that you mention.

I often wonder how much really skillful players understand about their skill though, if something really diifcult for most people just came naturally to you would you be able to pass that skill on? Would a savant know how to teach someone to count, in a few seconds, the number of matches spilled on the floor?

As it stands at the momentNew Signing[/i (Still need a top class full back imo, but i doubt we will see one)
2. Hall
3. Webster
4. Welham
5. Hodgson

6. Green
7. Dobson

8. O'Hara
9. [iNew Signing[/i (Withers or a re-signed Fisher)
10. Wheeldon

11. Newton (c)
12. Taylor
13. Watts

14. Hodgson. J/Taulapapa/Cox/Horne (Horses for courses position depending on who we're playing)
15. Galea
16. Clinton
17. [iNew Signing[/i (Hopefully Micky Paea or a prop of that type)

Newton and Clinton are both contracted for next season as far as we are aware so they'd still be in the team as it stands.