Quote: barham red "not sure myself, they've lost a lot of good players and only gained a couple and I don't think McNamara has it, think the wolves will be out for him early this year.'"
Hmm. [i Lost "a lot of good players"[/i? Bit of curate's egg more like IMO, I'd say, although for sure there are several we could have done with keeping in an ideal world. Anyway, my quick takeLost
Deacon - derided (unfairly IMO) by most oppo fans; never same since that bad injury in the Tri-Nations though and far too predictable
Newton - won't be missed after a mediocre year, and rumours of trouble behind the scenes. Our late surge coincided with his being injured.
Morrison - one we will defo miss - if stays free from injury and not sat in the stand half the season.
Solomona - sat in stand most of last year; looked like could not be d.
Jeffries - never really shone. When we signed him, the Wakey fans rightly told us he has a few good games and rather more nothing ones (although now he is back with them he's God's gift again, funnily enough...)
James - sadly, no real loss
Tadulala - another we will miss, since we are light on the wings if we keep playing Sheriffe.
Cook - would have preferred to keep him, and think you have a good capture there. He always seemed to think he was worth more (in game time and money, I believe) than the coach did. Time will tell, but good luck to him.
Burgess - a performing Burgess would be missed by any club. Sam did not really perform to his potential for us for much of last season though, so we'll miss him less than we should. OK, two more very promising Burgesses coming through, even bigger than he is, but a way to go yet.
[i"Only gained a couple"[/i? Guess we'll know the truth of that better in a few weeks, butGained
Orford - not seen anyone suggesting we'd have been better keeping Deacon? Rep speaks for itself, although late arrival means will likely be a few weeks before we see him on true form though so make the most of now!
Kearney - played 7 against Leeds, and ran the show. It was like watching a different team - he was excellent. I think he will shock a few at 6 this season.
LeStrange - what a refreshing change from Newton - just like Henderson was a bit back. Another to shine at Leeds, and another I think will shock a few when he gets into his stride. In fact, with Orford Kearney and LeStrange at 7,6 & 9, I think you won't recognise the Bulls this year. And (from our point of view) for all the right reasons.
Reardon - I was chuffed at this signing, and early signs justify that. I think he will surprise his doubters this season, and will play out of his skin, and may well prove to be our most astute signing.
Sculthorpe - well we'll just have to see. He'll either be a revelation...
or pants! Definite wildcard for mine!
Hall - one hard guy, will take some stopping - early outings very promising.
Developers
Watch out for Donaldson, Whitehead and Olbison to name but three. Potential for some future internationals in there. Might just see Crookes (injured most of last season) and Kopczak rise to the challenge too this year, and if Scruton carries on as he left off end of last season we'll cope without Sam.
Whatever happens on Thursday, I really do think that those who dismiss the Bulls as not having improved compared to last year may be being a tad premature. But feel free to write that down someplace, to throw back at me if (and heaven forbid) we have any kind of repeat of last season...
