We don't have Saints production line though, and behaving as though we do won't make it so.

I see your point, but depth isn't something to be afraid of. It's hard to judge recruitment and retention until it is done, but...

say we go:
FB. Briscoe/Sheriff.
W. Hodgson/Colbon/Fox (+ Latus or AN Other)
C. Welham/Webster/Hall (+ Salter)

That's 10 backs on full time deals, only one quota, 4 club trained, 5 of them currently 24 or under.

The two signings made by Widnes today are Ben Cross (after his loan spell at Wigan) and Hep Cahill.
Further evidence that Hodgson is imminent?

Are either of them wingers? I don't think they are! Widnes need a pretty big haul of players if they are to try and compete next year. I would also suggest they will be spending to the full salary cap and could and probably will offer more than we will. The fact there is no promotion and relegation also means players can concentrate on the money rather than anything else. Let's face it us or Widnes, neither of us are going to win anything any time soon (I hope I am wrong) so it has to be purely financial.

True, but for a period of time leading up to these 2 'announcement's' they've been known to have said Hodgson is one of them, so make of that as you will.

He'd be worth that, IMO. Good out and out winger, no major baggage.

If we're going to spend close to the cap again (which is another issue), we've already got Mason's wedge available - plus there'll be other departures. More than incoming, most likely, I'd assume.

'The Mail understands....' appears twice on the back-page article about him, yay! I reckon we should start a game, spot the 'The Mail understands...'

Haven't the club gone on reccord as saying they are going to be spending less than the full cap next year? Sure I have heard that somewhere.

If we do however spend close to the cap then I'd expect a bigger signing than David Hodgson.

It's been suggested on here, I but don't recall anything from the club. Wouldn't surprise me massively.

Others have suggested that is where (at least some) of the Allam money is going.

Even if we do have a full cap, there isn't that much ooc to spend it on.

Back on Hodgson, on top of the concern that he replicates Fox's role too closely, I do wonder if we'd be signing Hull lads because they're Hull lads. Not that a little bit of localism is bad, and I know they can maybe be persuaded to come more easily, but it shouldn't be a major criterion. Still wouldn't mind Tommy Lee to cover the halfs though.

Great signing if it`s true. Better winger than we got at the club at this moment in time. As for colbon he drops more high balls than he scores tries!

Absolutely true mate,I am sure players do give 100% for the club they play for.Must be a strange situation though,for instance,if it was you playing for F.C. could you bring yourself to score the winning drop goal against Rovers?

Two year deal get in there

Well we've pulled up trees using full cap havent we? Lets spend less on players who are hungry and want to prove a point.

You'd be wrong

Dodgy has shown some class finishing this season and some excellent pace, a lot will be very sorry to see him leave the Giants.

I suppose we all have differing opinions! Seen many games this season?