Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Tue Oct 26, 2021 6:20 pm  

Steves wrote:

Richard Hunswick is possibly the best signing for 2021 at last we have realised how influential and important having the best conditioner in charge of our back room staff. Watch how big a difference you will see in the shape of the players next year

Agree 100% with this
Rich Hunswick is a fantastic acquisition for the club and will definitely improve the core conditioning, strength and fitness across the entire squad

[Frosties.]

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Tue Oct 26, 2021 9:36 pm  

mattsrhinos1978 wrote:

Read the article with Dwyer, it does come across like he expects to be moving on imo.

Dwyer also did pick the site out on his Twitter feed for misquoting him

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Wed Oct 27, 2021 11:27 am  

Well this thread might be a bit quiet now because I can't see us signing anyone else for a while!

Looking ahead, I can see a need for at least one more first class prop, and another half back for 2023. That might sound daft but Sezer is 30, Gale is 33. I don't expect Gale to be re-signed after this year and we might get 2-3 decent years out of Sezer if we're lucky with injury and form. Austin again is 30 and the only "shoe-in" I can see coming through is Jack Sinfield.

I think we have really good depth of talent across the board apart from prop and half, unless we lose players to NRL etc., for at least 5 years ahead.

Our need for a FB/wing has gone away for me since we've signed Fusitu'a who can play there; we do have a couple of Academy lads coming through and we know Jack Broadbent can fill in too.

Prop we all pretty much agree is and will remain a priority (and that's assuming Prior can last the course over 2 more years and Tetevano plays better in 2022). I don't know whether one or two of the academy lads might make the step up, but it's very rare you get a Holroyd coming along who can bash experienced pros in the middle at 20 years of age. It's a gap that needs plugging quite urgently.

If Austin doesn't force his way into the first 13 or 17 regularly I'm probably letting him and Gale go and replacing them with a real high quality half to complement Sezer to allow Jack Sinfield to develop. He should be ready around the time Sezer's contract is up.

Then that's me done. I'm pretty cocky about every other position looking at who is in place now, and other players we have coming through - and we are talking 5-10 years forecast here because the squad is so young. As these lads develop we really will be able to refine our overseas signings too so that we're only bringing in the best quality we can find - whereas for years we've been having to fill out the squad with them.

Thoughts?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Wed Oct 27, 2021 12:33 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

Well this thread might be a bit quiet now because I can't see us signing anyone else for a while!

Looking ahead, I can see a need for at least one more first class prop, and another half back for 2023. That might sound daft but Sezer is 30, Gale is 33. I don't expect Gale to be re-signed after this year and we might get 2-3 decent years out of Sezer if we're lucky with injury and form. Austin again is 30 and the only "shoe-in" I can see coming through is Jack Sinfield.

I think we have really good depth of talent across the board apart from prop and half, unless we lose players to NRL etc., for at least 5 years ahead.

Our need for a FB/wing has gone away for me since we've signed Fusitu'a who can play there; we do have a couple of Academy lads coming through and we know Jack Broadbent can fill in too.

Prop we all pretty much agree is and will remain a priority (and that's assuming Prior can last the course over 2 more years and Tetevano plays better in 2022). I don't know whether one or two of the academy lads might make the step up, but it's very rare you get a Holroyd coming along who can bash experienced pros in the middle at 20 years of age. It's a gap that needs plugging quite urgently.

If Austin doesn't force his way into the first 13 or 17 regularly I'm probably letting him and Gale go and replacing them with a real high quality half to complement Sezer to allow Jack Sinfield to develop. He should be ready around the time Sezer's contract is up.

Then that's me done. I'm pretty cocky about every other position looking at who is in place now, and other players we have coming through - and we are talking 5-10 years forecast here because the squad is so young. As these lads develop we really will be able to refine our overseas signings too so that we're only bringing in the best quality we can find - whereas for years we've been having to fill out the squad with them.

Thoughts?

I have consulted the tea leaves and my sure fire prediction for 2023 recruitment is as follows. Three key signings: Two props, one to replace Thompson, and one to belatedly replace King. One would come from the NRL, but don't think a Tapua type signing is needed. We should target a good English prop as the other. Then a marquee type signing in one of the spine positions, possibly fullback. Not as confident about full back as you are. Whilst Myler does a good job I really do think Walker should displace him next year. If that doesn't happen, we need to upgrade. I would be keeping an eye on Dufty at the Bulldogs. If Walker does to process to the next level we have the unheard of luxury of simply going for the best player we can afford. I would say goodbye to most of the senior off contract players, not because I think they are poor, but just because youth must have its way. I think Austin and Sezer are most likely first choice halves for 23 with Leeming and Sinfield as back up.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Wed Oct 27, 2021 12:48 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

I have consulted the tea leaves and my sure fire prediction for 2023 recruitment is as follows. Three key signings: Two props, one to replace Thompson, and one to belatedly replace King. One would come from the NRL, but don't think a Tapua type signing is needed. We should target a good English prop as the other. Then a marquee type signing in one of the spine positions, possibly fullback. Not as confident about full back as you are. Whilst Myler does a good job I really do think Walker should displace him next year. If that doesn't happen, we need to upgrade. I would be keeping an eye on Dufty at the Bulldogs. If Walker does to process to the next level we have the unheard of luxury of simply going for the best player we can afford. I would say goodbye to most of the senior off contract players, not because I think they are poor, but just because youth must have its way. I think Austin and Sezer are most likely first choice halves for 23 with Leeming and Sinfield as back up.

Could easily go that way mate.

I am hopeful Walker will cement that #1 jersey next year. He showed real promise when he broke into first grade but we really haven't seen the best of him for a few years now.

He should be fit for round 1 and I'd be picking him ahead of Myler if he's ready.

If Walker isn't fit or in form, Myler can do a decent job back there, we also have Broadbent and Fusitu'a who can cover. Not optimal but decent coverage. I wouldn't even be surprised to see Fusitu'a start at FB and Briscoe retain the right wing position to be honest. It all depends on how the players shape up over pre-season.

Which English prop would you target?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Wed Oct 27, 2021 1:08 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

Could easily go that way mate.

I am hopeful Walker will cement that #1 jersey next year. He showed real promise when he broke into first grade but we really haven't seen the best of him for a few years now.

He should be fit for round 1 and I'd be picking him ahead of Myler if he's ready.

If Walker isn't fit or in form, Myler can do a decent job back there, we also have Broadbent and Fusitu'a who can cover. Not optimal but decent coverage. I wouldn't even be surprised to see Fusitu'a start at FB and Briscoe retain the right wing position to be honest. It all depends on how the players shape up over pre-season.

Which English prop would you target?

Re Walker - I really do hope he kicks on. It would solve a lot of problems. Hope they Fusitua on the wing. The right hand edge is only great with him in it. Re prop - no idea, is Watts off contract? There must be someone we can identify and pursue. Good thing is that it's not a painting the 4th bridge exercise anymore. Easier to focus on what you want.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Wed Oct 27, 2021 1:21 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

Well this thread might be a bit quiet now because I can't see us signing anyone else for a while!

Looking ahead, I can see a need for at least one more first class prop, and another half back for 2023. That might sound daft but Sezer is 30, Gale is 33. I don't expect Gale to be re-signed after this year and we might get 2-3 decent years out of Sezer if we're lucky with injury and form. Austin again is 30 and the only "shoe-in" I can see coming through is Jack Sinfield.

I think we have really good depth of talent across the board apart from prop and half, unless we lose players to NRL etc., for at least 5 years ahead.

Our need for a FB/wing has gone away for me since we've signed Fusitu'a who can play there; we do have a couple of Academy lads coming through and we know Jack Broadbent can fill in too.

Prop we all pretty much agree is and will remain a priority (and that's assuming Prior can last the course over 2 more years and Tetevano plays better in 2022). I don't know whether one or two of the academy lads might make the step up, but it's very rare you get a Holroyd coming along who can bash experienced pros in the middle at 20 years of age. It's a gap that needs plugging quite urgently.

If Austin doesn't force his way into the first 13 or 17 regularly I'm probably letting him and Gale go and replacing them with a real high quality half to complement Sezer to allow Jack Sinfield to develop. He should be ready around the time Sezer's contract is up.

Then that's me done. I'm pretty cocky about every other position looking at who is in place now, and other players we have coming through - and we are talking 5-10 years forecast here because the squad is so young. As these lads develop we really will be able to refine our overseas signings too so that we're only bringing in the best quality we can find - whereas for years we've been having to fill out the squad with them.

Thoughts?

Agree with all that.I would like two props but to fund this it will mean some senior players will have to leave. Thompson and Briscoe are the obvious choices for me.I can also see Martin leaving( replaced by Gannon) as he from what looked like he was offered a contract after King and Konnie turned theirs down.If Gaile leaves which i think looks a strong possibility then a back up half will also be needed.
If all this happens then there should be enough funds for the signings and younger player upgrades.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Wed Oct 27, 2021 5:31 pm  

As above interesting times next year with so many ooc.

Austin
Gale
Briscoe
Dwyer
Hall
Myler
B Thompson
Mustapha
Martin
Mellor
O’Connor
Newman
Holroyd
Broadbent

I would extend the following, they will also need improved contracts

Broadbent
Holroyd
Newman
O’Connor

I would then retain one of Mellor or Martin, depends who has the better year.

Release the following

Austin
Gale
T briscoe
Dwyer
Hall
Myler
B Thomson
Mustapha

Sinfield to step up and replace Gale in the squad
New half back to come in, probably on decent money
Edwards/Tindall/Gatus to step up for briscoe
Johnson to step up for Dwyer
Simpson for Hall
Edgell for Myler
A new prop signing coming in for Thompson and Mustapha
Gannon for whoever out of Martin and Mellor is released

That looks fairly handy squad management to me. As a few have said a lot depends on Walker being fit and getting back to previous levels if he does happy with him at 1. It would also mean despite a lot of players leaving the actual starting 17 won’t have huge changes in it. Maybe a new half back, a new prop on the bench.

Much rather get back to signings being really high quality and the squad being filled with younger home grown lads.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Wed Oct 27, 2021 9:15 pm  

Lprhino wrote:

As above interesting times next year with so many ooc.

Austin
Gale
Briscoe
Dwyer
Hall
Myler
B Thompson
Mustapha
Martin
Mellor
O’Connor
Newman
Holroyd
Broadbent

I would extend the following, they will also need improved contracts

Broadbent
Holroyd
Newman
O’Connor

I would then retain one of Mellor or Martin, depends who has the better year.

Release the following

Austin
Gale
T briscoe
Dwyer
Hall
Myler
B Thomson
Mustapha

Sinfield to step up and replace Gale in the squad
New half back to come in, probably on decent money
Edwards/Tindall/Gatus to step up for briscoe
Johnson to step up for Dwyer
Simpson for Hall
Edgell for Myler
A new prop signing coming in for Thompson and Mustapha
Gannon for whoever out of Martin and Mellor is released

That looks fairly handy squad management to me. As a few have said a lot depends on Walker being fit and getting back to previous levels if he does happy with him at 1. It would also mean despite a lot of players leaving the actual starting 17 won’t have huge changes in it. Maybe a new half back, a new prop on the bench.

Much rather get back to signings being really high quality and the squad being filled with younger home grown lads.

Releasing Austin before you see him play?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour Thread V3 : Wed Oct 27, 2021 9:56 pm  

fanstanningley wrote:

Releasing Austin before you see him play?

Yes I was going to say, call me the eternal optimist but I think Austin might have a good year for us this year. Something went wrong at Wire but if we give him the right job to do, he certainly has skill.

I'd say it's an almost certainty that Gale will be moving on after his contract ends this year, it is his last hurrah and he'll want to end on a high at Leeds I'm sure.