The fact that we've gone from recruiting the level of recruiting the current GB hooker (Newton in 2006) to recruiting a reserve grade NRL hooker speaks volumes.

If we do sign Heath L'Wotsit I hope he proves me wrong but I'm worried we could end up with another 2nd rater.

It doesn't get the blood pumping does it?

Oh well..if L'estrange does not get it pumping..Have a look at my missus (she's the one in my Avatar) Like Ewwenorfolk..she will get it pumping....well. Ive been told that a few times...

by the way..seeing him few times now..he's not too bad..Played against Leeds in World cup challenge?...if it was him, he seemed ok...

I was about to do the same mate.

Sure we did ok with Henderson, but he was the missing piece in the jigsaw in 2005, elsewhere in the side there were matchwinners in most positions.

The 2009 Bulls aren't the complete package by a long chalk and really need a dependable, consistent hooker that's got a good pedigree.

While L'Strange may be as good as Henderson there's a possibility that he'll be anther average joe - our ability to recruit hidden gens hasn't been great these recent years. I would prefer to see us go for a proven player for a change rather than try and chance our arm on someone on the cheap. I know we may have less money to include in a deal due to our policy on offshore payments but hooker is one position that you really need a proven performer.

What I wouldn't give for another Shontayne.

Our scouting has gone off the boil since those days!

Noble bought all our success though, remember.

He isn't a reserve grade hooker from the NRL though!!

He is a 1st team player at the reigning NRL champions, just because he is used off the bench as back up to Matt Ballin doesn't make him reserve grade. There are a few highlights of what he can offer us on you tube.

I still can't figure out why people seem to insist Newton is irreplaceable. He is a good hooker but he certainly isn't one of the best in SL anymore. I think L'Estrange will compensate for the loss of Newton pretty well.

Macca has supposedly 2 very good friends in Australia in Matty Elliott and Brian Smith surely these two could provide some inside info on players.

On this basis James Roby is a reserve grade hooker. I think we'd have him wouldn't we?

Yup. I'd probably have Diskin too.