So, where do we need to strengthen then? : Wed Oct 05, 2011 9:07 pm  

So now that the euphoria and hangovers have gone away and everyone is returning to a sense of normality, where do you think we need to improve in order to be competitive in the Championship next season?

I'll start things off, and be there to be shot at

Full Back
We've a few pretty damn good ones, Moss and Haythornthwaite have both acquitted themselves well, Halley has made a fair few mistakes but shown brief glimpses of why he was a Super League player and I think he'd be sharper with a full pre-season under his belt if he stays. Dan Belcher is another one full of promise but with the amount of injuries he's had he's fallen way down the pecking order. It might be time to let him move on.

Wingers
It think we've a few decent ones, Duffy in particular, who's very agile and is a very hard worker. However we seem to lack someone with real explosive pace who's capable of scoring from distance.

Centres
It would be great if we could keep Jake Normington who looks class, if we don't I think we could stuggle in the Championship where the centres are so much bigger and stronger.

Half Backs
Great that we've signed Danny Jones, a scrum half who'll guide us around the field a bit like Lee Briers does for Warrington. Could Jy-Mel Coleman be the the stand off who can compliment him by taking on the line and breaking it? Possibly, but I wouldn't mind seeing us sign another to be honest.

Props
I think we need to sign a couple to be honest. We lack size there and could do with one capable of offloading the ball and another who's a defensive enforcer.

Hookers
Buster and Jamaine are pretty good at what they do but neither of them are getting any younger. Ryan Smith has done a decent job when he's filled in there.

Second Row
Will retiring is a blow as I think he's be our best second row for many years. We've many at the club who are on or around the same level I think we need a few cleverer ones, who'll run better angles and back ball carriers up looking for offloads, which is something we've lacked for quite a while.

Loose Forwards
JD is top quality if probably in his final season as a player, and we've another good one in Chris Baines. Greg Nicholson always gives it everything when called upon to play even if he's a little lightweight. I don't see a need to improve thing here unless JD feels the need to retire.

Re: So, where do we need to strengthen then? : Thu Oct 06, 2011 8:15 am  

Good summary. Halley played for Bradford DH at the weekend I'm told so look's like he's been released.

Re: So, where do we need to strengthen then? : Thu Oct 06, 2011 12:48 pm  

Stealth Comic wrote:

Buster and Jamaine are pretty good at what they do but neither of them are getting any younger. Ryan Smith has done a decent job when he's filled in there.

Although i agree that we need to develop a new young hooker to replace buster, Id have to say that at 27, hes just coming into his prime. I think he is an excelent ambassador for the club and the town, a worthy captain and i hope he is with us until he hangs up his boots. I honistly think you would struggle to find a better hooker outside super league, and cirtainly struggle to find a better tackler!

As to weather smith could be the answer, i gues only time would tell. I would like to see him be given a shot.

Jamaine can be hit and miss sometimes. not sure if he cut it in the chapionship last time. His decision making improved alot this year though.

Re: So, where do we need to strengthen then? : Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:33 pm  

If we can some quality expericned players in the following positions then we will be fine


Centre

Winger

Prop

2 back Rowers