Dave K. wrote:
Rocknrolla69er wrote:
Recruitment has to go up a level, we cant be look at storton at rovers.
For me when Eseese and Pele are back weve a decent pack, Ashworth and jack brown have been good, and would be nice to keep bullock for his experiance and size to add depth.
For me next season its crucial we get this halfback/hooker situation sorted out as its a mess. Would happily go with Balmforth and Brown.
Spend big in the halfs or at least spend wisely. Trueman we cannot rely on unfortunatley.
And id spend abit on a good centre whos more durable than carlos and sutcliffe
I think you are probably right, not sure we need another fringe prop, especially if we get Bullock.
Think the pivots are key, a hooker, hopefully the two mentioned, but fear both will go leaving us needed two hookers. A 7 is absolutely the top priority. Think the club will be looking at Charles as the Trueman backup next season.
Centre too is a big priority.
I'd look a 13 in the style of the better SL 13's,, don't think ee have anyone in our squad who can play that role.
Bullock
Brown or new quota hooker
Back up hooker
Centre (Hall or Broadbent)
quota 7 (Hoys quota place)
quota 13 (Carlos quota place)
Would agree our recruitment next year really has to step up and notch or two.
As both of you have mentioned the front row isn't too much of an issue and if we are able to add Bullock for next season or another of similar size/quality then we are pretty much covered there with Gardiner, Laidlaw added in.
A specialist/out & out 7 has to be a top priority to go alongside Trueman, with Smith as back up followed by Charles.
Hooker is then the next priority as can't see Brown staying beyond this year unless he fails to get deal back in the NRL and if we don't start giving Balmforth any opportunities I can see him going elsewhere (who'd blame him).
Centre and LF are the other two areas that need attention and we need to improve, Sutcliffe is decent enough but in Scott & Carlos both have poor injury records. Though do think Scott has progressed well and when fit is a good addition to the squad.
Again with the LF position not sure where we are at in that respect as a lot will depend on how our spine will be next season. If we have genuine quality in the halves and at 9 with an ability to be creative etc then someone like Fash would be an option, if we have a spine that isn't blessed with creative skill then we'd need a 13 in the mould of Westerman to give us some attacking threat.
Not sure on Hoy's future beyond this season, so depends on how Walker goes fitness wise and how Litten progresses too.
Think 7 & 9 are the big two that we can not afford to cut corners on or go with a make do or utility value.
