Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 7:57 am  

RockNRolla wrote:

Brooksy usually spot on with his info but hope he is wrong about Clifford.
Would be a massive setback if he leaves end of the season.

Is that Karl brooks, big FC fan and helped out with the fanzine.? He does know a lot of the players and is usually spot on with his info. Be a very big blow if this correct.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 8:01 am  

My one hope for Clifford, is that it hasn't been mentioned in the media once, either here or over there.

It wouldn't be the end of the world, but hard to replace and Smith would have a big decision on his hands if to replace him or stick with what we have and use the quota spot for another forward.

If this did happen, we would have to look to sign another halfback, as don't think McNamara is even good enough to the back up, unless Smith think Medforth is ready to step up.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 8:14 am  

If Clifford were to go, could we play Hoy at 7, Trueman at 6 and litten as first choice fullback? Then use the quota spots to bulk up the forward pack / sign a hooker? The only worry is if/when one of the halves get an injury and we have no quality backup

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 8:40 am  

I was quietly impressed by Hoy at 7, particularly in the first half. To say he has only played around 30 minutes in that position all season he gave it a good crack. Couple of occasions I felt he should of backed himself like he did for Griffins try rather then giving a pass. He certainly offers more then McNamara or Lovodua anyways.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 8:49 am  

Mild Rover wrote:

Dave and one or two others asked about or commented on Rovers, and I fancied a natter.

The irony of an academy-first approach being extolled on a 200+ page thread called Shopping List and long-termism crashing straight into Josh Hodgson for a year is a lot for me to resist. I’m weak.

But yes, fair enough, Hull FC’s rebuild.

You’re not one of the ones I was getting at. Reasonable Rovers fans are welcome in my eyes, and you often make very salient points. You just need to train some of the others that frequent this board.

Back on topic. I wonder if we could replace Clifford (if he goes) with a half back who was recently dropped at Huddersfield……?

[Chris71]

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 8:50 am  

In regards to Clifford I would hope he is enjoying his rugby and still feels wanted by the our club and is happy to stay until the end of his deal at least. If the pull of home and another chance of the NRL is too great then there's not a lot we can do and wouldn't begrudge that.
I imagine if he did go before the end of this season Hoy would go the HB (TS alluded to the fact he was signed to play half post match) and Litten would be the FB. We already have a mammoth task in terms of recruitment for 2024 and losing Clifford whilst not irreplaceable would just add to the list of whats needed for the 2024 squad.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 9:36 am  

The other thing to consider is that Clifford is the main man and runs the team

I can’t see him getting that role in any NRL team he returns to.

Difference now is that we are moving away from relying on individuals, thanks to TS

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 10:51 am  

https://twitter.com/RugbyLeagueITK/stat ... dbpGw&s=19 Reads as though it's for this season. Or is that just me?

https://twitter.com/RugbyLeagueITK/stat ... dbpGw&s=19 Reads as though it's for this season. Or is that just me?

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 10:53 am  

mwindass wrote:

https://twitter.com/RugbyLeagueITK/status/1671107854130921473?t=YhlBhnWj_ofWYEXdYdbpGw&s=19

Reads as though it's for this season. Or is that just me?

Sounds like it, that guy is very hit and miss.

Still not sure about this and don't think he is needed this season personally.

18 month deal im guessing

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 10:58 am  

Dave K. wrote:

Sounds like it, that guy is very hit and miss.

Still not sure about this and don't think he is needed this season personally.

18 month deal im guessing

Yeah I take the ITK pages with a huge pinch of salt. I'd guess they've seen the rumour on here.

Unless Scott or Carlos are shifting to back row to cover this season, it doesn't make a huge load of sense.