Inu did well for us but can't see him part time.
I cant see us signing Inu as we have just signed Tyrer.
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I cant see us signing Inu as we have just signed Tyrer.
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I think Ryan Ince is more likely.
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I cant see us signing Inu as we have just signed Tyrer.
</p> I think Ryan Ince is more likely.
I thought we were OK for wingers?
Clough is an interesting one. Seems to depart clubs under a shroud of mystery. As mentioned, both he and Paul Johnson always seemed to be solid enough for us in Super League, but were sometimes just left on the bench or not even played with no explanation.
Sounds like he would be what we're looking for.
No doubt that Ottawa have done what Toronto did - offered players silly money on deadlines leaving the existing club little time to put together a counter offer (not that any club should really be drawn in to competing with them, especially for relatively replaceable players)
In the Ottawa situation the twins were manna from Heaven, two big lads, good vibes, always smiling, keen on community involvement. Just what Ottawa needs in Ottawa, wear the shirt, get out there and get people to notice you!
Disappointed losing Johnson but wouldn’t be surprised if he got a FT deal at Ottawa or offered decent money for Leigh
Graff has been a servant and always put himself forward for the big hits (although illegal once the shoulder charge got banned) and deserves credit because in the champ he was half decent just wasn’t SL level
Cooper can’t comment on
glad Lyons has resigned for a year will have to see how he goes but a good utility player to have to cover a number of positions
Scrum half in training. TS only switched him to FB to allow Owens to relieve Tompkins . Gives him good experience reading the game so not wasted.
With Tyrer in, Johnson out and no announcment either way yet on Roby, it looks like the backline will be very similar to 2020. Can't see us signing more than one more back and won't surprise me if we don't add any.
Forward signings are the key now, with six gone (5 of whom were in the first 17 most weeks) replacing them with better players would see us in a strong position. I haven't seen Lee Jewitt play recently but he has a good track record (albeit recent injury record a concern) but would be confident Matt Cook is an upgrade on all the forwards who have left. Glad we have retained our two best forwards (imo) in Baker and Tomkins. I think our season may stand or fall by the decisions on who we add to the pack.
Likelihood is that there will be a wait to see if there is any fallout from SL teams who may anticipate their reduction in funds next year. We might look for slightly younger back rowers/props next.
The age of Cook and Jewitt willl probably mean that they will need to be replaced next season.
If we can have a season with a more consistently competitive team we might even see improved gates and financial capability. Hopefully we will not be fighting Administrators and the RFL and can concentrate on the future signings.
Growing your own players isn't easy and requires the release of young players who are deemed unlikely to succeed at the top. Saints and Wigan have managed being focused on the real need rather than promoting automatically.
However, next year first, but hope that TS can help in picking a successor ready for 2022 if he retires.
I’m sort of hoping Tim Sheens will be sufficiently enjoying the gig that he extends his stay beyond 2021. Perhaps wishful thinking but it’s possible.
Full back, centre and half backs are sorted. I would expect us to sign another winger, someone proven with pace and try scoring potential. Although we could play one of the centres as a winger (Roby, Hatton, Spedding or Edge) If we don't re-sign Roby then I would definitely expect another winger to come in.
2 more props are needed, one of whom could be Clough and 2 back rowers. If we can find a couple of big 2nd rows that would be a bonus, Wild and Leuluai although both hard working were not the biggest.
I think it makes sense to wait for the last couple of signings to see what happens in SL, if they only go with 11 teams next season then 20 or so SL standard players could be available to Championship teams.
There is a definite buzz about the place with Sheens building his squad for 2021. The three signings we have made so far have been positive, bringing in the experience we needed in the pack and Tyrer adding experience in the backs. Assuming we will be aiming for a squad of 24, there will be at least 4 new signings coming in, maybe one of whom will be Clough - another good addition to the pack.
Maybe we will have to wait until SL squads have been finalised and the TWP fiasco resolved, to see whether there are any other SL players released and prepared to play p/t. You never know, Sheens may have Australian contacts to identify an experienced Aussie or an up and coming young player, looking to have a year in the UK on a decent p/t contract.
The club, like all clubs, are having to take risks with signings for 2021, as it is still not certain when crowds will be allowed back into grounds or, given the situation with Hull, whether the games will be played in 2021; so credit to the Board and VIQI for investing in the 2021 squad.
Looking forward to getting back to "Naughton Park" or whatever it is called these days, to watch the Vikings again.
You're absolutely right with the uncertainty Frank! So many ifs and buts nobody is sure what is going to happen.
Another hooker wouldn't come amiss for cover at least. Haven't Haven just signed a young Aussie prop from their minor leagues? TS must have some contacts there.
In the mean time, when you think back to where we have been in the recent past, who would have expected us anticipating a good season! Lift the crowd, push VIQI wherever we can and enjoy the game again.
I’m sort of hoping Tim Sheens will be sufficiently enjoying the gig that he extends his stay beyond 2021. Perhaps wishful thinking but it’s possible.
Now that would be great news! What a buzz that would give.