We went into last season with 26 players. I guess that we hoped to loan players in particular from Warrington to make up the slack. That didn’t work out in particular due to covid with full time Super League players unwilling or unable to leave a fulltime covid bubble at wherever to play and train in a part time covid bubble at Widnes. I think at the moment we have 24 players (I stand to be corrected) but the balance seems better with less ”old” players and less very inexperienced youngsters and more forwards. 24 players won’t be enough when we seemed last year to lose players to work commitments as well as to injuries. We’ll need to pick up players either before the season starts (preferable) or through loans. Warrington, Wigan, Saints, Salford all have reserve teams and squads for next season but will play I believe only 16 reserve matches and possibly a play off at the end. 16 matches isn’t enough for player development so players should come up for loans. Unless we pick up more players before the season starts our season is probably in the lap of the gods and in the lap of relationships with surrounding Super League Clubs. Not an entirely convincing position to be in given the last 2 seasons but we are where we are.
I make it 22 including Tomkins so possibly 21 going on this year. I would like 30 players but know that will not happen. I think Simon wants 27/28 so around 6 more players to come in. I think most of those will be the current remainder of this years squad that have not been released. I am not sure we have signed more forwards. We had 6 props last season 4 props left & only 2 new ones signed so 2 down on this year at present. IMO in order of priority need 2 old head props, 1 squad half back, 2 squad centres & 1 winger.
Well, geoffw, we now have the winger you wanted.
I would like to see 2 props, I think that's essential. Hulme at Hooker to give us 3 hookers assuming Tomkins doesn't play. That would then take us to 25 players, that would be enough to start the season. We could sign Edge/Roby and Else potentially as well. As long as we can find 2 props and they are of a good standard I'm happy with the squad.
Pascal is liking the squad progress and it is essential we sign 2 props of quality . Then Edge for versatility, as he can play several positions. Else and Roby because both decent squad players and I am happy with the squad. Pascal would rather have most of his own squad than get loan players from Super league, but spare for 1 or 2 loans of quality.
As someone said a while back (MG?) there are good props around, particularly in Cumbria, who aren't big names but are tough and uncompromising which is what we want.
Steve O'Neill wasn't a 17 stone bruiser but he was never pushed around and gave as good as he got. Props like that would fit our purpose, if you can find them!
I would like to see 2 props, I think that’s essential. Hulme at Hooker to give us 3 hookers assuming Tomkins doesn’t play. That would then take us to 25 players, that would be enough to start the season. We could sign Edge/Roby and Else potentially as well. As long as we can find 2 props and they are of a good standard I’m happy with the squad.
if Tomkins plays for us again I will show my arse in woolworths
not saying you will not see him again on the pitch
I would like to see 2 props, I think that’s essential. Hulme at Hooker to give us 3 hookers assuming Tomkins doesn’t play. That would then take us to 25 players, that would be enough to start the season. We could sign Edge/Roby and Else potentially as well. As long as we can find 2 props and they are of a good standard I’m happy with the squad.
if Tomkins plays for us again I will show my arse in woolworths not saying you will not see him again on the pitch
On behalf of the good people of Widnes, given the potential outcome, I’d have to say the club should make sure Tomkins leaves 😁😁😉
I wouldn’t worry too much RV, that’s just another one of DD’s bum predictions.
I wouldn’t worry too much RV, that’s just another one of DD’s bum predictions.
It could be his annus horribilis in more ways than one.
Seems as though there is another announcement incoming later.
Lewis Else gone to Swinton.
Surprised at that, thought he deserved a chance with us
Lewis Else gone to Swinton. Surprised at that, thought he deserved a chance with us
Agreed! Worked hard to provide a hooker when we were without one. Best of luck Lewis!
Else was good for us and think he is a Championship level player. Do well for Swinton and will be back up to this level either with them or someone else.
Oliver Davies signed as rumoured, decent player whenever I have seen him...another Back Row though.
Difficult to understand this one. He played out of position for us and never let us down and, in my opinion, could have delivered at half-back; and at just 21, is a better prospect than Lyons. Clearly Finnegan doesn't rate him.
Good luck to him at Swinton. My guess is that if he has ambition, he will progress in the game.
Probably get shot down for this, but I’m not impressed with our recruitment/retention one bit.
We’ve signed 11 new players and only 2 of them rectify our problems of 2021.
Can’t believe we’ll be going into a season with the intention of playing players out of position.