If we have indeed signed Brad Holroyd then retaining both Edge and Roby would leave us in danger of overloading the squad with outside backs again. Wouldn’t be an easy call between them as they are at a similar level. Edge being slightly younger may be in pole position of the two in the club’s thinking but that’s a bit of a guess.
We have signed Fozard as first choice hooker and have also signed Gregory who you would assume will fight it out with Hulme for the bench hooker spot. If Hulme is announced we will then have 3 specialist hookers in the squad. Else could yet sign as a hooker/half back as well. I can't see us keeping Tomkins given we have added 2 specialist hookers to the squad. He must be one of our highest earners and I would hope the contract money freed up would allow us to sign an experienced prop.
If we have indeed signed Brad Holroyd then retaining both Edge and Roby would leave us in danger of overloading the squad with outside backs again. Wouldn’t be an easy call between them as they are at a similar level. Edge being slightly younger may be in pole position of the two in the club’s thinking but that’s a bit of a guess.
But that’s because we haven’t signed enough forwards.
Early days, granted, but can’t believe we’ve only signed 2 new props.
Levy Nz, Dupree & Bent is listed as prop/loose forward plus Will T, is a young set and I guess we all think that a couple of experienced old heads would make a robust 'middle'.
On the face of it the age of most of our forwards plus their highlights leads to a feeling that most could play anywhere in the pack. Just how Simon will play them will depend on how pre-season goes but if they respond well our defence should be pretty strong.
Three centres with Spedding fast enough to play wing if needed, and Ince having played centre should give some injury cover in the backs.
Can't see where two more experienced forwards might come from within the UK game.
Hatton signed for Leigh.
Good to see our academy providing players for our rivals
Hatton signed for Leigh. Good to see our academy providing players for our rivals
Probably offered more money
He left for full time rugby.
These things are always going to happen until we are able to be FT or offer some FT contracts.
That being said, there won't be many more academy products to snap up anyway sadly!
These things are always going to happen until we are able to be FT or offer some FT contracts. That being said, there won’t be many more academy products to snap up anyway sadly!
You could be right there CJ, we have signed a load of players from outside our club circle, as others have done after our club had developed them.
The RFL don't rate our efforts so why worry, the game is on its way down anyway.