I am reading on the BBC Sport website that York Knights have signed an Aussie prop, Ryan Jackson and Leeds Rhinos have signed an Aussie forward Jeremiah Mata'utia. Between them they didn't make one competitive appearance in the NRL last season. They may turn out to be decent as they are only young but it goes to show what a dearth of home grown talent there is out there if Superleague teams are having to sign Aussie 2nd stringers.
I was thinking that. Once upon a time we thought signing players from the NSW and QLD Cups might be an option for us; but SL clubs are signing them. Shocking really.
In other news, Long has left Oldham....wonder what impact that will have on them. Could be good for us if things are a bit unsettled....
Are we still signing Akaoula?
WE need to limit the number of imports into our game to ensure that our youngsters get a chance to develop, if we don't we won't have a 'British' game at all.
It wouldn't take much imagination to see NRL clubs signing young Aussies and loaning them, at a price, to UK clubs for experience!
I have just seen some photos of Widnes in pre season training and Adam Lawton looks very lean. If he can use good leg speed he will be devastating at this level.
@begg especially if he's used in the back row ...no centre or back rower wants him hurtling at you 10m out
That’s where Lawton should be used - a very effective attacker from 15 yards out
@begg especially if he's used in the back row ...no centre or back rower wants him hurtling at you 10m out
Definitely use him to his strengths. Always rated Adam just do not like him played at prop because seems to make more mistakes and gets more frustrated. Use his strengths and we will have a top player at this level. Langtree, Wilde, Lawton and possibly Max Roberts in the back row is a good combination of different types of players. If any have niggly injuries rotate them when required, so to get the best. Rumours of an Aussie and hopefully a good prop. 👍😎
Don’t forget mcwhirter who is an out and out backrower
we ok in those positions, it’s another prop we need - assume all waiting on the fev debacle
Do we reckon thats now it for 2026 recruitment? Or is there anyone else rumoured to have signed?
@member151 although the club didn't state Hughes was the final addition, they did state at the fans forum squad size would be 26....and we're at that number now , was murmurs of an overseas addition from various places/people but nothings come of that ,was rumours of akaoula again nothings come of that ,maybe the two are the very same thing .... wouldn't hold your breath is all I'll say
Regarding Akaoula , its not unknown for the southern hemisphere players to go home for their holiday and start their training there!
Or am I just being hopeful???
@sandgroper definitely possible...may have to wait for international clearance..maybe work visa ...only thing is that rumours been rumbling for weeks now and would have thought that wouldn't take that long ...may have been nothing it in the first place...
Could Samy Kibula be a shout? Released from batley after an injury hit season (wasn’t injury prone before that) so it may be a risk.
He may be local ish as he came through Wigan academy and played for warrington