Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Dec 25, 2022 7:16 pm  

Am confident we’ll be pushing toward top 2 this year. The only major weakness I see in our squad is lack of pace. Handley can shift, Newman too when fit and probably Macdonald. But a distinct lack of pace from Fullback and half backs. Rohan may be capable of covering this up, but our best teams could not only score from anywhere, they also got back and prevented tries from line breaks……
If any cap space becomes available mid season etc…. a speedster from fullback would make a big difference……

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Mon Dec 26, 2022 12:06 am  

Shabino wrote:

Am confident we’ll be pushing toward top 2 this year. The only major weakness I see in our squad is lack of pace. Handley can shift, Newman too when fit and probably Macdonald. But a distinct lack of pace from Fullback and half backs. Rohan may be capable of covering this up, but our best teams could not only score from anywhere, they also got back and prevented tries from line breaks……
If any cap space becomes available mid season etc…. a speedster from fullback would make a big difference……

I don't think fullback will be on the agenda this year.I do agree we need to inject more pace at half back but to that will have to wait until next season.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Mon Dec 26, 2022 10:56 am  

Shabino wrote:

Am confident we’ll be pushing toward top 2 this year. The only major weakness I see in our squad is lack of pace. Handley can shift, Newman too when fit and probably Macdonald. But a distinct lack of pace from Fullback and half backs. Rohan may be capable of covering this up, but our best teams could not only score from anywhere, they also got back and prevented tries from line breaks……
If any cap space becomes available mid season etc…. a speedster from fullback would make a big difference……

Agree Shabs. We need some pace at HB and FB. That needs addressing for 2024.
But I don't see us pushing for top 2, more like top 4 for me.
But happy to be wrong of course.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Dec 27, 2022 7:01 am  

We require a HB desperately. Barrie McDermott says it will be a big year for Jack Sinfield, I'm not so sure, is he ready yet? Sure I'd love to see him get games, but break out year? I think another season at the very least. I guess we will see. Both Sezer and Austin will miss games this year.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Dec 27, 2022 11:38 am  

And will probably play Gannon there if one of our halfbacks gets injured.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Dec 27, 2022 1:01 pm  

The shortage of an extra halfback is the biggest weakness in the squad. The first move to cover will probably involve Myler, but with Hooley injured and missing pre season, and Hardaker now with Leigh, that means we would probably see Handley at fullback and that doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence.

We need some luck with injuries in the 1, 6, and 7 jerseys this year. Next year must see some recruitment of at least good cover there.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Dec 27, 2022 1:18 pm  

The thing is, the pivot positions are the most difficult to recruit for and are usually the most in demand. Which experienced 6/7 would be willing to be a back up when he'd probably be able to get a starting spot somewhere else?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Dec 27, 2022 1:32 pm  

I don’t think getting someone would be that hard, they’d get lots of chances as neither Austin or Sezer will play that any games, and at least one will leave the year after. Paying for them could be different though.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Tue Dec 27, 2022 2:54 pm  

We need Sinfield and one of the younger fullbacks to kick on, whether that be Hooley or the next junior, because our first choice 1/6/7 are all into their 30s and I'd hate to have to try to sign even two top quality spine players for 2024. One will be hard enough to get right.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Wed Dec 28, 2022 9:53 am  

We have plenty of players who can do a job at half back if Sezer and Austin are out.No point for mine signing a back up as I doubt we could get anyone of real quality.Next season we should sign at least one starting one. Personally I would prefer a 6 with pace to replace Austin.Sinfield can then be the main back up for Sezer and the new 6.