Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:35 am  

Confirmed by Ross on Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/rosshtanda/s ... 3473084416 Excellent signing, very pleased with this one

Confirmed by Ross on Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/rosshtanda/s ... 3473084416 Excellent signing, very pleased with this one

[Bullseye]

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:40 am  

We seem to have the backrow covered with 8 of next year’s squad being able to play there. I’d like to see the addition of a line breaking forward. Not sure if any of the 2015 squad have that but we do have some very steady workers.

It’d also be good to see a halfback and some centres. We have Henry signed up and solid rumours about Baille and that kid from Warrington. We’re going to need more than 3.

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:45 am  

Jay Pitts is an excellent signing. The pack is looking decent with 7 back rowers 3 hookers and 4 props. If Tahrouil signs I'd be content if we were to add one more experienced prop. Would be surprised ( and delighted) if Roberts was staying but from what's been said on here it seems he'll be joining the Giants.
Obviously we now need more announcements regarding backs. I'd hope Blythe and Purtell would sign new contracts and also hope the rumours regarding Shaw and Baille turn out to be true. Which leaves half back-. Gareth O'Brien would now be a surprise . How about Meads at Gateshead? Good background and playing well in lower league.

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:52 am  

pleased with Pitts signing. Good solid replacement for Donno who already knows our structures and maybe offers a little more in attack. HDM article also confirms he wasnt OOC at end of season as some claimed.
Suspect HDM article has stolen our thunder our a little and this announcement was planned for tomorrow or sat in build up to widnes game so maybe we'll bring next announcement forward to saturday to fill the gap. Think we wont annnounce a player early next week as they've already said a few signings announced thursday at event.
RE: centres, Ferres said at least 4 plus 2 wingers. With Henry only confirmed one at moment plus Baille and shaw strongly rumoured that leaves at least one spot to fill assuming Etu and Williams are the wingers. Hopefully Blythe agrees to stay.

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:56 am  

Bullnorthern wrote:

Obviously we now need more announcements regarding backs. I'd hope Blythe and Purtell would sign new contracts and also hope the rumours regarding Shaw and Baille turn out to be true. Which leaves half back-. Gareth O'Brien would now be a surprise . How about Meads at Gateshead? Good background and playing well in lower league.

we only have one non fed spot left so you can only have one of Purtell or Meads. Suspect Purtell decision wont be made until halfbac situation is resolved. If we need overseas spot for a HB then Purtell goes (although Offerdahl's deal is subject to him getting a visa so there could be some scope for manouver there).

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 9:34 am  

Surely Peterson is Donno's replacement rather than Pitts. Don't think Pitts has played at LF once for us all season.
What happened with that Walshaw rumour? Seems to have gone quiet but there's no mention of him staying put on the Wakey boards either. I would certainly take him over Purtell.

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:00 am  

Pitts added to squad listing, 2nd row subdivision of back row.

Edit: BUT hes described as prop/2nd row/LF so will have to wait for the announcement to see where hes playing in this new squad (no doubt will be described as utility forward)

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:03 am  

Very pleased we've signed Pitts. Hasn't let anyone down.

[Bulliac]

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:13 am  

Nothus wrote:

Surely Peterson is Donno's replacement rather than Pitts. Don't think Pitts has played at LF once for us all season.

Well, the game has become narrower than it was, and in the same way that hookers have become extra halves, a loose forward can look a bit more like a slightly lighter, but more mobile 'extra prop', these days. It's much more difficult to put modern players into the old 'bags' as so many of the corners have been rounded off as the skills have become redundant.

Re: New Signings/Re-Signings : Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:22 am  

Nothus wrote:

Surely Peterson is Donno's replacement rather than Pitts. Don't think Pitts has played at LF once for us all season.
What happened with that Walshaw rumour? Seems to have gone quiet but there's no mention of him staying put on the Wakey boards either. I would certainly take him over Purtell.

Didnt mean as direct replacement at loose forward, just as permanent 2nd rower within the group of back rowers. Don't think donno had nailed down LF as his spot as it seemed to rotate between him,addy and walker pretty much on a week by week basis. Think its a straight fight next year for the spot between peterson and addy at the moment.