So it looks like Toulouse will be re-joining us in the 2nd tier next year. This means there will be Newcastle and the French full time, with Featherstone (carefully) budgeting to the stage where they are able to spend above everyone else......Fax, Batley and Barrow will all be able to attract better quality unless we significantly out spend them.......Widnes & Bradford will be loking to improve on their abysmal performances this year...so....
...if we are to challenge for Superleague, we need to start making moves now, because one of the sides above will be looking to replace Leigh/Wakefield in 2024, or maybe 2 of them will be looking to join an enlarged SL?
Either way, we need to be aiming at a top 6 finish next year, so we need to strengthen our squad now....
Questions that need asking and answering A.S.A.P.
1. Will Toulouse be clearing the decks? If so, is there anyone we could pick up on a 12 month WELL PAID part time contract?
2. Are we planning to scout the RLWC squads when they are here and have we been scouting the NSW/QLND cup comps this year? There are plenty of Aussies/Kiwis who are now opting to play for their heritage islands....would any of these like a years adventure in the capital at the tail of their careers? Any NRL or 2nd tier Aussie who comes to the RLWC off contract should be considered, but what about fringe players coming on a 1 year loan deal?
3. Are we sticking with Eccles or are we on the look out for a new coach?
4. How many of our current squad are on 2 year deals...and who are they?
5. How soon can we announce the on the road game next year or will we be booted off the pitch for 11 weeks in mid summer AGAIN?
6. Will the pricing for next year reflect reality, or will it again be a case of fleece the sheep we have, then discount when we realise nobody else is coming?
7. Will there be a statement from the owner/ceo on the "progress' made this year, or will there be silence until it's time to fleece the sheep we have again?
The more this season unfolds, the more I think that Hughes should have instructed Loubser in Mid April to put together a plan for 2023, 24 & 25, with a detailed explanation of every action, the expected outcomes, the reason for the action and the costs associated. This plan should include a revenue stream target......because the short term gains of flogging a ticket at 13 quid more and throwing in a plate of food will have been exhausted now. The offering of the plate of food for only 3 extra quid over the last 5 home games has shown how desperate Loubser is to be able to show an upturn SOMEWHERE IN 2022.
Failing this, Hughes has decided to spend x in the years up to 2026.......he's just spent 20% of it for no reward and he cares little, because if we do get relegated over that period, it makes it easier for him to walk away with less guilt (in his mind)......
...he really needs to employ someone who dares disagree with him. Loubser allowing the blocking of 2 new appointees mid season shows how timid our CEO is.
