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Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 7:11 am  

Wollo-Wollo-Wollo-Wayoo wrote:

I'm OK with Croft. He makes very few errors and can hit as hard as many of the forwards when he times it right. Continues to improve.
I have yet to see what all the hype is about Shaw although I recall thinking he's was outstanding as a second rower in his Academy days. Worth the wait.

He's years off the peak time for a prop. He needs to be managed but I think he'll be good for us.

Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 8:13 am  

Butcher wrote:

Croft was definitely the one I was surprised by. Shaw I kind of get - he’s younger, bit of potential and worth a shot.

Same here with Croft. Good solid Championship level centre. Never lived up to his debut v Saints all those years ago.

Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 8:21 am  

I'll be more than happy if Croft is our fourth choice centre. Over the years we've had no end of injuries in the three quarters, it looks like weve got some real depth there next season.

Johnstone, Scott, Pratt, Hall, Walmsley, Russell, Booth, Croft, Rourke, Kay and Griffin who can all play/cover there if needed.

Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 9:05 am  

Kettykat wrote:

Let’s not forget they have been up against championship opposition , if players didn’t look good I think we’d all be asking questions. Yes we now have financial stability but that’s not to say money can be used willy nilly and the club must feel that at present we have a squad that can compete at the next level , which probably includes a contingency plan if and when the right player becomes available.

Got to admit looking at the squad for next year underwhelmed overall .

Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:07 am  

I don`t see how you can be underwhelmed with the squad. For the first time in years we have got our players that we have targeted already assembled to go in to winter training and not waiting to see who is left after all other clubs have picked over the player pool.
I think we are in a better position than ever this century, with current Internationals and NRL players also young prospects on a upward trajectory of there careers.

Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:22 am  

alegend wrote:

Got to admit looking at the squad for next year underwhelmed overall .

Again, who were you expecting?

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Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 11:01 am  

alegend wrote:

Got to admit looking at the squad for next year underwhelmed overall .

That's not really a surprise.

Just two current internationals
One previously played for England still under 25
One played for England Knights 26
Goal kicker heading for a top 5 points in a season in the World
Average age of squad about 25

I'm whelmed

Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 11:17 am  

alegend wrote:

Got to admit looking at the squad for next year underwhelmed overall .

****HOLD THE BACK PAGE****

Shock announcement incoming......

Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 11:30 am  

One of the things I like about Croft is his passing game he has the ability to create an opening for his winger and is a great timer of an accurate pass. This is one area of his game that Ollie Pratt needs to start to develop in order to become the top class centre he is capable of being

Re: Nine players to leave : Fri Sep 27, 2024 11:55 am  

alegend wrote:

Got to admit looking at the squad for next year underwhelmed overall .

Feel our forward pack will hold their own against all comers , happy enough with hood , Johnstone speaks for himself. If I’m honest I’m uneasy with our half’s, Trueman hasn’t been tested for a long time due to a catalogue of injuries which has blighted his career so far , was the best thing since sliced bread for a while until the wheels fell off , big risk imo , let’s hope all that is behind him now. Russel,seen nothing that makes me believe anything other than a pretty ordinary guy , then everyone’s favourite Lino ,at times looks like a world beater but far too often takes the wrong options and what looked like good attacking structures ,collapses into nothing . Lots of work to do off season with these to get them singing from the same hymn sheet ,as they will be playing behind a cracking pack which will offer them time on the ball to hopefully orchestrate the downfall of our opposition, but more than happy how things are shaping up , with a few reservations