Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Fri Oct 13, 2023 6:48 pm  

One more to go m, hopefully Oli Pratt.

Is it worth signing Luis Johnstone on a one year contract?

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Fri Oct 13, 2023 7:28 pm  

Dave K. wrote:

One more to go m, hopefully Oli Pratt.

Is it worth signing Luis Johnstone on a one year contract?

Smith signed Johnstone for Warrington and then for rovers. He obviously thinks there’s a player in there. Definitely worth 1 year with the option of a second if he hits certain criteria.

Worst case scenario, get him in on trial for preseason

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Fri Oct 13, 2023 8:00 pm  

Dave K. wrote:

One more to go m, hopefully Oli Pratt.

Is it worth signing Luis Johnstone on a one year contract?

i mentioned him several months ago as he wasnt getting a look in at Rovers
We could do a lot worse than signing him to fill the second row

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Sat Oct 14, 2023 5:46 am  

Looking at the squad, I'd say we are overall slightly stronger this season stronger at FB, halfbacks, hooker and prop.

Weaker on the wing and backrow.

If we could add in one of Pratt and Johnson or both, I don't think Smith has done badly with the hand he has been dealt.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Sat Oct 14, 2023 6:44 am  

Really need a proven second row of starting quality I feel. Someone better than Luis Johnson too. As it stands

Okunbor - unproven as a back rower

Carlos/Scott - converted back rowers again and will no doubt be needed in the centres given theirs and Sutcliffes injuries

Ashworth - more of a prop recently so will need a big preseason of conditioning

Lane - our only recognised back rower, but out the ones mentioned he’d be bottom of the pecking order for me, just shows how bad he has been for 18 months.

I know we have young kids coming through, particularly like the look of Jebson but that is up there with the weakest in SL.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Sat Oct 14, 2023 6:54 am  

I'd definitely take Johnson on a year's deal. Not much out there at all and he's an out and out second rower.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Sat Oct 14, 2023 7:23 am  

RockNRolla wrote:

I'd definitely take Johnson on a year's deal. Not much out there at all and he's an out and out second rower.

I wouldn’t personally.

Apart from a bit more experience I’m not sure he offers much more than our collection of young second rowers.

Would rather see them given a chance than have their pathway blocked.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Sat Oct 14, 2023 7:24 am  

FC Callum wrote:

Really need a proven second row of starting quality I feel. Someone better than Luis Johnson too. As it stands

Okunbor - unproven as a back rower

Carlos/Scott - converted back rowers again and will no doubt be needed in the centres given theirs and Sutcliffes injuries

Ashworth - more of a prop recently so will need a big preseason of conditioning

Lane - our only recognised back rower, but out the ones mentioned he’d be bottom of the pecking order for me, just shows how bad he has been for 18 months.

I know we have young kids coming through, particularly like the look of Jebson but that is up there with the weakest in SL.

That's not going to happen, we have what we have and the best we can hope for is someone like Johnson.

We have hope Smith has it right amd the likes of those you have mentioned work out.

I fully expect Okunbor and Ashworth to start with Scott or Calos off the bench.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Sat Oct 14, 2023 7:42 am  

Dave K. wrote:

That's not going to happen, we have what we have and the best we can hope for is someone like Johnson.

We have hope Smith has it right amd the likes of those you have mentioned work out.

I fully expect Okunbor and Ashworth to start with Scott or Calos off the bench.

I wouldn’t waste my time with Johnson then.

Re: Shopping list for 2024 : Sat Oct 14, 2023 7:55 am  

davey41 wrote:

I wouldn’t personally.

Apart from a bit more experience I’m not sure he offers much more than our collection of young second rowers.

Would rather see them given a chance than have their pathway blocked.

Agree , Johnson would be a squad filler at best and he’s no better than what we have already.
Pearson already said there’s only a possible outside back to come in, so not sure why posters are asking for a back row.
I’m personally looking forward to seeing the new look team.
We’ve got more youth and more of a running threat next year.
The divas and pub trainers have left the club and Grix will bring a refresh on the coaching side.
Some really good potential in Jebson Staveley Severs.
I want to see them given a chance.