Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 10:49 am  

Dave K. wrote:

Surely he wont be kept if he can't get into a championship side?

I think you need about 5 top players (maybe 6 if Abdul or Ellis aren't kept)

FB
Centre
Halfback
Prop
Backrower

Think Jewitt will get found out in SL, he didn't particularly stand out last time in SL and his discipline will cost you (I'd have been fuming with him for that 79min penalty he coincided on Saturday).

We have plenty of cover at Hooker anyway: Lunt, Lawler, ZDC and Jubb.

FB: Moss and ZDC (who did OK when he played there).

I think Sheens might decide to keep Quinlan and see if he gets his confidence back.

At HB, Macguire and Atkin are confirmed. Can't see Ellis going back to Hudds but I'm unconvinced by him. Would love Abdul to stay and might if promised regular 1st team games (doubtful get that at Hull at the mo).

Still not convinced by Jewitt. The penalties on Saturday nearly killed us. Still not totally convinced by Kavanagh and Clarke might not cut in SL.

And don't forget Donno who everyone likes to high tackle (poor lad). Still worth a shot in SL.

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 11:50 am  

Dave K. wrote:

Surely he wont be kept if he can't get into a championship side?

I think you need about 5 top players (maybe 6 if Abdul or Ellis aren't kept)

FB
Centre
Halfback
Prop
Backrower

Think Jewitt will get found out in SL, he didn't particularly stand out last time in SL and his discipline will cost you (I'd have been fuming with him for that 79min penalty he coincided on Saturday).

Depends what you mean by "top players". Not what I think as neither Abdul or Ellis fall into that category. Abdul may develop into one though. Teams even the top echelon are not packed with top players. Most have half a dozen at most complemented by good squad players.

Jewitt is a better player now than when he was in SL and a feisty prop is what most teams need. Most of our players have developed under TS this season. Non of our props have had a red card in 2017. If you would have been fuming at the penalty Jewitt gave away how do you cope the the record of the FC props? You must be almost suicidal.

ZDC did play in the championship. In the qualifiers we needed to play our best team for each match as until promotion was achieved there was no room for error. Are you suggesting that any member of the FC squad that has not so far played in the super 8's should be release?

I'm sure TS knows the players he will retain and has the players he wants to sign in mind whether he can get them is another matter.

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 12:25 pm  

Noticed widnes have signed Will Matthews from St George next season can't see him playing if they're in the championship. ...

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 12:33 pm  

Keiththered wrote:

Depends what you mean by "top players". Not what I think as neither Abdul or Ellis fall into that category. Abdul may develop into one though. Teams even the top echelon are not packed with top players. Most have half a dozen at most complemented by good squad players.

Jewitt is a better player now than when he was in SL and a feisty prop is what most teams need. Most of our players have developed under TS this season. Non of our props have had a red card in 2017. If you would have been fuming at the penalty Jewitt gave away how do you cope the the record of the FC props? You must be almost suicidal.

ZDC did play in the championship. In the qualifiers we needed to play our best team for each match as until promotion was achieved there was no room for error. Are you suggesting that any member of the FC squad that has not so far played in the super 8's should be release?

I'm sure TS knows the players he will retain and has the players he wants to sign in mind whether he can get them is another matter.

No, but I would have a player who can't get into my best 17 taking up a valuable quota spot. That's why it's the right decision to release Michaels at hull. Don't think a quota spot should be used on a quota player.

Fair points though, maybe top players was wrong, maybe more 5 top 8 standard players.

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 12:36 pm  

Would you take anyone from Widnes and Leigh should they get relegated.

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 1:08 pm  

IIRC we received special dispensation for Moss due to the situation at the bulls. Anyone know if it was just for this year or as long as he stays a rovers player? Below are my thoughts on the outs.

Outs
Horne - basically hasn't played all year
Cockayne - confirmed
Ellis - wouldn't want to go in with Atkin, Ellis & Maguire
Abdull - on paper he is leaving, would like to keep
Clarkson - dependable but we need more fire power in the back row
Milton - basically already gone
JBF - basically already gone

Maybe's
ZDC - isn't getting much of a look in and if he is using a quota spot its questionable for me
Moss - depends on quota / dispensation question mark. Worth another year to develop if non quota
Clark - fallen well down the pecking order

Jewitt signed 18month contract I believe so is already here for next year, he is also loved by Cas fans at SL level, not sure why the discussion on him. May not have seen his best but if he is our 3rd or 4th (on paper prop) its better depth in that position then in 2016.

Will be very interesting to see who comes and goes but the main takeaway for me is that I think there flexibility/cap is there to add a handful of higher quality players should they be available.

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 1:49 pm  

Dave K. wrote:

Would you take anyone from Widnes and Leigh should they get relegated.

Mellor from widnes and mortimer from leigh off top of my head.

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 1:57 pm  

Salty mouse wrote:

Mellor from widnes and mortimer from leigh off top of my head.

I would add Cahill and Dudson to that list. Both had strong games at the weekend.

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 2:38 pm  

I would also take

Hanbury - Widnes
Houston - Widnes
Dudson - as 4th/5th choice prop, leg drive i thought was outstanding
Hansen - Leigh
Acton - Leigh ( need to sort discipline out, but the wizard could do that )


I think we will sign an excellent scrum half, and have mcguire, atkin and signing as the 3, with atkin learning his trade further under someone good.

I would not be surprised to see Blair leave now mission accomplished, so 2nd rowers in the mould of galea/newton would add to our pack immensely

Re: Squad for 2018 : Mon Sep 11, 2017 3:18 pm  

mean_machine wrote:

I would also take

Hanbury - Widnes
Houston - Widnes
Dudson - as 4th/5th choice prop, leg drive i thought was outstanding
Hansen - Leigh
Acton - Leigh ( need to sort discipline out, but the wizard could do that )


I think we will sign an excellent scrum half, and have mcguire, atkin and signing as the 3, with atkin learning his trade further under someone good.

I would not be surprised to see Blair leave now mission accomplished, so 2nd rowers in the mould of galea/newton would add to our pack immensely

Blair has been great and a true professional over the years. Would like him to stay but may have to make way for a new younger, fitter version. Top class player but may be pushing it to give him another year.

We'll need 4 HBs next year. Unfortunately I forsee Maguire being injured a lot purely because he is now a more senior player. We don't want a repeat of poor old Campo.

I wouldn't take anyone from any of the 3 at risk clubs. We shouldn't sell ourselves short otherwise we'll be back here again in 12 months time.