We needed a replacement for Sinfield when he retired in 2015. Now almost 2 years on none of the youngsters have shown they have what it takes to step up as an organizer so IMO we need a marquee signing if possible or at least a Dunemann type player to bring on the next generation. But we do need to sign an organizer now.

A lot will depend on how this season finishes as to what GH can get away with. Top 4 and will be able to justify no more signings - outside of the top 4 makes that harder to explain.

That's the risk waiting though, as alluded to earlier we end up dipping in the bargain bin if we wait till September to see where we end up before acting as most OOC players are tied up by then.

It's not a risk, it's stupidity. We are where we are because of two reasons, one the hooker we got lucky with, and two the oppossition have fallen away badly. The oppossition sort themselves out for next year, Saints probably already have, and we are back to where the majority expected. The current position of the halfs wasn't good enough before the season started, and that doesn't change whether we fnish top four or not this year, it still isn't good enough.

Like i said earlier, i think a lot depends on what McGuire does. As of yet there is no news, so.....

Brierley would make a good running halfback.
The fact Huddersfield thought he would be a better fullback didn`t help the lads CV.
Oh and he woulld not cost us too much compared to a half decent HB from the NRL.

Brierley has found his level

Still think we gave up on Sutcliffe too early (although I now believe he should be our starting fullback but thats another discussion), everyone blamed him from running the ball too much and not taking control (including Mac by implication), but in Moon we now have a stand off whos only job seems to be to run the ball???

But Moon is a much better and more dangerous runner than Sutcliffe. Because of this he scores important tries and commits more defenders thus creating space for McGuire and others. He has done a fine job so far but he is not an organizer and that is what we urgently need.

Sutcliffe has much to offer and his goal kicking is greatly improved but I still do not regard him as a natural stand off.

I'm not sure I would phrase it as we have up to early on Sutcliffe but I'm not sure we set him up to succeed at half.

Last year we lost Sinfield and Peacock the best organiser and playmaker in SL history and the best prop and biggest pack leader in SL history imo, Our MoS fullback disappeared up his own ar5e for whatever reason, our strike ball handling centre developed a bad case of the dropsies for the entire year our new hooker was a complete bust, our scrum half couldn't get on the field and we somehow ended up with the scapegoats being our hooker/scrum half because he wasn't able to be hooker and scrum half at the same time and a 21 year old stand off.

I think it's testament to Sutcliffe that at 22 he has a hundred appearances has won trophies has come through injuries and has at times looked natural at fullback, centre, stand off and loose forward. 4 of the most technical and difficult positions in the game. As I said before, get us a top organiser for 3 or so years and I'm happy committing to Sutcliffe at stand off.

Even if McGuire wants to wait and see how he is at the end of the year I'd go all out looking for a halfback anyway. In the event he stays on Moon would move back into the centres. If he retires Moon stays at halfback.

The only reason I wouldn't go with the above is if there simply isn't any quality available. I certainly don't think we should sign anyone for the sake of signing someone.

Moon to Stand Off perms

Mortimer from Cronulla to Scrum Half

Hefernan from Hull KR to Centre

Mortimer I'd be ok with but wouldn't see the point in signing hefernan when we have Keinhorst and Possibly Sutcliffe if Moon moves to halves also hefernan has only looked ok against championship opposition

moon will never be a half back as long as I have a hole in my backside. he plays exactly like he did at centre. just gets more ball. never a long term solution

I too don't think it is the way to go. But at the same time, there is absolutley no doubt he is our best half we have in the first team squad currently.

That is the issue. If that is the case now, why are people still talking about going with current squad members there? We need an outside signing to go with a young one to develop, and that young one most certainly is not Sutcliffe. We have Jack Walker if that is the way they see who could work with an experienced half. Also if we are looking longer term further still, they should be making a cheeky move for Richie Westwood from Cas under 16's. He hasn't signed the pro contract with them, undecided, and that lad has a big future. And the current under 16's to move up this year don't have a quality half.

One area I will forgive the club on, is the changes to the plan they had which to be fair was not entirely their fault, although they have of course not corrected the problem. Hardaker was their long term plan for stand off for when Sinfield left, and lets' not forget Sinfield left a year early also. So whilst you can forgive considering the issues with Hardaker, and the fact Sinfield left earlier, you still have to question them on how slow they have reacted to the problem.

I think announcements on the future of both McGuire and Burrow must be imminent

Another complication is that you have another half-back on your books in Cory Aston, albeit on a season-long loan at ours (Fev). Frankly, he tries hard but at this stage of his career isn't really good enough to be the starting half-back for a top 4 Championship team. He's on a 2-year deal with Leeds but unless he takes a step forward soon I suspect Fev will be looking for someone better next season especially if we get the top 4 windfall again. Can see him ending up back with his dad at Sheffield.

A cynic *may* say this is on a par with us buying the entire Keighley squad back in the 90's.

That said at least we retained Powell and Fleary out of that one.

I saw a stat today on Twitter saying McGuire was third in SL for try assists, which I though was quite good considering most have written him off. (Obviously not saying try assists are the be all and end all of a half)

McGuire has done his job in the most part so far this year. Most worrying thing has been his defensive side, bit of a turnstile at times. Not all his fault though, the right side has had major problems for a while now.

McGuire's giving diminishing returns at this point though isnt he. He has always suffered with injuries and he isnt getting any younger.

Kidnap Blake Austin!

Now ya talking!

I'm surprised that with all the talk of an experienced marque type that no ones mentioned Gareth Widdop.

Didn't Widdop just recently sign a new deal?