Had a fully fit pack then though. Last year if we got one or two (Manuokafoa and Scruton) injuries we could rely on Burgess, Hargreaves, Kopczak, Elima, Sibbit and at a push Joseph to cover. We pick up two injures (same players for example) we are left with Walker, Langley, Evans and Sidlow.

To be honest I struggled to remember a team look as uninterested as KR did at Odsal that day. But I think we are suffering now from "too" problems - too small a squad and too small a pack - size and numbers. At a pinch we could get away with our current backs if they were behind a pack which could assert itself.

Excellant original post and many sensible comments to follow it. Is it me, but the wheels seemed to come off after the Jay Willey affair. I wonder how much damage this has added to the obvious injuries and tiredness aspect of our losing form. As has been said to be in the the top 8 so far into the season with basically one hand tied behind our back is actually commendable.

We should never have gotten rid of Richie Hawkyard.

Who?

Don't think the Jay Willey thing has anything much to do with the current situation. The problems stem from the time it took to get the OK Bulls set up and the smaller budget at the beginning of the season. Even if Willey had come on board recently there'd be little her money would do at this late stage as all players are contracted.

Think it's more to do with the small squad. I hear there are a lot of players carrying knocks that would normally require a few weeks off or surgery but who are playing on because there's nobody else to come in, this is bound to affect performances. For instance Sammut has been wearing one of those plastic boots for some time due to an ankle problem and hasn't been able to train as much, he's not the only one. Also Jamie Foster's pectoral injury was serious and painful and he's going to take time to get back to full confidence in the tackle. That rather explains the bad tackling versus Hudders.

It's real backs to the wall stuff at the moment.

Exactly!

A wee poser that got a call-up to the first team away to Huddersfield when we used to beat them all the time. Live on Sky. He thought he had all the style. Ridiculous badger style haircut and wearing a pair of bright green boots he was the classic "look at me" player.

Now I have always believed that if you want to stand out, then you had better do for a good reason.

He was useless. Played about three games, including, IIRC, the first game we had lost to Huddersfield in years (it spawned the t-shirts they brought out celebrating the win), and was never seen again.

Went down to the championship with Swinton where he was still out of his depth he has hardly ever featured.

In fact, so bad that he only got ONE game for Scotland.

I think that was the only game he played for us. First team anyway.

I believe he's first choice fullback for Swinton nowadays though. When they're not being forced to play Warrington reserve players.

Oh I know exactly who you meant (I think I know practically all the Bulls players since 1996 IIRC including Calros Hassan) I was just being sarcastic as Hawkyard didn't feature much and I actuallyy can't remember him as I was like 9/10 at the time.

It is never good to have so many changes in one go, but things must be really bad if the likes of Sykes and K. Pryce are being remembdered fondly. None of the players on the OP's list are really worth worrying about - certainly not of the magnitude of losing Fielden, Peacock and Pryce in a quick spell.

K Pryce has blown more chances than Gazza.

No it's not of the same magnitude but I'd rather have Sykes and K. Pryce this year as back up because we could certainly use their experience atm.

They're not being remembered fondly by me.

Karl Pryce, the big girls blouse that he is, would not be welcome by me back in the team even if the only other choice was to start putting random fans there instead. Sykes is only missed by some fans because he often used to pass to them during a game.

Don't get me wrong I am so happy that we have finally got rid of practically all the deadwood.....but now we are lacking in numbers and Sykes/K. Pryce offered numbers and experience and probably cheap too. Rather have a few of those props though that I mentioned in the OP.

But who would they displace in the side?

Would you pick Pryce over Kear, Foster, Platt or Purtell? I know I wouldn't.
What about Sykes over Sammut, Gale or Addy? No again.

Unless we get another injury or two in those positions, I still wouldn't see any use for them anyway.

I never said I would pick them over the current players........I said they would be good cheap back up. We have no back up halves unless you move players out of position. Sykes has played 6 and does at Wakey and K. Pryce was at 6 in a World Club Challenge for us (can't remember if he played anymore at 6). Also both can cover all backs positions.....but like I said I would prefer the props that I mentioned in the OP.

We're struggling enough without even considering bringing back Pryce and chuffin Sykes!

If we need anyone back it's Hargreaves, Elima and Tom Burgess. BTW Tom Burgess only signed a 1 year deal with Souths. Wonder if he'll re-sign with them or go elsewhere? Is it too much to hope he'll come back?

If you'd of watched pryce play for dewsbury against batley then you would change your mind instantly... Played fullback caught the ball on full two or three times and then passed it instantly, took the ball in twice, made 5m and then fell to the floor. He then went off after 50 mins with an injury

Typical performance from him

South Bradford or South Sydney - that is a tough choice to make. Thought the whole Burgess clan were looking for Oz nationality?

I wouldn't mind Michael Worrincey coming back on a months loan to give Whitehead a bit of a rest, maybe Saints away this week and Warrington at home in a few week,and maybe Wigan away at a push

Why could Gower not have left London last month? We would still be in the CC. Another Aussie half back unable to settle???

Quote ="Bullseye" BTW Tom Burgess only signed a 1 year deal with Souths. Wonder if he'll re-sign with them or go elsewhere? Is it too much to hope he'll come back?'" Not if this has any sway forums.leagueunlimited.com/showt ... p?t=420962

Quote ="Bullseye" BTW Tom Burgess only signed a 1 year deal with Souths. Wonder if he'll re-sign with them or go elsewhere? Is it too much to hope he'll come back?'" Not if this has any sway forums.leagueunlimited.com/showt ... p?t=420962

We can dream. I'd be amazed if he came back.

Well he would have had 1st team games here, not played one yet over there. His twin is taking all the headlines!