TBF no side other than Toronto has quality and depth across the entire squad so the loss of one player does mean that the backup is slightly lesser quality. That means Pickersgill will end up playing mostly at FB I reckon with Hitchcox as backup. If that means DFG, Grant or Evans on the wing then that’s the way it is. It’s not ideal but it’s still alright and we’re unlikely to be coming up against sides that are at full strength every week. There are always going to be weaknesses in sides.

Unless we do go out and get a decent quality FB from somewhere but I’d say it’s unlikely. There’s only been one poster suggest we’re signing a replacement for McNally and he didn’t give any names. I’ve heard nothing from any other sources and I usually have my ear to the ground – means you listen to a lot of dogs***

Just about all 'top' players will have been signed by now, so the idea that we're, somehow, going to sign a 'replacement' for McNally is wishful thinking at its best imo. For sure we'll be saving the wages and it may well be 'burning a hole', as it were but there is no point whatever in just blueing it in by making some kind of panic buy - there is no panic and no need to rush into anything. The squad is strong enough to stand this imo, better to see how things pan out with injuries and form once the season starts in earnest and see who becomes available, if necessary, later on.

Wrong!!

Which bit is wrong exactly?
If you know something then just say it!

I've never understood why people do the 'I know something you dont know' thing on the internet

Is it so whatever the outcome, they can come out at the end of it and go 'Yeah, I knew that all along', which gives them some kind of kick and creates an illusion of knowledge/importance

Or is it that they do actually have some kind of inside info, and they like feeling some kind of 'power' from letting everyone know they know, without spilling the beans?

Wrong!

The u19’s FB, Stephenson, played very well yesterday. I’ve no problem with Pickersgill starting as FB and Stephenson as backup - along with all our utility backs who can play FB

Well, fine - but your response leaves a little to be desired in terms of the on-going debate, don't you think?

According to the T&A, Pickersgill has been given the Number 1 jersey

Also says that Kear is happy with Pickersgill as first choice, Stephenson as back up, and nothing much is in the pipeline regarding any additions.

Obviously a pack of lies, as RagingBull knows better

It was mentioned in League Express, which is probably where the T&A got it from.

I wonder if that means literally or figuratively. Have they actually changed his squad number, or simply is it the figurative way of saying he's been given the first shot at the fullback position.

Interesting point Hamster, it could easily be either.

I understood it to mean he's been given the squad number but Kear reserves the right to bring someone else in if he needs to.

I think he'll prove to be more than capable.

Well todays t&a article appears to kill off raging bulls rumour fairly decisively.

Not expecting it to happen but whatever happened to Rhys Hanbury?
Released from Widnes and expected to sign for Hull KR but hasn't (yet) I don't think.

KR have announced their squad numbers now too, which is usually a sign that recruitment is done save for any late decision deals.

I thought I saw something about Hanbury going back to Australia, but I could have easily imagined it.