Can't believe we let him go. Up there with allowing Peacock to leave as one of the larger cock ups of recent years.

For a HB partner for Southernwood I'd suggest having a look at Wigan. There's a fresh faced young kid there (can't be much more than 16) not getting many chances due to Tom Kins & Leueueuleulai who I noticed against the French at the weekend. Apparently he's a bit of a kicker but he didn't offer much from what I saw. I did read some rave reviews a couple of years ago though. Might be worth a gamble.

Squad just announced.

Finigan gets picked for first time:

Addy, Halley, L'Estrange, Hall, Lynch, Sheriffe, Crossley, Finigan, Kopczak, Sykes, Menzies, Reardon, Godwin, Nero, Kearney, Whitehead, Worrincy, Langley, Platt.

I've seen Finnigan a couple of times in the reserves/academy and never thought he looked that good to be honest. But he can't do much worse, so maybe worth a try.

What position is he again?

I suppose time and circumstance will tell, but I think he has the raw ingredients to make a decent 6.

He's a winger

Odd to have Finigan in the 19 man squad imo, but probably worth a try. I'd have thought Smith would be in line before Finigan though.

It suggests to me that Kearney will be moved into the halves, with Halley at the back and Reardon/Sheriffe as wingers. Finnigan in incase Halley or Reardon aren't fit.

If you read JP's book he claims that he wasn't so much let go, so much as told by CC, that (due to large amounts of cap being spent on Iestyn Harris at the time) if he didn't want to accept the rather poor terms he ought to (somewhat vulgar colloquial, copulatory verb, often used as an adjective) off. Only CC said it a little more succinctly than that.

From what I'm told, Halley is 50/50 as to whether he'll play or not. Whether he plays or not, I would still expect Kearney to be at fullback though with Sykes/L'Estrange or Sykes/Addy as the halfback combo. I would expect Reardon to be the one to miss out if Halley isn't able to play.

Don't I remember reading that they told Peacock there was no money for him to be given a decent pay (or pay rise) and then they went and signed Iestyn, proving the money was there after all, which miffed JP enough for him to bugger off elsewhere? Or did I read that wrong?

I can't see Macca naming four players as outside backs though.

I can't see him playing Finigan over Reardon either.

The team I would like to see is :

Kearney
Sheriffe
Platt
Nero
Finnigan
Sykes
Addy
Lynch
L'Estrange
Kopzcak
Langley
Whitehead
Menzies

Godwin
Crossley
Hall
Worrincy (even though Olbison should have been in the squad over him.

Me neither. But that squad to me suggests either same 17 as last week (albeit not necessarily in the same places), with only Halley for Reardon a potential change. If Finnigan plays, I would think it's only because of injuries to Halley and maybe another (which may be why he's in the squad if two players are doubtful). Perhaps Nero is not guaranteed to recover from the injury he left the field with? With doubts over Halley & Nero, that may be why Finnigan is in the squad.

I've heard that Reardon's hamstring still isn't 100% either.

With the amount of backs to forwards in that swuad though, it's clear Worrincy will be playing



Lets hope Whitehead gets the starting spot though.

Indeed, but don't forget theres Crookes as well who injuries permitting could develop and still counts as a young outside back.

We're down to the bones a bit, but putting a new lad in the 19 is good experience/confidence for him even if he plays or not. Shows the coaching staff must think something of him, can't say I've ever seen him play. Doubt he'll make the 17 mind.

I'd not forgotten about Crookes. I honestly can't see him becoming a first team regular from what I've seen of him. Hope he proves me wrong of course, but I think Wardle looks a better prospect in the centres (assuming he stays in that position).

I'd agree with Wardle looking a better prospect at the moment, its just a shame that injury has hampered Crookes' development. With the run he would have had in the 1st team at the time he might well have come on significantly. Still might, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Are the Super League website just guessing, or do they know something we don't?

Bit disappointed that Southernwood isn't getting another go.

Our halves are pretty awful, though understandable given circumstances.

Another loss this weekend i'm afraid.

Pretty sad Bulls fan here, who really doesn't have the same excitement about our young crop as others seem to do.

Why?

Yeah same here, some of them look outstanding, some of them look not that great.
I think some of them have been bigged up to much and a number of the high hopes will fall by the wayside.

The only ones who have been bigged up [utoo[/u much are the Burgii.

I reckon they can handle it though.

Well i think it must depend on your expectations, however none of them have made me go "Wow, this kid is going to be good." or words to those effect with Whitehead an exception.

I think the youth system lately has just been billed up far too much over past few years to cover Mcnarama's failings as Bulls coach.

I mean seriously how many clubs blood more than 2 or 3 youngsters into first teamers a year. No matter how much potential some have, they never make it unfortunately.

Donaldson...

Future international? I know it's only Phil Clarke but didn't he say he'd be best player in league in a few years? I just don't think he has the build. Trying to think of a game when he has done some magic moment but can't i'm afraid.

Crossley were we told would be a very good centre.. From what i've seen he'll never make it in Bulls squad, and if he does i can't see him being anything special.