Agree about Siejka's inability as a player, but the perceived way in which in his friend was treated by the club was enough for Mullaney to join Harry on the first flight back to Australia.

With James Mendeika out for the season due to that unfortunate injury in the Ireland game, one would suspect a new FB is on the transfer radar. I wonder if Jimmy regrets binning Ryan Shaw? Could be a decision that comes back to haunt us.

I wouldn't think so. Apart from the odd game or two, I never really got the big deal with Shaw, and was amazed when KR signed him. I'm not convinced he would be a much better option than Clare, Campbell or Thomas. And certainly not in Mullaney's league.

With the long term injuries to Campbell and Mendeika I'd fully expect Clare to make the FB spot his own.

The squad is certainly looking a lot leaner in 2016 with all the departures and long term injuries.

I would agree with that. Especially since Thomas may be needed to play at 7.

Personally, I prefer Clare on the wing. Him moving to fullback means Caro is likely to be first choice for the wing along with Williams, and apart from pace, I can't say I've seen a lot in Caro, so I think that makes the 13 a little poorer.

I wouldn't say the whole squad is looking leaner, as we have plenty of back and front rowers. However other positions are certainly looking light on the backup front (and one or two on the first choice front!).

The Mullaney news just confirms what we all knew some time ago – even if I’d hoped it was wrong.

I’m not sure the squad is any leaner. In fact we seem to have begun to collect backrowers. Also with Purtell as captain that leaves me wondering if he’s a cert for halfback given that Neilson and Welham should be starting centres.

That's assuming Neilsen comes back. There's been a lot of rumours on that front too, although I admit I've not heard anything as reliable as the Mullaney ones.

If he does come back, perhaps the plan is for Clare to be fullback, Nielsen & Wiliams on the wings, with Purtell & Welham in the centres? I'm sure I read that Nielsen has played quite a bit of wing in his time. Then Caro, Blythe & Campbell are your cover players, with the likes of Baile available at a push (although I expect he may be interchange hooker this year).

I think Neilson’s more of an out and out centre – he’s a quality defender but not the quickest in attack. It’ll be interesting to see if he returns.

There are a few players that I’m surprised are still with us since they seemed to be out of favour such as Baille, Uaisele, Walshaw etc.

How the wingers perform is going to depend on to a fair extent on who their centres are. With some ball and running chances both Williams and Caro can score a bucketfull of tries, but you're isolated on the wing if you don't get the service.

The downside of giving out 2 year deals I suppose. Had they been one 1 year contracts, I don't think Uaisele or Walshaw would still be at the club.

Baile I'd be less likely to get shut of quite so quickly, as I think he's our second best option at hooker. Sure it's still not a good option, but it's a better one than what I've seen of Halafihi, and unless we had another hooker coming into the club, I wouldn't want Baile to leave just yet.
As a centre or back rower though, he's not much use.

then we still have them on our books. Must admit to a sneaking liking to Walshaw, but I can't imagine their game time is going to rise. Nice work if you can get it?

What's happened to Mendieka.

Injured playing for Ireland. Quite badly apparently. Although again, I've seen nothing official, so potentially only rumour at the moment, albeit a strong one.

That's disappointing for the bloke. It would have been good to see how he went after a full pre-season. Let's hope he comes through it well and kicks on, good luck to him.

I should clarify, I don't have solid evidence on that one or anything. It got mentioned to me just after the Euros, but I didn't repeat it as I'd seen nothing anywhere else. It was only when I saw another poster mention it today on here that I thought there may be something in it.

100% true. Just waiting for the club to confirm the full extent of the injury.

Odd as Mendieka looked fine at the season ticket day yesterday. Not on crutches etc.

Dane Nielsen is not returning be confirmed soon.

He's not the only one that isn't returning.

Worrying times. Yes we know money is tight but I'd like to see a more proactive approach from the club.

How many more big name players are we going to lose from our squad this year? As things stand we are in very serious danger of being left behind. I'm trying to be optimistic that we might have some good replacements lined up but I'm struggling a little!

Any basis for this?

Who else hasn't returned that might not be returning??!! Neilson, anyone else?

Go on then, drop the other shoe. Who else isn't returning?

Will the real Peter Hood please stand up

Karl Davies would be one I assume.

Dale Ferguson & Paul Clough