Fantastic news. Think I will have a beer to celebrate.

London have confirmed Matt Garside is leaving (along with Purtell, Roqica, Offerdahl & Pointer).

Wonder what sort of shape Offerdahl is in, was very good a couple of years ago and shame his visa stopped him coming to us. Could be worth a go

Agree about playing in the halves, but the kicking side may depend on who else is signed, to be honest, though I thought Joe was the weakest of our (regular) kickers this year so I hope we do address that one before the season starts. I think we'll have to accept that we aren't going to get a 90%er at our level though. Pleased about the signing though, he's definitely kicked on well since being given a few successive games.

Thought Keyes's confidence took a real knock after the Dewsbury game (unsurprisingly). Wasn't protected by the referees at all and you could tell as he put in some poor performances. But he seemed to pick up in the shield. Was good to see the team stick up for him after the the late hit against Rochdale (and fair play to the ref who dealt with it well i thought) only young and again 2 year deal. Hopefully he'll get a bit more protection from us and the refs next year.

For me this was a major positive from the Rochdale game! The team (especially Roche and Bentley) were straight in there protecting their halfback. And again fantastic from the referee (Andy Sweet wasn't it?) to sort the situation out, although he did send Moore to the bin instead of Bentley!

Back on the recruitment side. I do hope we invest in a good young fullback who can catch/tackle and has pace. We have lacked there at the start of last season and all year this year. No good having a confidence player like Thomas. Some one in the mold of Kearney (what a quality player he was!) or a Moss. Who can get our attack going and is doesn't make many mistakes out of the back.

Try get somebody on loan like that Luke Hooley, although I feel he is a bit above League 1.

Unless there season long with no recall options we need to stay clear of loans next year.

Agreed. Personally I'd like to see one brought in. Possibly from Intrust Super Cup like Moss if there isn't a good young British one available. And build with said player at the back for the next 2 years.

Would rather Pickersgill get a shot.

Well the club personnel have made complaints all season regarding loan players and the short comings of having them in the side.

I wouldn't expect too many loanees at the club next year

To be honest, I think any Kearney's (in particular) or Moss's may be a bit out of our reach in the third division, but within our financial constraints I'd agree with that. Hopefully we can reduce the 'cuts' in the spine of the team as much as possible, though clearly nothing is open ended as the pack is also likely to be a major consideration.

I agree, that's why I said in the mold of. Not necessarily of that quality, but somewhere between Moss and Thomas but closer to Moss (if that makes sense). Yes the pack needs a few additions especially if Sironen or Magrin doesn't sign back up. I'd suggest at least 2 experienced props and 2 experienced second rowers. Pack is done then. With Kirk and 1 experience prop starting, Peltier and 1 experience prop on the bench with Wilson coming in for the odd game off the bench. Hodgson and Wilkinson interchanging with the 2 experienced SR's. And Sironen/Minchella at LF.

I agree with that statement.

Lafeka Paleasina and Mark Mexico.

Yeah, let's hope they keep up the pace of re-signings and can bring people in - the sooner we have more news about the team the better, really.

Agreed. I'd love it if we had a full squad signed up by late October/early November. That way we can hit pre-season with a full squad, and no late comers who can't play due to lack of fitness. Get the lads learning the combinations and then hit that boxing day friendly! Counting down the days already haha!

Sironen is crucial for me, the pack has looked a very different proposition with his leadership

We will probably struggle to get anybody playing part time in Aussie to come over here and play part time too.

Not unless we can offer a job to go with it, and I can't see that, tbh.

That's how is was done in 'the old days', though - but then the owners tended to be local businessmen who had companies to run which needed employees. The current model doesn't seem to be the same though..

Plus the Aussie season ran opposite to our season, now they are parallel.

Very true!

Unless they are the ones on a FT deal!

Batley have just confirmed Johnny Campbell has returned to them.

Shame that. JC was one of our better players, imo, though I suppose the move has been well leaked so no surprise.