Didn't work out. Can't blame that one on Leeds or Smith - Macdonald left the club with no chance but give him the boot, and pickings were very slim for replacements. If Macdonald hadn't done that he'd still be with us.

Ten players out and 4 in - five with Sivo - and yet the squad somehow feels stronger? Speaks volumes that of the players leaving only Martin is a big loss, and Ruan maybe for potential. While I wish the rest all the best, I don't think any of them will be missed.

We are taking a punt on Gannon and Holroyd being fit, but it looks like Arthur is focusing on having a really strong first choice team, a few versatile players to cover gaps, and then rely on youth. The squad has very little fat in it now - maybe literally if the off season is as brutal as suspected. Maybe that's why it somehow feels more competitive?

The quality has improved, with signings better than those leaving. We are taking a bit of a risk with the pack, but there's some flexibility there amongst the size. The kids need to embrace the new attitude about the club, the professionalism, if they do they will be fine and so will we in the coming years.

The next recruitment cycle will likely see a new halfback, perhaps a new second row, and maybe another prop. All will need to be the right quality to start or at least put pressure on the starters to perform. We've made some big strides forward this close season.

Do we think a UK / non quota forward possibly next in then after Sivo? I know JR said on his post they are looking.. any update on that ?

With the exception of Rhyse Martin, I can barely think of a decent game or even more than a few good moments from all the 9 outgoing players combined.

Don’t think any of them changed the course of one single match.

Given I can think of a few games that Brad Dwyer changed , I think Blease has got it right.

The incoming players should be able to really influence and contribute at first team level. The squad looks quite thin but I’d rather have someone in who can give the opposition a headache rather than a bunch of selling platers. If injuries strike we could struggle but given we have finished 8th twice in a row I’d much rather the Blease approach and play the youngsters.

At least we have more chance of giving the top sides a proper game next year

Makes you wonder if we may go back for Eseh , although a second row could be useful, no ideal who.

Eseh is raw but he’s big and athletic and pretty aggressive which is what you want at prop. Arthur will know what he thinks after his loan spell.

Sivo must be signed by this point.

Will be interesting to see who else in the next month or so

GH did a lot of big talk when we signed Miller which was similar to when he signed Achurch on £100k pa plus. £260k sounds over the top but who knows

Sivo signed a 3 year deal.

Wouldn't know him from Adam but I'm imagining an Australian Jon Wilkin. Ewww.

Caine and Fletcher went on to say look what happened to Ryan Hall when he came over here.
Didn`t score one try yet scored a million in the UK.
Never ones to blow things out of proportion those Ozzies.
Must be down to their ancestors being criminals in the UK.

Three years makes sense,he will want that last big deal.
I assume parra help with first season only ?

Probably, might be a 1 year deal with a 2 year mutual extension to work on the cap compliance.

I got told that he signed almost 3 weeks ago.

Think we need another prop to be truly confident of moving a few places up the league next year. To be honest I was far from impressed with Eseh ( he was truly dreadful away at Wire) and he would feel like another project prop. That said, options in the domestic market are very limited and we'd have to pay a transfer fee for a proven option. Byrne at Wigan would be ideal. If you check their site they've had offers but aren't keen to sell. Guess we'll have to put our faith in Blease. He does seem like a man with a plan

EEJ was worse than Sangare. He was dreadful for Cas and Hull in the limited game time he had there.

6am warning on socials

Pete smith at the YEP has already given the game away (not that we didn’t know who the 6am signing was going to be of course)

Reading between the lines, I think Hall will be back up winger. Connor at centre.

Sivo confirmed.

Hopefully another forward to come

So with Sivo confirmed I reckon our squad is pretty much set for 2025.

Like I've stated previously I've been told Arthur does want to try Handley at Centre so I'd imagine we could see him playing there in the pre season games, if it doesn't quite work out Connor will be our Centre I'd imagine this is the reason he was signed to cover our backline but can see him getting the 4 shirt.

Sivo & Handley will then be our wingers, Ryan Hall will probably be retiring after this season so he's at back up for us hence why I think he'll get the 25 shirt (he's debut number for us)

I've left the 20 shirt vacant because the last update I had we we're still looking at bringing in another middle/ Prop Liam Byrne was the only name I was given last time I'm hoping for another update in the next couple of weeks regarding this.

1. L.Miller (OQ)
2. M.Sivo (OQ)
3. H.Newman
4. J.Connor
5. A.Handley
6. B.Croft (OQ)
7. M.Frawley (OQ)
8. M.Oledzki
9. A.Ackers
10. T.Holroyd
11. J.Bentley
12. J.Mcdonnell
13. C.Smith
14. J.O'Connor
15. S.Lisone (OQ)
16. K.Palasia (OQ)
17. C.Jenkins (OQ)
18. M.Gannon
19. J.Sinfield
20.
21. A.Edgell
22. T.Nicholson-Watton
23. R.Lumb
24. N.Mccormack
25. R.Hall
26. B.Littlewood
27. T.Warren
28. M.Simpson
29. J.Smith
30. P.Cassell
31. M.Qareqare

Think Ash will do well at centre if he gets the chance. Back in 2018 he played 20 games there before injury cut short his season. He's a far more rounded player now. Whichever way it turns out, if we are anywhere near full strength there a will be a couple of good players missing out. As it should be.

I`m sure Arthur will do work on our defence which looking at our backline certainly needs it.
Unless we go with the mantra of attack is better than defence.

Just getting the players fitter will reduce silly dropped ball and missed tackles you'd hope.

I think Arthur will start with Handley at centre, reckon he will want 4 ball carriers from 2-5, Connor can put pressure on them all and Frawley for the 7 shirt.

Our kicking both at goal and general play looks like a question mark next year.

Hope young Sinfield is watching what Harry smith did in both the semi and GF

Kicking at goal is a huge concern for me. Connor would be the natural choice but he has to be on the field.