Would like to see the rumours about Fishiai or Hohaia come true as both would be significant signings. My heart says go for Steff also but doubt he'll move unless we off him a kings ransom in wages.

Priorities are a quality halfback, hooker, fullback, centre, winger, two props, a second row and a loose forward.

The Good Doctor said in an interview on Sunday that we have agreed terms with 2 players but he's told them that it is on hold until a new coach is appointed as it is he who will have the final say on signings.

So basically every position is a priority bar water carrier!!!

Yes if the good doctor is serious about challenging for silverware within a couple of years the squad will need a massive overhaul. Personally I think of the existing squad only about 8 players will still be here in two years time.

We also put a big offer in recently for the remote controlled 'kicking tee' truck operator at Catalan Dragons but they wouldn't release him because he's only 13.

I'm still hoping that we can somehow coax Ben Barba over for a fresh start!

Josh Dugan looking like he might be getting sacked from Canberra Raiders. Sign him up!

Dugan would be an amazing signing. Also an amazing gamble. Sheer talent on the field, sheer bell-end off it.

Got no hope of signing anyone until the coaching position is sorted, especially someone of Dugan's status.

Perfect match , Our Assistant Coach ( Long ) & our temporary on field Captain ( Gleeson ) wrote the book . what could possible go wrong

.

In truth with the imbalance in salary caps , its the calculated risk talent that finds a home in the SL - Greg Bird - Jamie Lyon - Joel Monaghan etc

[url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/sorry-barba-leaves-clinic-set-for-shock-early-return-20130313-2g0vw.htmlBarba leaves clinic set for shock early return[/url
not likely

You make a good point, MM regarding second chances and SL. Been some quality players who have been naughty but redeemed themselves over here. In fact, most of them.

Not certain of the logistics of it but surely if a team in SL took someone from the NRL who's on his last warning that a portion of his wages be paid into an account that remains untouched until the end of his contract. This would then forfeited if there are any repeat infringements? not sure of the legalities but you can bet that it would make someone think twice before they strayed again.

Every time you look at the NRL sites there seems to be a player either drinking, fighting or battling various demons - you'd guess that the players being in a much brighter spotlight down under takes it's toll.

Isn't one problem in attracting the very best Aussies that if they do leave to play in UK, then they know their international chances are over?

No,it'd make someone,anyone,think twice before signing

Stacey Jones - Jamie Lyon - Greg Bird - Trent Barrett - Matt King - Ryan Hoffman have all played SL & still had origin or International call ups. so playing SL is not the death nell of their careers , playing badly is the death nell of their careers!

I stand corrected - perhaps the Aussies aren't quite as parochial as I thought

NRL is akin to Premier League Football in terms of notoriety & tabloid exposure so when they fall off the wagon or have a barny in a pub/ or anything else stupid , its front page news.
they come over they're just another player.
I think our players err just as much , but it's simply not interesting to the masses.
Todd Carney could take a slash in someones lager in Deansgate on a Saturday and no one would care , or know who he was .. ( unless it was your pint..

) .

They would at least have lose a male organ or date someones cast-off b-list WAG to even register .

A fit and healthy Josh Dugan? YES PLEASE!



For a large part of the 2011 season he was arguably better than Slater.

They had either signed for an NRL club for the season following the internationals (Lyon,Barrett) or were still playing over there but had signed for a SL club for the season following the internationals(bird,Hoffman,king). If an Aussie player, Vic Mauro for example, was midway through a long term contract in SL and was the most on form player in the world I still seriously doubt they would receive an orgin/national call up. Jones is a Kiwi and I don't think it affects the New Zealand selection policy which country they play in, same as England.

Correct an Aussie's international career isn't neccassarily over as such, but it is whilst they are not playing in the NRL.

As for Josh Dugan he's quality albeit a little injury prone, he seems to be in agony after every tackle. Wouldn't mind the current Dally M holder. myself and he's never even had a call up to SOO/Kangaroos. If not I wouldn't mind seeing the "Hayne plane" down at barton.

Just watched Josh Dugan on YouTube....WOW

Just watched Josh Dugan on YouTube....WOW

Christ Dugan's got some strength and a fair bit of pace too - he would do nicely.

What issues has he been having I guess is an important question?

Get him over here and take in a Holt's pub that'll cure him for life.

Would be nice to think we have a chance of getting someone like this but is he worth the risk? I don't know why I just get the feeling we'll end up with Wellens which while not the worst thing not the type of FB I'd hoped for.