Brown was quoted around a month ago saying that we had a thicker squad for next season which will be able to deal with injuries that occur and keep us competative in all our games, looking at the mainline players that have left and come in I am not sure this is going to be the case,

Jackson - Fa'alogo
Fulton - Gilmore
Moore - Drew
Sculthorpe - Grix

I realise we have younger players like Wood and McNally but others have left also. This picture also depends on Whatuira's ability to play for us given his problems and Faiumu getting a visa given the court case. I think with the loss of Sculthorpe to the Bulls we are weaker for it and we really do need a further prop. I realise others can step up including Raleigh and Fa'alogo but if the aim is for a thicker squad with more options I think they are needed elsewhere in the pack. We have lost some size in the squad with the loss of Sculthorpe and I would really like that to be addressed given I think we have bought all the halves/hookers we are going to need.

What do people think?

I would agree that we perhaps look a tad lighter up front. Being optimistic though I think it's possible Crabtree's experience in the National Squad will give him more confidence and make him a better player. I also think that Raleigh could well be in the process of getting some meat on him with a view to playing more of a props role and Patrick also will be eating his greens at the moment with a view to trying to get himself some more games.

Luck with injuries will also play a part in our season but this is the case for every side.

l tend to agree, we will undoubtably pick up injuries, so l think our success next season, will depend on the youngsters. it is a great opportunity for them, but can they step up tp the mark.
There is a lot of quality in the side, but only 17 truly experianced, 3 or 4 injuries together and we could be struggling, we certainly don´t look as strong in the forwards, the questions re Fiamu, and Watiura, will also be crucial.
All said, l am still very optimistic, l am sure at least one of the yougsters will surprise us, and l am looking for Cudjoe, Lawrence, and Lunt, to make a real impact on Super League.
predictions :
5th
cup semies
win our first playoff game

We may still have a little space on the salary cap front for another prop as well. It would seem that we did want Sculthorpe but my guess would be that we were simply not prepared to match the high wages it would seem he is was on at Wakefield. With Burgess moving on and Sculthorpe previously saying he wanted to stay I reckon Bradford simply out bidded us for his services.
I agree with a lot of what is said about our youngsters having to step up but am still optimistic about this coming season.

Aye, I dare say we were outbid for him.

Maybe if Fooey doesn't return we'll see a prop come. Not sure of where we're at in terms of quota players TBH.

I would say gilmour is thicker than fulton, but drew, grix and fa'alogo should be a lot more intelligent than what they replaced

Sandy, please expand on this, l don´t understand

That was my first thought when i read the thread title.
Stronger, more balanced, yes but thicker no.

League weekly is reported today as saying that Huddersfield will be announcing the signing of Graeme Horne in the next couple of days.

Not sure just how true this is or if true what benefit Horne will be to the side although he does offer cover in several postions.

That woud have to be the reason. As there are so many players looking for a contract he would probaby be good value for money.

l´m not too happy with this trend to pack teams out with utility players, one or two is ok, but we are taking out the specialists?
Drew 6,7,9
Grix 1,2,6,7.
Wild 3,11,13
Brown 4,6
lolaisi 3,12, 13
Horne ? ? ? ?
its good to have someone on the bench who can cover a few positions, and the odd player who can change rolls, but players can spend years developing certain skills and then be thrown in to a new position hoping he can be a success. Chris Thorman

The positions there are all extremely similar, I think to an extent it's almost a non-issue because of the nature of the modern game.

I agree in a way but of the players you have listed Wild Brown and Lolesi all play in one set position unless there is a massive injury crisis.

I think the problem at the end of last season was there was very little cover for the play off games when the injuries took their toll and we ended up having to play players totally out of position.

I beleive Horne can cover centre, second row, hooker and at a push halfback.

The nature of the game is that there is a lot of over lap between centres and back rowers and halves and hookers - depending on the playing style or game plan.

l agree with all that is said, and the game is always evolving, l think again we are looking at the Aussies, apart from their halves, most of their recent team were all within similar physical shape, their props are lighter, faster,than ours, if you didn´t look at the numbers on their backs, it would be easy to put the wrong peg in the wrong hole. Smith put Eorl in the centres, he also played out wide like a second rower, he packed down once or twice there for England. Wingers acting like second rowers. l know l am a bit old fashioned, but l feel soon most players will be alike, and indevidual skills will deminish. The Aussies are a joy to watch, and as a spectacle its beautiful Rugby, but l see the end of brutal forward battles, as these specialist Giants evolve into faster, more mobile utility forwards come centres, wingers.

Graham Horne plays mainly as a centre or second row, last season he played a few games on the wing (which included a 85m (ish) try against Saints.
Bit of a utility/squad player. I wouldn't say that he would be in the starting 13, maybe the 17 at a push, but mainly to cover injuries. He did show the occasional bits off flair and good attack last season, but he's nothing spectacular.

think he was being sarcastic !! as in thicker = less brainier !