Yeah, if we get Wardle to come in and keep French that’s us set to improve again next season, I don’t see us needing anymore recruits outside of maybe another centre? But we would have Wardle, Thornley, Halsall, KPP and then Isa and Bateman if we get desperate. I personally don’t think he’s a superstar but I think we will miss Bibby, he’s solid enough at centre or on the wing and his injury record is good, I’d certainly prefer to keep him over Thornley or Miski.

Thornley I think is doing a great job, he isn’t a world beater but we are using him to his strengths and he won’t be costing us the Earth.

Miski I’m a bit more comfortable with if the rumours are true in relation to Wardle joining as whilst I do like Bibby I genuinely think Wardle has top class potential.

If we are retaining French, whilst Miski is a winger it gives us opinions if Field picks up a knock too or needs a rest. The fact we seem to be recruiting quality British players means his quota spot isn’t a huge issue going into 2023.

Wardle and Cooper in, with Hardaker and Bibby out (and maybe a fringe player or two) would be fantastic business. We need a period of being calm on the turnover of players front and those two would feel like we’ve really targeted exactly 2 areas we need quality in. We need a quality centre and I still feel like we’re shy of one experienced, top class front rower. One bad egg out in Zak and an upgrade coming in for Bibby would be excellent news. Fingers crossed it happens.

I’m led to believe he will be joining us immediately.

This would be great news and some thing I suspected may happen after their upturn in form with him not in the match day squad.

I got a text last night saying he was refusing to play for Wire so this makes sense.

This would make sense given what I was told and his relationship with Powell.

Would be a big boost for us to get him across for the rest of this year and would take us another step closer to catching Saints.

Not disputing he is a good player but refusing to play (if true and l am not disputing it) because you don't like the coach is a bit unprofessional

EW

That is my worry is he that type to down tools if he doesnt like what he sees hope he isnt ,class player hope he is a class act.Time will tell I suppose.

As I mentioned from what I had been told there was a major rift in the camp and due to the fact Cooper is such a dominant figure some of the players backed him over Powell.

I was told from a very good source he was “toxic” which got one poster very upset.

That though doesn’t mean he will be toxic in our environment and both Briers and Wane will know what he is like before signing him.

Powell handled his introduction to the club poorly and the damage was done with some players very early on with rifts formed which could never be fixed.

I hope we can get Cooper in this season and if we can, I think he’ll really add to the side and he could play a pretty big part in the run in. I look at Singleton and Byrne and I’m happy overall with how both have gone this season but at times, the ground they make can be reasonably limited and Cooper is excellent at that. Another option to add to the competition can’t hurt.

That's my thinking. TBH I'm worried about centre too, but if KPP can stay fit and likewise Bibby, we might just scrape through.

If Copper comes back, then Singo doesn't get back in the 17 imo. I'm happy with that.

Overall I think Singletons having a really good season but unfortunately in the really big games and against Saints in particular, he struggles for go forward. He’s just not quick enough to get going forward before he’s stopped in his tracks. I do think he’s keep his place however. I sense Peet really likes what he brings and if I guessed, I could see him and Cooper starting and maybe Mago missing out (if Cooper comes in).

I guess my issue with Singleton is what he brings, or rather what he doesn't bring to the side.

As our 1st choice and most experienced prop, he should be so much more. I look at him Vs Byrne and he's being outplayed by a lad who's years his junior and arguably 5th choice.

Who out of the two deserves the rub of playing with Copper and the benefits it will bring to their game? The guy who should already be providing that support for guys like Havard, Byrne and potentially Ellis? Or the lad who's had to develop fast because of a lack of real experienced support?

I really do think that, regardless of how good Cooper is, we wouldn't have signed him if Singo could perform as our prop leader. How many props will we have next year 6 + Silva?

I’ve been critical of Mago but thought he was superb against Saints. Rarely got dominated and some quick play the balls really got us going. His carry before our first try epitomised this, left Roby on the ground and there defensive line was panicked. More of this from him please.

Would love Cooper in now. Been keeping an eye on his Wire stats and he’s close to if it over 100m every game.

Would also be an easier transition for next year if he gets 10 games in this year.

It was comfortably his best game against Saints. I don’t have any real issue with Mago. He plays short stints and usually makes an impact and that seems to be his role. There’s only so many minutes available realistically. It’s not from a personal perspective that I feel he could be the man to miss out if Cooper came in but just a guess what Peet may do. I think he really trusts Singleton, Byrne and Havard and that leaves the two overseas lads fighting with Cooper for 2 spots. I could be way off and he would leave Singleton out. They’ll all be pushing for places anyway and that’s really positive.

INOUT
As we’ve found this year they’ll always been the odd injuries and suspensions in the front row. If Cooper does come in early then it’ll be Partington who gets impacted most I reckon.

I wonder if Partington may need to go in order for Cooper to come in? He isn’t getting many minutes as things are and would drop to 7th choice prop if Cooper came in. You’re right with injuries and suspensions. On the days where all 6 (including Cooper and excluding Partington) were available you’d have a choice to make.

Cooper and Byrne to start would be so much better as, not only would Cooper give us more go forward, but I think it would greatly impact on Byrne. He's been excellent this year but I think he suffers a little from being partnered by Singleton who doesn't bring much on that front (although he does bring other things). I think it's a little like Matty Lees at Saints who definitely prospers from having Walmsley making the hard yards.

Dan, on the other forum, broke this news at 12.30pm today. What are you doing stealing his thunder?

I don’t think so. We were under the salary cap before Zak’s departure so there should be enough money in the pot.

That depends whether or not Field got a pay increase from now when he signed again

Not sure about Cooper downing tools he missed last weeks game with Covid,i would also start with Mago tonight and make him do at least 15 minutes in his first stint he needs to build his fitness up

How will that improve his fitness? 15 mins, is 15 mins isn't it?

Said this earlier in the week, but I'm sure the club have plans for him in the off season.

Double post.