I know this has come up in other posts but just wondering what peoples opinions are? Do we back the academy system and play mellor or powell or go after a more established halfback? and if so who can we/should we get?

I think we should sign someone personally. But only the right man for the right price. No panic buying.

wont be a top aussie, and the only scrum halfs out of contract in SL or Dureau and i think brough and smith.

I'd take Dureau

FYI Brough is signed to Hudds until end of 2014

Thanks to the title of this thread, I can't get Pinball Wizard out of my head now . . .

Would love to see Dureau, but don't think it's likely... It's a case of great chance of silverware vs off chance of silverware but a lovely life in the sun. Looks to be enjoying his rugby in France.

Brough is as said, contracted to Hudds till 2014... but contracts mean nothing these days (see Joel!)

Smith? Awesome pass, shocking defence, and mediocre attitude, no thanks! (although saying that, haven't watched enough of him this year to comment on his attitude, and I seem to hear good things about him)

So who else?

Jamie Soward

Me too

We must sign a halfback. It's not an option not to IMO because Mellor and Powell may be ready for some chances but they're not ready to replace a player like Tommy Leuluai on a fulltime basis.

If we sign a halfback and get Finch tied up that will leave us with 3 experienced options in the halfback and hooking area which is the same as this season. That still leaves plenty of chances for the youngsters as we've seen this season with Mellor and Logan getting gametime in competitive matches and also Powell in pre season.

Of the players linked with us my preference in order would be-

1- Dureau
2- Brough
3- Soward
4- Smith

The superleague experience of the first two would make me choose them over Soward.

Please god not brough

Danny Brough is a great player

I'd just be concerned about his attitude. He's been at an awful lot of clubs for such a young talented player.

He'll take the chance of silverware - And be a fitting repacement for LuLu.
The feelers are already out, so i hear.....

Brough kicking game is exemplary. Reminds me of Deacon circa. 2003-5.

Mellor and Powell are nowhere near ready to play first team football week in week out, especially in such a pivotal role.

Sign a quality halfback with the money freed up from Tommy, Amos and (possibly) Fielden. With that sort of cash, we could pretty much take our pick.

Danny is a good player but I'd rather have one of their academy players fill Tommy's spot than Brough, he would be a 30 year old journey man who is notorious for being disruptive. I'm holding out on IL pulling of a quality half back signing

For me I'd go with brough.

Gives us the biggest thing we've been lacking for the past few years which is his biggest strength IMO....a w/class kicking game.

I've wanted brough to sign for us right back since his early hull days when I saw the talent in him then....Brough at wigan would also be a perfect opportunity for him - throws him in the limelight where he can show what he can do and be noticed....he would almost inevitably end up starting for England in the world cup next year if he came to wigan, which, however good he is at huddersfield, he may miss out on presently.

Leneghan should be having a word in his ear along these lines IMO....brough to wigan would work for everyone!

6. Finch
7. Brough

9. Mclorum

with Logan, Mellor, & Powell competing for the interchange half/hooker role

I would take Brough but I think I would rather Dureau he will only be 26 when it comes to the end of the year so we could sew up an important position with a guy in his peak for up to 5 years! Whereas Brough will be 30 at the start of next season so we would probably only be able to bank on him for 2-3 years therefore being in the same position we are now.

But having said that, on the flip side you could say that if we had Brough for 2-3 years then the young guys will be ready to step up when Brough has done his bit. Plus people seem to be making out that hes a terrible guy but we got the best from Gleeson for a couple years and he really was a troubled individual.

No. Brett kenny was a "great" player

Different era's.

In todays super league, brough is one of the top 3 scrum halves.

I rate them in this order

Dureau

Tommy

Brough

Lomax / Myler / dobson / seymour / gower / smith /

That sadly highlights how the quality of half backs in our league have dropped since Kenny's era.

That season we had Kenny and Hull FC had Peter Sterling. The starting HB partnership for Aus at the time. Unless we'd seen Lockyer and Thurston over here at the same time in the last few years it would have to be lower than in 85. Not every HB of that time was great. Of those named Lomax and Myler (though IMO he is a support act and nothing more) are only young and have many years to become better than they are now. Who is to say how they will be thought of by fans looking back in 30 years time.

If we keep Finch to do the organising in the halves, I'd be happy that Mellor could make the step up.

Agreed. After watching Australia v new Zealand, god help England if Brought is the best we've got

I'd much rather have Dureau and send mellor out on loan. That is, of course if mellor is prepared to wait. You always have to run the risk of losing youngsters. You must ask yourself would you rather win trophies or have a team of Wigan lads.