So, according to recent interview the shad is complete bar £100k set aside for a player (likely a middle).

The same interview states 1.3 million is spent. That actually seems like a lot considering what we’ve lost and that we are essentially running with 20 + 5 younger end players only 1/2 year out of academy.

Perhaps the 1.3 includes coaching staff which I envisage costs a lot more than last season.

Still on losing Fifita, Whitbread, Lineham, Lyne, Langi and not really replacing all seems like we’ve invested some wage increases with current players somewhere.

As for the squad itself. I think it’s a little light still for what will be a huge volume of games. I hope we don’t become unstuck of injuries kick in.

It appears on the face of it that we will be relying somewhat on dual registration to provide some cover and a player or two. I just hope they’re still available come the business end where it matters.

I certainly think though that we are short a pack leader and meter eater. The likes of Bain/Boothroyd/Cozza are really going to have to perform so I’m looking forward to seeing them.

Overall I think we are the strongest starting 17 in the championship but just 1/2 more quality players and some depth way from me feeling more comfortable.

I’m looking forward to the season and can’t wait!

On another note I’m actually surprised that we weren’t in for Thomas Mikeale who is trying to earn a deal in the top 30 in an Nrl team. He would have been a good prop addition and carries well. He was expecting to be at Wire too but that fell through.

What you also have to factor in is the deals done by previous regime, Lino, Jowett, Ashurst, Pitts, Gale all , I think, had deals done before Matt and his team took over, I imagine that they will account for a sizeable chunk of the £ 1.3 million

Did Hood get a new contract at start of the season as well My main worry is some of the spine is very slow in parts of it .Pace cost us our S L place last season in the spine when Max was out ,

Not so from what I understand. Jowitt and Lino agreed in principle to stay as part of the Ellis take over before it actually happened. Ellis money paid for Gale and Griffin. Don't know about Pitts, Hood, Kay or Ashurst, but nobody was going to bin Ashurst in his Testimonial year, how bad would that have looked.

As you allude to just the difference in the amount and quality of non-playing staff must make up quite a piece of that cash, especially compared with other years.

Tbh we're in the championship, so imo we don't need to replace those that have gone man for man, especially since we don't know what's gonna happen with Wigan and DR yet. Although as you mention Mikeale would have been a beast down in the Champs but maybe he didn't fancy the drop or we didn't think we needed to shell out what he wanted to stay and play Champ rugby.

I think we'll start the season like they say we've one more Prop and if we need more heads, I think Powell and ME will go out and find people we need. Hopefully, it doesn't come to that and one more will do us. Then maybe use a couple of Wigan's props during the season like Eseh, Tiaki Chan, Harvie Hill, and Nsemba, especially if any injuries come our way.

Absolutely, the squad is good enough and with what I’ve heard it’s a much more professional set up behind closed doors.

We can already see on previous videos that players are getting meals and nutrition and I imagine the investment in them has increased to make it a place players actually do want to come to.

That set up should return on the pitch in the players performances. The players we do have should benefit and if nutrition and training is tailored we can see some improvements.

Players like Shaw for example. He has a good direct style but he is clearly missing a good 5 kilos on him of muscle which would help with his carries (Look at Eseh saying he’s already put on 4-5 kilos at Wigan with the training and will gain more). If these things are being addressed we could be seeing some players really shine where before they haven’t.

Rumoured that Leigh are set to release prop Nakubawaii to bring in Sailor from the NRL.

Big prop and been through a winning championship run 2022 and a successful playoff season in SL, would be worth a look if the rumours are true of course. This could be one of those signings that money put aside would be useful for.

Much as I'd like him, if I was spending that £100k I'd be hanging on for a half back.

I think in an ideal world we could do with both.

At this stage, I'd take a prop. Its knowing where such as Cozza & Bain will feature

Although I agreev about the HB, I don't think he'd be able to demand 100k for this season from anyone in SL at this late stage, even if they have a space left. I'd guess Leigh are paying him off, so he will probably take a cut for a season. He's only 28, so a second year option might appeal to him, and save us some recruitment time should we get into SL.

It's possible, but as ever it's whether he's a Powell kind of player.

Maybe the half back situation will be a bigger priority once we know which division we're going to be in for the 2025 season.

Gale will be a year older, we'll get chance to see at some point what Lawford is capable of. It could also be a make or break season for Lino

I'd forgotten about Lawford to be honest. Depends how he goes I guess on how urgent a HB is.

I don't know if hes a running half or organiser

The full time training with Gale will do Lawford the world of good including the nutrition.

I expect Lawford will play a couple of pre season games and possibly a few championship games this year as he works on his development.

With Hampshire signing on for Wigan i think we could see him feature at Trinity at some point in the halves too. Be good to see how he’s progressed as a half because on the Wigan board they seem to think he’s good cover.

I’m not saying the whole 100k is to be used but without knowing much Nakabuwaii could be an option. This season with option of next would seem sensible.

I trust in the club though and they will leave no stone unturned.

I think the club has recently said that they’re still in the market for another middle and he’d be a good addition in my opinion…

Think Ellis said we have 8 middles and ideally clubs look to have 10. He’s certainly an option and though I’ve only seen him once or twice he looked like a strong unit.

I think the issue with these kinds of players is will they follow us through to SL if we make the cut.

Many of our new players are not established players, they are fundamentally project players. We know they will do ok in the Championship, and by the end of the season we will have a far better idea if they can go all the way.

This guy we know will rip it up in this league. But Ellis wants to challenge in SL should we return, and with limited quota places in SL Powell has to decide if this guy is worth one of them.

If we can get him on a one year deal and there is no one else then fine, i personally can’t see the harm and he is quite young still.

An article here about WT and 'data analytics' and our recruitment process: https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ho ... and-beyond

An article here about WT and 'data analytics' and our recruitment process: https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/ho ... and-beyond

I think full back is a problem.
Have we got cover for Max?
Potentially this is where the DR with Wigan comes in with Ryan Hampshire etc.

Also with Ryan, he’s only signed a 1 yr deal with Wigan so, if it all goes well next season and he comes under DR, could he come back permanently?

I think we are light in the centre position so maybe one who could cover full back would be a good recruit.

Centres - Thornley, Croft, Pratt, Law.

Pratt looks promising with York last season but unsure on Law.

4 x isn’t too bad imo. I suppose Kay or Franco or even Griffin could step in for the odd game.

Full back we only have one in Max.

If we were to sign a centre it would have to be quality enough to displace Croft to be worth while.

We certainly are a bit shallow on depth in a couple of positions in full back, prop, halves and maybe even back row. As you say probably utilise Wigan partnership who seem to have depth in these areas.

I agree. I'd rather give Pratt a decent run than get an Aussie in to block his route.....unless its Mitchell.

Nakubuwai now staying at Leigh... https://www.totalrl.com/ben-nakubuwai-t ... ull-quota/

Nakubuwai now staying at Leigh... https://www.totalrl.com/ben-nakubuwai-t ... ull-quota/

Quote ="FIL"Nakubuwai now staying at Leigh... https://www.totalrl.com/ben-nakubuwai-t ... ull-quota/'" Guess the Sailor deal fell through.

Quote ="FIL"Nakubuwai now staying at Leigh... https://www.totalrl.com/ben-nakubuwai-t ... ull-quota/'" Guess the Sailor deal fell through.