Announced officially, but in an odd way. In the same release as confirmed deals for Houghton and Lovodua. That's 3 hookers, with Balmforth looking good we have 4. Don't get it.

It says all deals only run until the end of next season which I guess means it will probably be houghtons last season.

Lost the plot
Knowing this coach he will play Dwyer on the wing

Delighted with Dwyer and Lovodua. Let's just hope we use him as a hooker next season. He would be starting 9 for me with Dwyer off the bench.

As already mentioned, don't understand another year for Houghton. Will forever be grateful for everything he's done and his dedication and commitment to the club but it really is time for him to step aside.

The way it's worded it sounds like the option of a further year was in Houghtons favour not the clubs.

The decline in his concentration and distribution, I can't see him playing much, being used as backup in the way Johnstone was before he left.

Guessing it's either that or pay him off.........

That’s how I understood it as well. Guessing it’ll be Houghton starting, Dwyer off the bench and Lovodua slotting in somewhere. As long as Dwyer isn’t on a big wage then I can cope with it, but if Houghton had the option to extend his own deal, then it’s hard to justify going into 2023 with four hookers for, at most, two positions. Personally it should be Lovodua, Houghton OR Dwyer and Balmforth. Four is crazy.

Where will Lovodua slot in when everyone's fit? If it's a choice of Houghton or Lovodua due to everyone being fit I think Houghton misses out.

I predict he may go out on loan, it's a very strange decision, having 4 hookers it's definitely overkill and i daresay we need to also blood Balmforth before he decides to leave for game time.

I think Lovodua has to start with Dwyer on the bench, maybe have Houghton to cover loose man at a push, but would like to see more of Balmforth next season he's the pretty much the stand out in his position and age group in the country, the kid needs game time.

Lovodua will play anywhere to cover injuries like he has this season.

Waste of a quota spot.

I wouldn't have renewed Houghton's contract .

Houghtons extra year triggered by him then. Well done whoever designed that.

If we were keeping a utility quota player, I’d have gone for Smith. Lovodua probably cheaper though I imagine.
As he’s here, play him at hooker please.

Is Dwyer only a year as he’s off somewhere else year after next?

Quite happy with the Dwyer signing. He's a clear upgrade on Johnstone.

Out
(Josh Reynolds)
(Josh Bowden)
Manu Ma'u
Jordan Johnstone

In
Jake Trueman
Tex Hoy
Liam Sutcliffe
Brad Dwyer

The next signing is key. If we can bring in an experienced second rower the recruitment looks promising for next year.

Hopefully a few more (Shaul, Taylor, Gale, Griffin) added to that Out list.

Agree.

If Houghton had another year in his favour than there's nothing the club can do about it.

Dwyer offers something we have lacked for years at dummy half so I'm ok with that plus it's a 1 year deal.

Balmforth should be ready to play next season after having a full pre-season to sort his conditioning out.

Lovodua will be a utility player because we will have the usual nightmare with injuries.

We really need a fresh start next season so Lovodua to start at 9 with Dwyer off the bench.

Nor would I but it was Houghton's choice.

A 34 year who is in decline with too many miles on the clock gets to decide if he wants to carry on

Is he only on an initial 12 month deal?

The Houghton extension clause should've been in the clubs favour. Doesn't sound like it was.

Reading the press release don't think we'll see much of Lovodua at 9.

With Trueman likely to be out early season I can see Lovodua challenging McNamara for the half back slot.

Not great.

The whole release is a bit oddly worded. It says they are all contracted until at least 2023 but doesn't explicitly state Dwyers contract length.
Not entirely sold on Dwyer but at least he's a bit different to our current options and I'll reserve judgement until he's actually played for us.
4 hookers may seem a lot but given an injury nightmare seems to be an annual occurrence these days I'm sure they'll all get a game!

Potential for a massive turnover of players year after next. Loads of players OOC.

Wonder if the club are keeping their financial options open?

The only position I think he could do a decent job permanently is 13 but there's a lot of competition there. Lane or Cator or a extra prop.

Good signing for me we need something different at acting half and he certainly brings that as he's good at varying play. As for the two extensions, well, I find that mystifying, money is tight and there are some real priority areas for improvement so what club in that position with the current salary cap limitations carries three hookers and also has one of the best young hookers in the British game knocking on the door.

Dwyer added "the opportunity come on at the 72 minute mark as an impact 13 when the game is already gone was too good an opportunity to turn down"

The bit about Houghton seems to say he has used his option to extend...i.e we dont have a choice. Without reading his contract we will never know!

As for Joe it may be we got him cheap as an unknown and maybe his 2nd year is a cheap wage too.