You've also got to look at the quota issues.

Moa and Manu are currently only worth one non fed place between them.

i thought Manu was exempt

He is, I think was Sheldon getting more at the fact that we will have less overseas spots for replacements as a result. As it stands we have 4 forwards all out of contract next year and possibly only 2 overseas spots to play with.

I really doubt we’d get them for a lot less, what reason do their club’s have to do so? And the money-making you keep saying about, I don’t see how making a final next year is essential to that. We could miss out next year but build a squad who make finals in the next 4 years if we play it right, and I think that’s the better approach. Rushing things and trying to buy instant success is not necessary, or even helpful sometimes.

Providing we replaced Dowes with a good prop like those I mentioned, I think we’d have a good set of 4 next year. Lynch would be better, yes, but he wouldn’t turn us into strong enough contenders to justify the cost IMO.

Wigan paid more than Fielden was worth because of their situation IMO, but ATEOTD they still got someone who was then one of the best props in the world, was 26 IIRC, and who has been there for 5 seasons and counting. It’s not like for like.

I say about younger players because they’re likely to be cheaper (both transfer fee and wages), and if they do pay off they’ll last longer. The risk of them not delivering on their potential is no greater than a 30-odd year old reaching the point of being past it only halfway through their contract, only it’s a fair bit less money thrown down the pan.

Also, Lynch will be 32 next month, that’s stretching ‘around the 30 mark’ a little.

You seem to be missing that my main concern is not the spending of money, but the wisdom in spending it on further building a pack which will reach retirement age at pretty much the same time. I’m not sure why you don’t see that as a potentially massive problem. If we get the right coach in I’m more interested in them building a squad to compete for a few years than blow a load of money and cap space on a short term band aid.

Indeed, if we're going to pay £250k for any "sticking plaster" it should be put with the other £250k we have set aside for a world class coach, meaning we'd get someone earning about £1/2m over 3 seasons, surely most coaches in the game would go for that?

Because there aren't any on the market, just as that last year there were less halfbacks than this year. Next year there may be some more props about, so I don't see the rush to bring in an ageing prop. I think maybe you see our front row as weaker than I do.



Where am I saying wait 4 years? I just don't see the obsession with going straight out for a final next year. Yes, we should be looking to sign players of the right calibre, but not at any cost.



O'Meley can teach any of our young props more about the playing side than Lynch/Peacock/Fielden ever could.

£500,000 per season? That's half of Bennets wage from next season.

he's an exception, obviously.

Do I have to put reportedly in front of everything then?

Bennetts reportedly signed a four year deal worth $6 million.

Bellamy and Hasler are reportedly on a little bit less than £500,000 a year but you'd have to compensate them for leaving the premier comp and uprooting their families to move to Hull.

you should really put "reportedly" because you do come across as if you're in the know about all things NRL when, in reality, you just read the Aussie press more than most on here.

and what is to say that the worth isn't "potential worth" if they win the premisership every season?

you should be careful regurgitating the musings of journalists, they are often wrong, regardless which side of the pond they reside.

I don't read the Aussie press at all, I just listen to players, ex players and coaches when their on tv or radio.

Heaven forbid I suggest a opinion about a sport I watch on a regular basis on a Internet forum.

opinion is fine, it's passing it off as gospel that is misleading on occasion.

anyway, rumours.........

And who's the king at that?

if you can quote anywhere I have done it, I'll be impressed.

You sent me a pm saying Danny Houghton was on £15,000 a year.

No mention of win/try/mom/international bonuses.

I aren't going to look for any other examples, lifes to short, just skim past my posts.

one word "sponsors"

£15000

I didn't, I said I "had been told" but you crack on.

and anything I have said is what sponsors have said to me, but then I guess you're too busy insulting people on the hardmen thread...

Brilliant.

He ain't insulted me mate, I'm simply struggling with the concept of a Tongan Kate Moss in drag

class as always

So when you say something it's come from somebody else but when I say it I'm claiming to be in the meeting/contract signing?



I'm off to bed, I've got a big day tomorrow proof reading Benji Marshalls car rental agreement.

anyway, rumours.........