Hodgson? One of the best in SL?

You watch him through black & white binoculars I guess.

Nope.

I would have him over Houghton, he is a lot smarter player, Houghton is a grafting hooker but that's all he has, Hodgson is 10 times better in attack.

Maybe, but that's a different argument.

Agree.

I'm assuming this means Rovers.

Avatar gone?

As with Willie Mason, I'm convinced Hudgell shows players photos of the KC Stadium (not the Lite, demo version) and says "This is where you'll be playing" [isotto voce[/i "a couple of times per year"

Tried updating it but it hasn't worked.

Is McShane a better all round hooker than Houghton? I don't think so.

Don't think Houghton has developed enough in the last 3-4 years and can see Cunningham overtaking him in the next two. Any replacement I'd like to be for Houghton, but it would have to be better than McShane.

At least they have a recruitment strategy.

I've never seen the kid play but some Eels fans sound upset.

Great strategy, Keating's been superb. Is Costigan worth his 6 figure salary? Caro, Poore, O'Hara?

I don't think we are in a position to criticise other clubs' recruitment, especially clubs that are above us in the table and have beaten us twice already.

I am hopeful that we'll be back laughing at them soon enough but I'll wait at least until the rest of our signings are announced.

I didn't say (or think) that McShane is better than Houghton, I think they'd complement eachother really well.

That's why I spoke in general and didn't quote you directly. I'd still prefer somebody better than McShane.

So would I. Who wouldn't want someone better if that someone is available?

Poor recruitment is poor recruitment, I laughed my tits off at Saints signing Josh Perry. I find it funny that for how bad we've been, Rovers have been no better against the rest of SL than us and only the wins against us give them there 4 point cushion.

Let me rephrase that, I don't think he would significantly improve us, available or not.

True enough.

I was mortified by the rumours around us this year. It seemed we were in for anyone with legs made of hobnobs and cheesestrings (other crumbly biscuits and food-like substances available) but my fears have been unfounded ... so far. I've gone from dreading the announcements to actually looking forward to them. I'm not about to uncross my fingers though.

The Beau Champion rumour is a worry, he's an injury prone Aussie who gets homesick when he moves within his own country.

But injury free and settled he'd probably be the best centre in the league.

I believe his full name is Beau Champion Wrist Indefinite.

This has been confirmed now.

I'm not convinced cunningham is good enough to be interchange hooker for a team with any real aspirations.

I do worry that if he and houghton are our hookers next season that could seriously hinder any improvements we make at half back