This attracting players in their primes comment....apart from the odd one or two players most of the imports are either at the latter stages of their playing days or haven't made it (yet) in the NRL.....we are no different than any other SL club.

Inspirational lock Craig Fitzgibbon suffered multiple injuries- the worst been his ankle- that are likely to sideline him for a fortnight.

Took from the match report of Roosters v Knights at weekend.

Lyon (albeit special case), Soliola, Webb, Newton, Whatuira, Solomona, Chase, Chalk, Phelps, Roberts. 10, all off the top of my head who I think came/are coming to SL in their mid 20's, and would IMO stand a fair chance of a place in our 17.

There are many more as well; the likes of Meli / Dobson / Donald / would have been Eastwood / King / lauititi and many nore have come to super league in there so called prime

A few years ago it could be well argued that all Aussie imports are 30 + and just after the pay check but super league is an attractive option to players now

Precisely, those were just the quickest to mind. I think saying we're the same as everyone else is hiding from the truth a little.

yeah got to agree with that - there is something funadmentally wrong with the structutres of FC to be missing out on the above calibre of players after reaching 3 major finals in the last 4 years

We have a fantastic stadium / have the silvareware to back up these players ambitions / and should have the money to reach their demands

No offence to these players but if you look at Saints squad compared to ours:
Cusack - Cayless
Byrne - Soliola
Fitzgibbon - Puletua

I know the three players i would rather have in my team

Or maybe they've realized if the come sooner they have more years to collect bigger ammounts of money! Super league is only financially attractive to ALL Aussies or NZ. Let's not kid ourselves.

Maybe so but i would rather pay bug money for these players in their prime than when they are 30 +

as long as they are good enough quality and give 100% every game I couldn't care less how old they are.

Thats were my opinion differs, while I agree that he will have an influence on the squad especially the younger players, I dont think the problem with the team is attitude, just quality, we need some players with real attacking flair and quality and although he is many things he will not bring this, as I have already said he wold be a massive signing with the right additional players, with this club I cant see it happening though.

But our two previous coaches have brought in utility players to cover many positions (not that it does any good when 50% of the squad get long-term injuries. Anyway, just to compare the players seeing as you brought it up... Jason Cayliss played 11 times for NZ but has no Southern Hemisphere Grand Finals or State of Origin. I think Soliola has played 5 games for NZ and no GF or SOO. Puletua - 22 times for NZ, 3 for Samoa in WC and 1 grand final victory. Cusack 4 GF. Byrne 1 GF (not sure if this is all), Fitzgibbon 15 times for Australia, 8 SOO, 5 GFs. So I think the Hull lads stand up pretty well actually because they have all played at the highest level in the best league in the world.

And yet depsite all that I'd take the Saints 3 every time. They're simply better players.

Oh well with facts like that I must give way to your superior.... oh hang on I think I can argue with that...

Oh no they're not because my dad says so, so there



Do I win?

Forgot to back that up with "FACT"

Jason Cayless has played in Grand Finals for the Roosters.

My bad. I was not trying to put them down I was trying to build our guys up.

If only you'd have got yours right

If some people avent seen alot of fitz go on this

=redLink removed. I very much doubt the guy who put that up had permission from the copyright holder.

K.

Plays a big part in quite a few of the tries and gets one himself.

[urlhttp://www.hullfc.com/hullfc/contents/?p=3489[/url

Craig Cusack

Meanwhile Cusack revealed that fellow Australian and family friend Craig Cusack will be an excellent signing.

“He’s a great player and he will be an excellent signing both on and off the field,” added Cusack.

“He’s a good leader, he has vast experience of winning things in the premiership and at Origin and international level. He’s also a very fit player and can play the 80 minutes.

“Add to that his competitive spirit and his ability to do the simple things well and do the jobs which allow others to express themselves better and Hull have signed a player who will be a major influence.

“I’ve no doubts that he will be a hit success.”

They really should proof read these releases before publication. After reading the story in HDM today on Fitzgibbon being a friend of the Cusak family I take it that's who the article is meant to refer to.

Speculation over. HTH

According to the mail we have signed Gasnier too.

Where have you got this story from, thers nothing in the HDM

Don't let Standee see the FC site

Mark or Reg

Nah in the picure in the HDM it's got a pic of Gasnier making a tackle and the caption says its Fitz.