Ellam seemed certain we have signed Matty English so if true then I’d be more than happy to see Ligi in the back row.
Add Clifford to that then be very happy with next seasons squad.

Think that's more to do with Leilua being stood down tbh.

He had the 11 shirt prior to his assault charge

Not sure on this - English doesn't look very big. The last thing we need is another small forward. If Cator
makes a successful return we already have four.

Am i missing something? - what's this got to do with Hull fc - or rugby league?

Wouldn’t mind signing Kikau’s second row partner Josh Wong - he looks a good strong runner and his support play against Italy ,who admittedly were poor , was immense. Obviously that’s a quota spot so probably won’t happen given our suggested signing of Clifford or another import half .

Lettuce Liz

You beat me to it, was going to post similar sentiments, he was excellent and looks a real prospect as I believe he is a very young forward and maybe his club would allow him to cut his teeth in SL. I thought he was the next best forward after Kikau and would be great in the British game.

Not sure what’s going on with Clifford but been told this morning that the club are keeping an eye on second rowers throughout the World Cup

A 7 has to be our priority, so unless we can either sign an British 7 or release an a contracted overseas player I can't see it happening.

Ligi named as starting second rower for Samoa today

Played 80 minutes but didn't have much to do.

TS wants a back row, but a 7 will take priority now

Hopefully we’ll hear some thing this coming week.

Be nice to have Clifford confirmed this week, once that is sorted I will be fairly happy with the squad, be nice to add another forward, but think the cap constraints might stop that happening.

Not much quality available as seen by Wakey signing Proctor, absolutely amazed he has got a deal, looks a panic signing (like Reynolds for us) maybe a little worried about Leigh and their recruitment.

Not impressed by Leeds last use of overseas quota, signed two props now that play 10 minute spells, look week in the centres too, with Sutcliffe and Hardraker gone and Newman's injury problems,

2 year deal for Proctor too! Bet he can't believe his luck

I think our only option will be to pay one of the three off, bring in English and use Sao in the backrow.

Ligi played 2nd row at leeds last season had one of his best games.

I like Sao in the back row. With Savelio on the other side it gives us a lot of size.

How is Andre doing? Is he going to be fit for preseason?

He's back running so hopefully be fit for start of the season.

If we are looking at Sao in the backrow, we would need to sign a new prop or hope that Evans and Taylor improve on last season performance.

Josh Simm off to Australia to play for Broncos feeder club

Don’t think our recruitment will be sorted until next year. Paying the price for handing out silly deals

That said we’ve done well so far with the small amount of wriggle room we’ve had.

Agree, if we can sign Clifford, we look alot strong in the pivots, slightly weaker in the forwards.

Hopefully can sneak one more over the line in addition to a 7, if not we go with what we have, wouldn't be supeised to see us sign a forward mid season. I wonder if the likes of Griffin and Shaul are pushing for a move if it looks like they won't be first choice.

I wouldn't be there is still the chance we see Shaul, Hoy and Clifford (or another) as our pivots at the start of the season. Id rather play Hoy at FB from the start and have McNamara or Lovodua at 6.

It may be the pessimist in me but the longer we don't announce Clifford the more unlikely I feel the signing is going to happen



In saying this, there's a couple people on the Newcastle Forum that seem adamant that they have Brooks for next season, which will in effect mean we have Clifford. Fingers crossed something can be arranged soon

The good thing is we at least have a decent coach, who will bring out the best with what he has. We’re not now totally reliant on having to sign quality players every window to try and compete.

Like I say, next year gives us a great opportunity to reshape the squad in a big way.