Agree with your comparisons. But what about the not-insignificant chunk of cash under the salary cap that the previous board didn't spend, as inferred by Pearson on several occasions?

I also think we actually did have the services of a massive NRL player who instead reneged at the last minute. (This is the explanation for the huge build up we've had before passes go on-sale as they would have been guaranteed to fly as a result of "our intentions being made clear" during October. It also accounts for the reality being the damp squib of underwhelming announcements we've seen instead at this important time.)

So with that in mind as well, the sums simply do not add up, imo.

Long, Fitz and Gleeson were superstars of the game. All respect to our recruits, they're exactly what we need, but they're not SuperStars.

Agreed if we are paying those new recruits similar amounts to those 3 than something is seriously wrong.

i think the days of top class aussies coming over are long gone the exchange rate and increased salary cap has made it unattractive for them

can't post that! many fc fans expect pearson to sign them reagardless of the cap!!

Yeh because any fan who is underwhelmed at signing players like Martin etc... must want a world renowned superstar in every position !! Of course !!

and any fan who doesn't understand the rules of a salary cap must be complete idiots!

And who might that be exactly ?

those demanding players like lyon, work them out for yourself

We don't know for certain that was the case. AP alluded to issues about the previous board but was not aware he actually said the full cap was not spent.

Either way if they say the cap is all gone then so be it. Beats me why fans seem to know better?

I don't think anyone was demanding those players. That was just silly but, if we are a big ambitious club, we are well within our rights to expect better than we are getting.

i believe peasron is ambitious, but if what he said about the last board neglecting the club for the last 6 years is true, you can't expect miracles over night!

i have more confidence in gentle getting more out of our squad than agar, even if you do think it is lightweight

What about Crocker for a year

What's to say the club is replacing the forwards internally? Many of us have asked for the young forwards on full time contracts to be given a shot, all the top clubs have done it so why can't we?

We'll have to hope that we can but it's asking a lot to throw young forwards into SL when they've had nothing but academy rugby.

As I say, the top teams have done it in recent years so why can't we? Now, it seems, is their chance.

Everyone has to start somewhere. And I remember Hull throwing in Horne, Cooke and King when times were bad and we had no cash left to spend and it didn't do them any harm.

and in recent times Houghton's come on and played in a very physically demanding position and made that position his own.

Don't think saints think like that when they decided to throw any of their kids in to the 1st team.

But, but, but Warrington do it

why are some being so negative before the team has even played together.for gods sake give em a chance to rebuild our squad n gel a winning side.half of being a successful side is the ability to bring through youth players and ease pressure on the cap.you will never buy a 17 man team to win the trophies and stay in cap in a single close season

I am not concerned about Person not delivering a winning team, because he has to. He has invested too much in the club to fail. He knows he needs to increase the gate receipts to get a decent return on his investment, and that will only happen with success on the field.

we got alot of quality play makers next year so im hopeful we will have a shot at the top four next season. Im just concerned on the right flank tbh

It's alright everyone saying things like "everybody wanted us to use the youngsters", but the way we're going we'll have to rely on them more than we should, and in volume aswell.
I'm sorry, but either Pearson lied about the old regime not spending the cap or McRae is lying saying we've not got much left.

For me i will see next season as a year we have to rebuild and improve from this season....better style of rugby and a higher finish.....anyone whos expecting a grandfinal/challenge cup final appearance/win are in a dream land...talks of lyon,chase etc are a good laf but we need to be realisic...top 6 next year would be a start.

2012 - Consolidation
2013 - No excuse for top 4.