[quote="bonaire":y396pena]But adding another average Joe if he is coming on say a 2year deal doesnt help at all in the next recruitment cycle.We are now overloaded with additions on 2/3 year contracts and several of those would have to be offloaded end of 2025 season if we are to add some necessary real quality and pace especially at centre,and add some depth in second row and front row Just dont see the logic or strategy because unless we offload or pay off players then we are left with virtually the same squad we have in 2025 playing in 2026 If the club has money to spend then save it and find one or two top quality players who can provide some excitement on the field get fans interested again and start pushing into the top four[/quote:y396pena] Another moan, if only you went to the fans forum to mention your concerns.

[quote="bonaire":21gm7b2n] if we are to add some necessary real quality and pace especially at centre [/quote:21gm7b2n] I’d agree that signings like Briscoe, Hardaker, Holmes and Chamberlain are somewhat stop gaps but if a Cross deal did happen he’s in his prime years, got plenty of pace, a good injury record and is a proven top 6 SL player with a decent try scoring record. In an ideal world I’d have hoped we could have brought in someone like a Lafai in his 20s, but players of that quality and age only ever come over now with some kind of baggage or issues, it would always be a risk. Super duper Rovers (who can do no wrong) have done well with the likes of Evalds and Burgess proven SL quality who wouldn’t have ever been classed as superstars, I’d also include Gildart in that too as he never got a look in really at NRL level. A hypothetical scenario but if Cross did happen but there’s no reason we couldn’t have a backline of Moy, Martin, Cross, Rapana, Barron for 26. A lot of pace there.

[quote="DSJ1983":iucp63k5]I know it never paints the full picture on things like defence and positioning etc but if you look at his recent YouTube highlights he actually seems far from the solid player (guilty myself on another thread) most have had him down as. He’s mostly played wing last season but he looks like he’s a really good runner out of backfield making breaks and has a lot of pace. Would 100% add needed strike and pace to our backline. He played in the centres a couple of seasons ago at SL if you go through the highlight vids, and assuming he can still make a fist of defending in that position he’d be a cracking signing. So much so I’m now convinced the likes of Leigh or Saints would highjack any deal if he was available.[/quote:iucp63k5] Always sceptical of highlight reels after seeing Pele, Okunbor and Bieneks, but looking at Cross' from 2024, he does have good footwork and is a good finisher

[quote="bonaire":ljvexguw]But adding another average Joe if he is coming on say a 2year deal doesnt help at all in the next recruitment cycle.We are now overloaded with additions on 2/3 year contracts and several of those would have to be offloaded end of 2025 season if we are to add some necessary real quality and pace especially at centre,and add some depth in second row and front row Just dont see the logic or strategy because unless we offload or pay off players then we are left with virtually the same squad we have in 2025 playing in 2026 [quote:ljvexguw]If the club has money to spend then save it and find one or two top quality players who can provide some excitement on the field get fans interested again and start pushing into the top four[/quote:ljvexguw][/quote:ljvexguw] Whilst I get where you are coming from with Cross, I do think you are being a little blind to our current situation. If we remain a bottom-four side, then our chances of acquiring 'top quality players' becomes doubly difficult, as we found with Lachlan Lam. The chances are anyone of decent standard will most likely have a more tempting offer put to them from someone else. Our only recourse in that scenario is to put more money on the table to sway a deal our way, but in its self can cause problems further down the line. We need to push ourselves further up the ladder, to at least mid-table respectability, in order to make ourselves a more enticing prospect for high quality players to want to come here to then help push us onto top four challenges. Due to the fact that we have contrived to dig ourselves into an almighty pit over a number of years, we are not going to able to get where we all want to be in one single leap, it's not going to happen that way I'm afraid. If we are to be challengers once more, then it will almost certainly have to be done in stages, from bottom-four to mid-four to challengers and (hopefully) winners. And we will have to shop accordingly in order to reach our initial, albeit modest, goals first, of at least looking like a club with intentions to succeed once more. I don't think Cross is a perfect signing, if it comes to pass, but he would improve a weakness in the current squad to a degree and in turn hopefully help push us in the right direction. The key question for me with Cross would be length of contract. Two years maximum would be best, but if he holds out for a three year deal then Myler/Cartwright have to weigh up their options, would that hamper future recruitment to an unacceptable degree? These are the type of decisions Myler and Cartwright have to get right if we are to be successful once more. Because of the last five years, we really are a long way back from where we would all like to be. This is going to take some time to fix the mess we have got into. Making some signings that on the surface appear to be underwhelming is a situation we are probably going to have to accept for at least a further year. We need to make ourselves an attractive proposition to potential quality targets in order to achieve our longer term goals. It's not ideal, but it is the harsh reality of where we are right now and there is no getting away from the fact that it is a long road ahead of us and we have to plan accordingly. I'm sure every single black & white would love to be watching a top-two side by 2026 but it is extremely unlikely to happen in that short space of time. I'm afraid that's just the way it is right now, but we live in hope, we always do!!

my only real issue with cross is that it will likely be a 2 or 3 year deal meaning we have him, hardaker and chamberlain here at least for 25 & 26, possibly 27 for 2 of them when none are really at the level of player we would ideally like. Centre is a key attacking position and along with 2nd row, one of our weaker areas which limits potential to improve there for another 3 or 4 years

For me the weaker positions are Chamberlains and Briscoes. Briscoe will hopefully (cos he's finished) be understudy to Martin so if we get Cross he would be first choice ahead of Chamberlain so in improvement imo

[quote="Steve0":1w7fjcgr]Always sceptical of highlight reels after seeing Pele, Okunbor and Bieneks, but looking at Cross' from 2024, he does have good footwork and is a good finisher[/quote:1w7fjcgr] Agreed. The highlights don’t actually lie, Pele, Okunbor and Bienek are all big units capable making for a semi decent highlight reel. This highlights don’t show the serious issues with fitness, work rate etc those players had at SL level. At least with Cross he has the highlights with the footwork, speed, finishing but we also know that he’s managed to consistently play well for 3 seasons in a SL side that’s always in and around the play offs, those other players didn’t have that track record. Now that the chance of a marquee level overseas centre (would have been my priority) has sailed Cross would tick all the boxes for a realistic signing. Like I say I think we’ll struggle to pull it off as I think he’ll be in demand by lots of clubs.

[quote="Jake the Peg":2i3q27pj]my only real issue with cross is that it will likely be a 2 or 3 year deal meaning we have him, hardaker and chamberlain here at least for 25 & 26, possibly 27 for 2 of them when none are really at the level of player we would ideally like. Centre is a key attacking position and along with 2nd row, one of our weaker areas which limits potential to improve there for another 3 or 4 years[/quote:2i3q27pj] 100% see that logic and personally I wouldn’t have gone for Hardaker (age) and Chamberlain on multi year deals for that exact reason. I think Cross though is the type of player who could maybe step up a level or two, he’s a late bloomer in his career. I also think we have to look at what’s available in context to other SL clubs. Keighran and Wardle are the benchmark best centre combo in SL, top players but when you compare to some of the top SL centres over the years the level has definitely dropped. I just don’t see where the centres the quality of prime Seniors, Lyon, Watkins, etc would be available to any SL club. Even any homegrown superstars will be snapped up by the NRL nowadays in their early 20s.

It’s a tough one, however we are not going to go from 11th to Top 4 in a season. Think we all realistically expect 8th at best next season and then kick on from 2026. I think Cross will be a decent addition. There appears no scope to add top quality for 2025. As I’ve mentioned before, other than the halves, our Centres have been a real weakness in recent years. Primarily due to fitness, Carlos and Sutty hardly played together and the back up options were not Super League standard. Cross is a no risk upgrade. He’s played in the Super League and if he’s fit and can give us 20+ games next season, then that gives us some much needed stability and allows a more settled team which in turn should deliver improved results. I’m sure they’ll be a review if all contracts during 2025. Although not ideal, we now have more funds to move on players if necessary to improve the squad further for 2026.

[quote="Rugby Raider":2g6xkl92]It’s a tough one, however we are not going to go from 11th to Top 4 in a season. Think we all realistically expect 8th at best next season and then kick on from 2026. I think Cross will be a decent addition. There appears no scope to add top quality for 2025. As I’ve mentioned before, other than the halves, our Centres have been a real weakness in recent years. Primarily due to fitness, Carlos and Sutty hardly played together and the back up options were not Super League standard. Cross is a no risk upgrade. He’s played in the Super League and if he’s fit and can give us 20+ games next season, then that gives us some much needed stability and allows a more settled team which in turn should deliver improved results. I’m sure they’ll be a review if all contracts during 2025. Although not ideal, we now have more funds to move on players if necessary to improve the squad further for 2026.[/quote:2g6xkl92] But we could be in the battle for a top four position in 2026 if we can add three quality players at centre,second and front row. Lack of real pace is still an issue but a quality centre would give us a decent backline with the two wings we have and Moy/Rapana fighting for the full back role or even moving Rapana to centre. Adding a couple of big name powerhouses to the forwards would make a huge difference but as i said we cant do any of this for 2026 without moving several of the 2025 signings on and possibly only Sao moving on if Cartwright extends would give us just one quota spot as it stands Understand adding experience for 2025 to try and stabilize the clubs on field perfomance but there seems no strategy for 2026 given what is likely to be a lack of quota spots.and cap space

[quote="bonaire":1izckq7r]But we could be in the battle for a top four position in 2026 if we can add three quality players at centre,second and front row. Lack of real pace is still an issue but a quality centre would give us a decent backline with the two wings we have and Moy/Rapana fighting for the full back role or even moving Rapana to centre. Adding a couple of big name powerhouses to the forwards would make a huge difference but as i said we cant do any of this for 2026 without moving several of the 2025 signings on and possibly only Sao moving on if Cartwright extends would give us just one quota spot as it stands Understand adding experience for 2025 to try and stabilize the clubs on field perfomance but there seems no strategy for 2026 given what is likely to be a lack of quota spots.and cap space[/quote:1izckq7r] Of course there will be a strategy but their focus publicly at this time (and rightly so IMO) is on the upcoming season and the work that has been done to improve things at the club through a new head coach, staff, players, facilities and owner. In fact that is probably part of the strategy for 2026 when you think about it. They're doing a lot of PR work and it won't just be aimed at us fans but at the wider sport as a whole. As has been mentioned by others, our situation in recent seasons likely means that we aren't in a position to sign top quality players not just because of where we have finished in the table but also because the club will have developed a reputation over it's facilities, attitude etc. Putting on a PR front will help make us more attractive. But the biggest thing that is going to make us more attractive is improving ourselves on the field. You mention that our signings for 2025 are to try and stabilise the club's on field performances which is a fair assessment but maybe the price we have had to pay to do that is these two/three year deals for players and that will hinder our 2026 recruitment. Maybe the club don't want to run before they can walk and we find ourselves in a position similar to 2014 and 2015 where we also didn't have a lot of room and manoeuvrability on the cap/quota but work was done to change that for 2026. Maybe the long term strategy is for 2027, not just in terms of getting our youngsters developed and ready but also in terms of improving our position for recruitment but that requires a different shorter term strategy that includes what we are able to do in 2026. Or maybe they are planning on ending a few contracts early for 2026 recruitment. Who knows? It's all if's, but's and maybes right now. Anything can happen and with FC it frequently does. Let's just get behind the club and enjoy the ride.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-le ... k-34408336 This is tough to read and you have to feel for the guy but at a club where sentiment has for years over ruled sense as far as retention of players is concerned (how many times have we seen players kept too long after their sell by date just because they have been good servants). Its been a commendable attitude at times but left us short too and unfortunately in business and sport (particularly where a salary cap is in operation) you have to put the business or the team first and obviously despite what Walker says and he makes a good case, but obviously Myler waited to see where we were with our recruitment and what sort of funds we needed to free up to fill any holes in the team, as is now happening. So, I guess he was simply hedging his bets on getting us the best rosta for 2025. I have spoken to him a couple of times over the last season and he comes across as a measure and sensitive sort of guy but he always says that he will always put what is best for the club going forward first. I hope Walker gets a club and proves us all wrong but I feel that isa pretty unlikely myself!!

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-le ... k-34408336 This is tough to read and you have to feel for the guy but at a club where sentiment has for years over ruled sense as far as retention of players is concerned (how many times have we seen players kept too long after their sell by date just because they have been good servants). Its been a commendable attitude at times but left us short too and unfortunately in business and sport (particularly where a salary cap is in operation) you have to put the business or the team first and obviously despite what Walker says and he makes a good case, but obviously Myler waited to see where we were with our recruitment and what sort of funds we needed to free up to fill any holes in the team, as is now happening. So, I guess he was simply hedging his bets on getting us the best rosta for 2025. I have spoken to him a couple of times over the last season and he comes across as a measure and sensitive sort of guy but he always says that he will always put what is best for the club going forward first. I hope Walker gets a club and proves us all wrong but I feel that isa pretty unlikely myself!!

[quote="The Dentist Wilf":2cpxzsd2]https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-fc-richie-myler-jack-34408336 This is tough to read and you have to feel for the guy but at a club where sentiment has for years over ruled sense as far as retention of players is concerned (how many times have we seen players kept too long after their sell by date just because they have been good servants). Its been a commendable attitude at times but left us short too and unfortunately in business and sport (particularly where a salary cap is in operation) you have to put the business or the team first and obviously despite what Walker says and he makes a good case, but obviously Myler waited to see where we were with our recruitment and what sort of funds we needed to free up to fill any holes in the team, as is now happening. So, I guess he was simply hedging his bets on getting us the best rosta for 2025. I have spoken to him a couple of times over the last season and he comes across as a measure and sensitive sort of guy but he always says that he will always put what is best for the club going forward first. I hope Walker gets a club and proves us all wrong but I feel that isa pretty unlikely myself!![/quote:2cpxzsd2] Can see it from Walkers point of view but he was on a two year deal so I’m guessing he’s been paid a settlement and there must have been some kind of negotiation around that, it can’t have been right out of the blue. Says a lot about Walker that he’s obviously gutted to be without a club even if he has had his contract paid, I’m guessing that a few of the players we’ve paid off mid contract haven’t been quite so gutted. Good luck to him seems a good lad.

He was a strange signing for us to make at the time with us having Hoy and Litten. We signed and then released Treigh Stewart this season, then signed Rapana. The writing was on the wall for a while. You'd imagine he'd be on a decent wedge and we've got Moy, Litten, Hardaker plus Rapana for this year. All of those players can play other positions, Walker is an out and out fullback. From a salary cap position it makes sense to move him on. He was dropped by Grix after the London away game because of his attitude too.

I can see it from both sides to be honest. Unfortunately that’s sport in most cases when a new coach comes some players don’t fit or in our case a total change. Walker came to an agreement and was paid off so not like he’s just been dumped either. It’s unfortunate he’s still without a club but for me that in a way supports the decision made by Myler to release him. I would say a factor in the decision would likely have been the progress in Moy and the club belief in him to progress coupled with Litten and the arrival of Rapana & Hardaker he was always going to down the pecking order. He likely won’t have been on a bad contract either and in a salary cap sport you can not afford to have a player on the cap that’s unlikely to play. For far too long we’ve been way to sentimental and to be successful you have to be more ruthless in that aspect. I think ability wise Walkers a good player but as he has shown physically there are question marks over his durability. I’m surprised no Championship teams have taken any interest though.

Something more to this. Don't just get told to not train with the first team squad and told your 5th choice full back for nothing. His ability is clearly there so there is something more for me..

i guess the rumour of Walker wanting to move back west during 2024 was just that...

Club have been accused of not been ruthless enough, but since Myler has come in we have certainly have, some decisions might be harsh but have needed to happen, Wlker would have been behind Rapana and Moy for me so its understandable.

I don't disagree with the decision but I'm not sure we should be allowing a player to start pre season then paying him off. We surely knew some time before he wasn't in our plans so why not let him know early before everyone else spent on other players

[quote="Jake the Peg":18cxirsz]I don't disagree with the decision but I'm not sure we should be allowing a player to start pre season then paying him off. We surely knew some time before he wasn't in our plans so why not let him know early before everyone else spent on other players[/quote:18cxirsz] Maybe we did. Let's not forget that this is just Walker's side of the story we're hearing at the moment. I think we heard from Myler at the time talking about it being a difficult and hard decision to make. And wasn't his agent talking months before hand about not expecting him to be at FC in 2025? If I was to hazard a guess, we probably told Walker and his agent months ago that he was free to find another club (probably the same with Morgan Smith and Liam Tindall) and when no offers presented themselves, Myler's then had to take the decision to pay off their contracts. Someone also mentioned that they are surprised that no Championship club has come in for him, but Walker himself says he's confident he can play Super League so perhaps he's been holding out for a contract offer from one of the other clubs and will have to adjust his sights going forward. I do have sympathy for his situation. It's harsh. But I have to echo what a lot of others are saying in that I fell that it's the right decision for the club and one that the club wouldn't have taken previously.

Walker has been at four clubs in the last three seasons and none seem to require his services.

If he's as good as his agent seems to think he is , Then He'll be signing for Penrith anytime soon !! Personally , I think he's a decent player but not the player his agent seems to think he is , Maybe Walker needs to stop reading his headlines . As COYH says , 4 clubs and nobody wants to sign him , They must be something there keeping the clubs from going anywhere near him . I hope he sorts a club out soon though .

[quote="B0NES":2239qn1o]If he's as good as his agent seems to think he is , Then He'll be signing for Penrith anytime soon !! Personally , I think he's a decent player but not the player his agent seems to think he is , Maybe Walker needs to stop reading his headlines . As COYH says , 4 clubs and nobody wants to sign him , [quote:2239qn1o]They must be something there keeping the clubs from going anywhere near him[/quote:2239qn1o] . I hope he sorts a club out soon though .[/quote:2239qn1o] You would have to assume his track record injury wise won't be helping his cause. Squad management is so important these days, players being unavailable for whatever reason can have a major effect on how a club's season may pan out. The clubs who get these kind of decisions right tend to the ones who have the successful seasons. Squad recruitment/management has been one of our (many) failings over recent years. I feel for Walker as he is still more than capable of being a decent SL player, he showed it for us on occasion even through the mayhem of last year, but I have a feeling club's are viewing him as too big a risk especially if he's angling for a sizable salary. If he continues spending as much time on the treatment table as he does on the pitch it can become a hindrance to a club's hopes and ambitions. It's hardly his fault that he's developed a habit of breaking down at inopportune moments but, unfortunately for him, elite sport is a fairly ruthless business today, those that take the hard decisions even when they may be unpopular are the ones who tend to thrive as hard as it may sound and appear. Walker (and his agent) may find they have to lower their sights, and demands, in order to secure a deal with someone. Like I said, it's become a brutal business with little room for sentiment these days.

[quote="Jake the Peg":2xhkcop0]I don't disagree with the decision but I'm not sure we should be allowing a player to start pre season then paying him off. We surely knew some time before he wasn't in our plans so why not let him know early before everyone else spent on other players[/quote:2xhkcop0] To be fair I think it was obvious he was told he was free to find a new club a long time ago along with Sutcliffe and Trueman. It’s still not nice for the lad the situation he’s in as he comes across as a good lad and pro but there’s no way it was out the blue to him, his agent publicly said so months ago. There’s always loads of examples of contracted players looking to make moves like Clifford last year, so it can work both ways.

Sure he will get a club, probably SL for me. Think his agent has done him a disservice, sure he will have had offers - at least top end championship ? All a negotiation, just as his 'settlement' was. No doubt talented - I wouldn't rule out Hudds to replace Jakey boy, only certainty is he will rip it up when he next runs out against us.