I think our recruitment has been pretty solid. We also tried for better players, add in Lam and Whitehead and another quota player we would look a whole lot better. My issues is that we look very weak at halfback and backrow and we have Holmes and Seizer potential doubts first game, so at game 1 we are already looking stretched in those two positions. Abdul I get (although he probably shouldn't have been signed, but can see why we did, probably our most expensive signing in years though) But I would have only released Staveley once we had a replacement lined up.

[quote="Dave K.":nhw1419p]I think our recruitment has been pretty solid. We also tried for better players, add in Lam and Whitehead and another quota player we would look a whole lot better. My issues is that we look very weak at halfback and backrow and we have Holmes and Seizer potential doubts first game, so at game 1 we are already looking stretched in those two positions. Abdul I get (although he probably shouldn't have been signed, but can see why we did, probably our most expensive signing in years though) But I would have only released Staveley once we had a replacement lined up.[/quote:nhw1419p] Add in that we don't have a lot of players off contract this year (cap wise anyway) and only 1 non fed spot coming free and 2026 recruitment could already be a challenge

[quote="Jake the Peg":8hcgf0gk]Add in that we don't have a lot of players off contract this year (cap wise anyway) and only 1 non fed spot coming free and 2026 recruitment could already be a challenge[/quote:8hcgf0gk] I've been told we have a good chunk of cap before Staveley went, must a good chunk to add Cross and Sneyd. Add in Sao and Briscoe. We will have a good amount and one quota spot. I also wouldn't rule of out contacted players leaving. I'd be looking at 4 players, one must be a quality halfback, 2 forwards and maybe a centre, depending on how Litten, Rapana, Hardraker and Westerman go. In an ideal world if we could get Lam or Pryce it would make our recruitment much easier.

[quote="Dave K.":22ryuxla]I've been told we have a good chunk of cap before Staveley went, must a good chunk to add Cross and Sneyd. Add in Sao and Briscoe. We will have a good amount and one quota spot. I also wouldn't rule of out contacted players leaving. I'd be looking at 4 players, one must be a quality halfback, 2 forwards and maybe a centre, depending on how Litten, Rapana, Hardraker and Westerman go. In an ideal world if we could get Lam or Pryce it would make our recruitment much easier.[/quote:22ryuxla] Does Sao come off quota next year? if so might be worth another year if he performs and still leaves one quota spot.

[quote="Marcus's Bicycle":3cbfdcf7]Does Sao come off quota next year? if so might be worth another year if he performs and still leaves one quota spot.[/quote:3cbfdcf7] Yes, if those rules come into play, not a fan of this rule, but others will exploit it, so we may have too. Depends on the season he has, needs a big one.

Sao and Fash were both poor last season but start with a clean slate for me. Clearly they both need to up their game and improve their discipline. Abdull was a risky signing that didn't pay off. Calling it a disaster is pure hyperbole. At least we have cut out losses rather than pay him for being sat in the stands.

[quote="Dave K.":aa8tgagn]Yes, if those rules come into play, not a fan of this rule, but others will exploit it, so we may have too. Depends on the season he has, needs a big one.[/quote:aa8tgagn] Not a fan either as there's less incentive to produce home grown talent but as you say others will take advantage of it. I'd guess they'll be number of other players who'll qualify as well.

[quote="ComeOnYouUll":3ans7mwm]Sao and Fash were both poor last season but start with a clean slate for me. Clearly they both need to up their game and improve their discipline. Abdull was a risky signing that didn't pay off. Calling it a disaster is pure hyperbole. At least we have cut out losses rather than pay him for being sat in the stands.[/quote:3ans7mwm] I agree. Very disappointed with both player’s discipline last year and both need to cut it out. I’m hoping Ligi’s was down to frustration, with the team/club. On his day he is a good player and if he has a good season, will be decent value to us in 2026 once he is off quota. As for Fash, he really needs a big year and when all are fit, he’ll need to break in to the first 17. He’s got to stop all the nonsense of picking fights, especially the Derby. He just needs to concentrate on being a good Prop. To me he is a Prop. I have never understood the thought of playing him at 13, he has no link play or key handling skills to put him in that role. We need to play players in their true positions. Hopefully Carty will demand a new level of discipline. I felt in recent seasons the Club Hull concept had led to a few of the local lads being complacent about being in the squad (not the 2024 break through youngsters). I want all players to be in merit and if they don’t deliver or become a discipline liability then they can live on for me. Teams rarely win when they have to play part of the game with 12 men and that was a contributing factor to our performances last season.