I hope it works out but I hope he doesn't have the level of pressure/expectation on him that Miller had in a similar situation at 2013

I know what you mean. It's a big ask for any half coming into the club, especially one with so little first grade experience.

If we've found someone similar to Cade Cust at Wigan I'll be pleased.

I've watched a few interviews and people have likened him to Adam Reynolds at Souths. Hopefully he'll be able to grab a game by the scruff of the neck. Plus it would signal the end for Gale next season

The stark reality is the recruitment of Josh Reynolds has been a disaster, and this decision to release him should have been made after his last injury, when he returned home for treatment.

The appointment of Luke Gale hasn’t been much better, and although there will have been financial reasons, the end of Sneyds time with us, looks to have come a season to early.

Arguably our best three players on view yesterday, getting mullered in a warm up game, lorded by the likes of Wilkin and Baz of how special it was to see the likes of Ryan Hall, Watkins, and Mcllorum returning to international rugby league.

Rider I agree and think its a sad indictment on the current state of the game here when the likes of Hall & Watkins are getting back in to international honours in the twilight of their careers. As good as they have been if they are being deemed the best then we will be waiting a long time yet for international success.

It will be interesting to see what happens over the coming days/weeks as to whether anyone else comes in or if BH has the strength of conviction to bring the likes of Balmforth & Hookem into the 17 for the remainder of the season. I’d also like to see Litten get an opportunity at some point if possible.

Think Reynolds was a gamble that just didn’t pay off and it’s sad for both the club and player and ultimately when you’re the marquee player and just don’t perform you will be a questioned and rightfully so.

Will also be interesting to see how others up their games too with this decision.

To Leigh?

You surely wouldn't be that stupid, I wouldn't wish him on a league one team, I'm sure your current halfbacks are better players than him.

if Reynolds and Ferguson team up in Leigh - well....I won't go in to it further!

Well so far, Leigh are top of the ladder, and just won a trophy by playing more exciting rugby than watching Superleague.

It is a 2 horse race to be fair, you and Fev paying at SL cap levels compared to everyone else.

If you sign Josh Reynolds and play him it is advantage Fev (personally prefer Leigh to come up if I had the choice), saying that I wouldn't let any team in SL without a good pathway in the first team, do Leigh or Fev have that?

[/u

I think you know the answer to that, and the reason why, but that shouldn't stop any team from being promoted.
BTW - I never suggested that Leigh signing J R would be a good for Leigh. Lammy & Chezzy have made remarkable progress at Leigh, and trust me, there's more to come.

I thought so, but wasn't 100%.

Have they made remarkable progress or just chucked kosfs of money at players in a mainly part time league?

No, remarkable progress.



FWIW - I think both Leigh and Fev should be promoted to make a 14 team Superleague.

Might be happening a 14 team Super League

For me that's the only way forward for SL to increase the teams as decreasing the teams will only negatively impact the game and discourage growth and new fans.

I wasn't referring to on pitch, more off the pitch

There isn't enough quality to go around for a 14 team league. Leigh would have to lose a bunch of their overseas players and probably end up being weaker if they do get promoted.

No we won't. We only have eight NFT players atm,maybe nine (I'm not sure) if O' Donnell counts), and i can see 3 of them moving on, which leaves 1 or 2 spots available if we get into SL.

You are only allowed 7 NFT players in SL and you have these players, I'm probably missing somebody too.
Aekins
Ferguson
MacDonald
Hingano
Stone
Amone
Asiata
Inu
Ioane
Ipape
O'Donnell
Nakubuwai

Hitchcock was there wasn't he or as he gone? Crazy number that, a couple must have gone.

Fev are similar too, you to promote one, but neither have long term plans with lack of adademy/reserves.

He is on loan somewhere else I think.

It's such short-term thinking as you say but with promotion and relegation you can't blame them for going 'all-in'.

Yes, I get it, but wonder what will happen to the one that doesn't go up.

I wouldn't be surprised if those moved on. Ipape & MacDonald will be here. "IF" we can keep hold of Aekins,Ferguson, Amone,
Asiata & O'Donnell, that's 7 and that's good enough for me. After saying that, how about STOP disadvantaging clubs that get promoted? Why not give them dispensation for one season with NFT players to help them build? Also, the right decision would be for the RFL to tell Leigh & Fev NOW that there will be a 14 team SL for 2023 and those 2 clubs will be in, and can start building now. Leigh & Fev have great stadiums,the infrastructure,financial backers, fanbase, 2 top coaches, and some good players already. It really does make sense!

How did Hookem go? My eyes had glazed over by the time he came on and I think I was clinically dead for most of the second half.

Did a bunch of drop offs and passed to Ma’u, that was it.

Sneyd was a big influence in his development I'm thinking.