Yes, I agree but i think he still has lots to offer and it will take a hell of a player to replace him.

People really need to get a grip on this forum its fast becoming a joke every topic turns into a bitch fest its really getting boring now.

If Lauaki and Fitz leave without being properly replaced and then we re-sign Dowes, I would be very worried about our pack next season.

Dowes has done okay this season when given the chance but "okay" isn't going to see us catching up with Wigan, Wire and Saints.

I know nothing about the two new NRL signings but they are not the top class HB or the big front rower that, IMO, we desperately need.

Would love to see someone like Trent waterhouse to replace Fitzy if lauaki goes aswell . Big unit and a tough cookie to say the least

We should be offering a shed load of cash for luke lewis or ben creagh...prob the only backrowers you could replace fitz with...maybe gallen but he is a penalty machine, i do like the warriors second row who also plays centre, cant remember his name.

Mannering ? No chance of Creagh coming

Shockingly over rated in my eyes.

Given the work horse and leadership role Fitz does for us I would like us to go for Andrew Ryan on a similar 1 year deal should Fitz retire.

hindmarsh to replace fitz?

Really think we should be looking at any new prop coming in being about 25 or under, personally. At the start of next season we may be looking at: O'Meley (31 by May), Moa (25), Radford (33 by March), Dowes (31 by March). If we bring in another 30+ year old front rower we're going to give ourselves a lot of work to do a couple of years down the line unless we get lucky with a few youngsters emerging all at once in the same position. It could even be the end of 2012 with 3 ageing props all out of contract and possibly only 1 overseas spot to play with. I agree with an earlier post, I wouldn't mind seeing us make a move for Paul Johnson. Looks a good bench prop.

How do you know that if you know nothing about them. Who would you have signed instead?

In regards to the hooking position, I see everyone is speculating that Obst will be behind Heremaia and Houghton in the pecking order. I'd be very surprised if this is true. I'm worried that barring injuries, Houghton could miss out a lot next year. The fact that the other two can both cover more positions would increase their chances of selection.

Hindmarsh would be an epic signing. Great player and a model pro, could take over from Fitz in a mentoring role for youngsters as well. Really cant see it happening though.

Some players that 'fit the bill' for what we may be looking for OOC this year-

Props:
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
Evarn Tuimavave
Tim Mannah
Ashton Sims
Brent Kite (probably too old though)

Second Row:
Bronson Harrison
Joel Thompson

I'm no expert on any of these players, just thought I'd post a few of the 'interesting' OOC players, assuming we end up with a quota spot. There are more, I just couldn't be bothered looking for them.

A few of those have signed extensions already.

Evarn Tuimavave is playing some good rugby at Newcastle.

Think I'd go for Mannah even though learoyd-Lahrs is probably thought more highly of. Mannah will stay where he is though.

They've both signed extensions, Mannah will go on to captain parra and probably get numerors caps for nsw and aus.

Any decent props you think we have a realistic chance with ?

People are saying Ryan or Hindmarsh to replace Fitz.

Even though their club legends their alot down on Fitz.

I'd be surprised if a better 'impact' player signs for a sl club than Lauaki.

I'm championing Ryan because if Fitz leaves we are lacking a pack leader.

If both Long and Fitz go next season we will be back to the whole rudderless ship scenario.

Let me be the first... hem hem... he'll be perfect for FC





or, give me a second... what's his injury record like? We only want crocks

was muted here a couple of weeks ago but is on big money by all accounts??
we are FWIW looking at Fairbanks,s lad from Huddersfield as a good young prop project for the future, big unit and cheap too

If you dont know them then how do you know they are not top class? when in fact both are regarded very highly

Gregory was rated very highly but some people had never heard of him

Which one

You quote me and cut off the end of my sentence so that you have some kind of point?

You're a joke !!