I think a lot of people are getting a bit ahead of themselves with next year's team/squad (happens every year to be fair). Overall the team isn't any stronger for me, probably weaker in a couple of areas than what we had at the start of last season (mckinnon>mcdonnell, loss of moa, inexperienced right centre/wing combo, losing the attacking threat of manu). I think we'll be 5th to 7th depending on how other teams do. Really, only holdsworth is a significant improvement on what we've lost (don't want to get into a manu v ellis debate and ellis could well be great for us but can't see that he's going to be a significant improvement for the team as a whole).

I know we could have picked up more points if we'd not thrown some games away, but so could all teams, and conversely, we could also have lost a couple we won if things had panned out differently.

Really don't see the current squad as being as good as leeds, wire, les cats or wigan. Hope I'm wrong

FC look better for next season already..!!

In Gentle we Trust


So onwards and upwards for the Mighty FC !!

Appreciate the Prince stuff is all done now, however appears some Bronco's fans are not over the moon with the Prince signing, I received this email this morning from my pal in Brisbane(he's an ex pat Hessle Road lad)

"Yes, it's official, he is once again a Bronco.
We are not sure why? What happened to the 'youth policy' they bang on about all the time? What now for Corey Norman?
At least now we have a decent goal kicker.
We just don't like him, don't know why, but we don't."

Norman and Prince play different positions.

Peter Walace will be sitting out.

Only getting half sky money?

He was very good first half of last season, just seems an all round strange piece of recruitment, I was under the impression Broncos fans/officials don't like Prince for some reason.

I can see what you are saying, but for me the biggest weakness last season was halfback and this showed in the Warrington play off game, that has been improved massively just by signing Holdsworth.

The main area of improvement and strength for me next season is our squad it looks much stronger, we now have young players that we know are capable of stepping up, which we haven't had for the last few year and I think gentle will be a better coach now that he has some SL experience.

Next season if we can play our strongest lineup we could see the likes of Horne, Crookes, Arundel, Pitts, Galea and Green not getting a game.

So , back to rumours then .
AP said in yesterdays HDM that he is confident of signing a halfback in the next 4 weeks.
Any ideas?

No he didn't.

"I still think there [ucould[/u be an [uopportunity[/u over the next four weeks for somebody else to come up for us."

Rally round.

Brilliant

Read it again. "I am confident we still have an opportunity to bring someone in".
Definate use of word confident.

Second to last paragraph . Get on the Rovers board stating s***e like "Rally Round".

Spot on. It's the overall squad which has better balance and depth. Those who stepped upto the plate last season like Crooks Green Bowden etc will benefit from the full off season and their experiences this year. Add in what we have recruited and I see no reason why injuries should be such a massive factor next season. We have cover across the park even if that means whiting and Horne at 6&7 for a game or two.

People seem to forget its about 30 games a season + the challenge cup and not just about who our first 17 are.

I certainly aren't getting overly excited, but I am quietly confident that we will see big improvements. Other squads are not what they were either. Wire have ageing pivots all be it quality ones. Leeds well who knows what frame of mind they will be in. Sts have new coaching set up, one I don't rate but that's another debate. Pies have average halves compared to last season and if Hock goes that's a big hole to fill. I'm sure they have players to fill in but maybe not as good. Cats have new coaching system who knows how that will pan out. So I wouldn't write us off just yet. Certainly not till feb

Quote ="HFC Boy"Read it again. "I am confident we still have an opportunity to bring someone in". Definate use of word confident.'" Right, I was reading this more recent article by the Sports Editor: www.thisishullandeastriding.co.u ... story.html In the article you're referencing he says he's confident we can bring someone in. But not that he's confident we will bring someone in. In terms of who, not sure. Personally I'd rather save the money and go with what we've got than sign someone for the sake of it.

Quote ="HFC Boy"Read it again. "I am confident we still have an opportunity to bring someone in". Definate use of word confident.'" Right, I was reading this more recent article by the Sports Editor: www.thisishullandeastriding.co.u ... story.html In the article you're referencing he says he's confident we can bring someone in. But not that he's confident we will bring someone in. In terms of who, not sure. Personally I'd rather save the money and go with what we've got than sign someone for the sake of it.

didnt somebody claim that there would be a signing happening in November , but not before due to there current club ?

Is this still the case

Quote ="Mrs Barista"Right, I was reading this more recent article by the Sports Editor: www.thisishullandeastriding.co.u ... story.html In the article you're referencing he says he's confident we can bring someone in. But not that he's confident we will bring someone in. In terms of who, not sure. Personally I'd rather save the money and go with what we've got than sign someone for the sake of it.'" That's a subtle distinction for you, innit? If you [icould[/i, then surely you [iwould[/i...? I agree about not panic-buying someone for the sake of it though. An opportunity is bound to arise eventually, and if you have the cap/quota space and/or fee at the ready, then you'll be best placed.

Quote ="Mrs Barista"Right, I was reading this more recent article by the Sports Editor: www.thisishullandeastriding.co.u ... story.html In the article you're referencing he says he's confident we can bring someone in. But not that he's confident we will bring someone in. In terms of who, not sure. Personally I'd rather save the money and go with what we've got than sign someone for the sake of it.'" That's a subtle distinction for you, innit? If you [icould[/i, then surely you [iwould[/i...? I agree about not panic-buying someone for the sake of it though. An opportunity is bound to arise eventually, and if you have the cap/quota space and/or fee at the ready, then you'll be best placed.

Peaked too early today with my hoes. Feeling poorly too.



I can see the point in pushing the boat out for quality in Prince, which IMO was vindicated by the fact Broncos have got him on a 2 year deal. Miller perhaps, although I'll not pretend to know anything about him other than what I've seen on the internet. ATETOD we've added Holdsworth and Galea, which is not too shabby in terms of adding creative options vs last year. Someone at another SL or NRL club will get fed up mid season as you say. Save the money.

Think that was Bitv Biff, who later confirmed the player was Bateman.

So in which case,no.

oh now i am hurt... no really i am honest, that was such a cutting well thought out attack...how will i ever survive it

I doubt AP and Gentle would panic buy. Their recruitment seems to be well thought through so far, they know exactly what type of player they're looking for.

6 England knights, 2 of the best 4 hb's in S/L, yes very well thought out.

I think so, when compared to somebody from London who can run fast, someone from Batley who we've never heard of and someone from Oz who's serving a very long ban. Quality choices boy!!!

Don't worry they are going to be richer than Manchester City soon.

Just heard a "rumour" Rhys Hanbury from Widnes is been approached by Hull

Was at Wests when PG was there