Prop is not a position that we're weak in though is it? Our weakest areas of the current squad are the halfs and the riht flank, one of which has hopefully been addressed, and we'll need a centre if Gleeson leaves.

We have to be realistic and remember that there's a salary cap to be adhered to, and we can't have four top class props. Don't forget that Wigan have Ben Cross coming off their bench at the moment, Leeds have people Ian Kirke. Hudds & Wigan have brought through some very good young players (Mossop/Patrick).

Dowsey is a 4th prop, and a fourth prop's job is to relieve the top props (Moa/O'Meley) for when they need a break. I'd love to have Moa/O'Meley on thepitch for 80minutes and not need Dowes atall.

As I said, prop is not a pivotal position nor one we should be prioritising to strengthen. The dominant Saints team used to have Mike Bennett in their 17 each week, 3-times GF winners Leeds had props like Burgess/Kirke. You can still be a top 4 team / winning team without four awesome props.

If he does go I won't be too bothered, I'm just trying to be realistic about the situation. We're not going to bring in a world class prop as a replacement, it'll be someone like O'Carroll (as has been rumoured).

Exactly, was just about to post something similar to this.

It's always said that X player wouldn't get into Wigan/Saints etc team, but how many of theirs wouldn't get into ours?

I could probably name 5 or 6 players from each team that wouldn't get in to our team when fit. This is because of the salary cap.

Obviously if all 4 props were like Dowes we'd have a problem, but they aren't, so to keep him for 1 more year until our props are actually ready isn't the end of the world.

I'd rather us release Dowes, and another backrower (ie Burnett or Washbrook),
and pay a fee as AP has indicated he would do,
for the likes of a Tom Burgess or Paul Johnson, and then give more game time
for Green,Kent or Cunningham.

It's simple matter of economics, who will be cheaper, Dowes or his replacement (O'Carroll)?

I'd snap up Paul Johnson in a flash though.

Exactly. He's replaceable certainly, but we shouldn't expect to replace him with a world beater, and even if we do, it wouldn't take us much futher to getting into the top4 - there are bigger priorities

Our weaknesses at the moment are 7, backup hooker, our makeshift right side and the clown of a coach. Two of those four weaknesses have been addressed and I'd hope the other two are sorted out way before signing a 4th prop.

Exactly, as the guy below said, there are bigger priorities in our side at the moment.

Not sure I'd pay a fee for Johnson, he started the season really well but seems his performances have dropped recently. I really like the look of Kyle Amor on loan at Wakey, if we had the chance to get him in I'd take that though.

Johnson wouldn't be a bad signing for any team . If there was a chance then we should go for him.

I'm surprised at your sugestion that we are ok for props.

There has been a lot of comment on this board in recent months about the need to sign at least one new prop. Our two best props are O'Meley and Moa with Dowes and Radford as back up. Fitz and Lauaki are going. I know there has been talk of switching Tickle to prop but IMO we need to sign at least one prop and two if Dowes is released.

I'd say there is every chance Dowes could stay, there is hardly an abundance of props around.

I think going into 2012 with Moa, O'Meley, Dowes & Radford as our four main props is ok yeah.

Backing those guys up will be Aldous & Green, both of whom have been out on loan this season and [ishould[/i be given game time as cover for those for if/when they're needed.

I think signing an additional prop as you mention would send out completely the wrong message to Aldous & Green, as well as spending too much of the salary cap on our front row. We've seen as other clubs, and I mentioned Mossop & Patrick earlier in the thread, that if you need to give these young lads a chance.

With regards to Fitz, I think over the past couple of months while he's been propping (and while our back three have been working so well together), we're relying on him alot less than we have been. Tickle has stepped up to the loose man/grafter in the side.

We could do with another 2nd rower though, although we have a couple in the U20's who can't be far off making the step up.

If the worst thing we have to worry about next season is Dowes being in the squad then I for one will be a happy bunny.

Chris Green is an under 20s Back Rower, I think it would be safer for him to cover his actual position when he steps up.

I also dont personally think Aldous will make it. He's very aggressive and drives the ball hard, but he's just too small. Hope Ii eat my words but I just dont see it. Josh Bowden on the other hand.....

Hey guys. You all missed me?

where you been all this time? the new KFC?

Let think
about this" hey" NO fact

Heard today jt is signed up for next year

There is still a few signings to come in,people are just going to have to wait while they are announced,also can see a few go, id say there is still plenty to be revealed once the season is over,players going,players staying,players coming in,long going,plus lauaki and fitz possibly leaving,burnett wont be coming back,we dont know whats going ion with washy,i would say that frees a fair wedge of cash up,sept oct could become very interesting

Was told the same at a meeting last night J Cooper wouldn't put any meat on the bone
Just kept saying the Hull fans will be well pleased.. Plus R Whiting won the player of the year voted by The Disabled Group fans

[/u

Well deserved too.

Well deserved if only for that "Where were you when Whiting went the length against Wakey? moment.

Heart in mouth moment that day

Yes please.

Does anyone actually know anything, or are we all just repeating what AP said in the website interview?

Told John I will make my own mind up when I see things happening, Only then
will I rate AP

Agreed. Remember the last time the chairperson said the fans would be utterly delighted with our new coach. Response in the main was "Peter who?".