I agree. Getting into the oppostion 20 hasnt necessarily been our problem but looking like getting over the try line certainly has. I would put a creative 6 at the top of my shopping list and not rely on one player bringing the creative spark we are missing in Sean Long.

Stefan Ratchford would have made an ideal 6 alongside Long IMO.

As GG says, he would need to play in the 17 each week to justify it. I would do that TBH as I think playing him there would allow us to better utilise Lauaki and would give our pack real punch.

I think Lauaki has been signed to play prop.

I agree. I just don't think that's the best position for him.

No place for Tickle either from the side we mentioned?

No need to carry him for his kicking anymore.

No need to carry him full stop, I doubt he'll be here once his contract is up.

Good, but not good enough.

It isn't. He should be played out wide as a second rower. I'm sure the outside backs on his side would agree.

See im not a fan of the argument about having impact there from the start either. In a game where the turning point of who wins and who loses is often 20 mins in when the interchanges start to happen i think we need to heavily load our bench. (O'Meley mistake was corrected!!)



I think O'Meley and Cusack with Fitz plus someone else in the 2nd row is pretty strong anyway, i think youre doing a dis-service to their ability and 'impact'

Moa, Lauaki, Manu and Houghton off the bench is phenominal.

Assuming they don't some on with the 5 drives and a kick ethos!

We'll see where Agar is going as soon as he names his loose forward. If its Fitz or Radders we know the approach to be 5 drives and a kick. If its Washy or Whiting we know we might see some decent rugby.

I agree to a point, but if we are getting rid of Cusack and Radford, next season, it could pay us to afford him to stay.

As for a 6, I think we should look more local (UK) rather then overseas, because a decent 6 would be easier to find local then a 7, which we will need sometime soon.

Washy will be LF next season according to Wolfie.

I'd go with

Dowes
Berrigan
O'Meley
Tickle
Fitzgibbon
Washbrook

Cusack/Moa
Manu
Lauaki
Houghton

We'd signed Kimmorley according to wolfie!

True.

Let's hope he is right on this one.

I take your point but I would rather see one of Manu/Lauaki start the game if they are both playing as backrowers, preferably Manu as Hame is out and out impact.

I dont think it matter when they start, it's how long they are expected to play for that is an issue, as with most of the forwards this season.

If they are both used as backrowers i agree, but i have Lauaki proping.

Lauaki will prop unless Moa stays, Agar then has the option of using him as the bench backrower and alternate him and Manu.

There can't be much interest in Moa from elsewhere, maybe tells us something?

He has the option of going with:
Dowes
Berro
Cusack
Fitz
Manu
Washy

Moa
O'Meley
Lauaki
Houghton

which looks strong, or the side i posted earlier which meant Dowes missing out. It depends for me whether he'd rather have Dowes in the 17 or Radford/Tickle/Burnett. I'd still favour the latter looking at Dowes form for the last 2 seasons.

He wants to stay. The unofficial rumour is that 2 clubs are discussing with him but Hull have tabled a conditional offer which is dependant upon another overseas player saying no. Strange way to do business.

Incredibly, and if Moa had anything about him he'd tell the club where to shove it, unless we are offering more money.

Persnally, I dont think we can waste a quota spot on him, wasting one on Yak has cost us that luxury.

An "unofficial rumour"? Sounds flimsey at best even by your standards Dave.

Dowes and Cusack should not be on the pitch at the same time. O'Meley should start imo and Lauaki should always be off the bench. The way I see it:-

Cusack
Berrigan
O'Meley
Manu
Fitzgibbon
Washbrook

Moa (pr)
Lauaki (pr)
Radford/Tickle/Burnett/Turner
Houghton

We could also play Dowes and move Yak to the bench with Lauaki dropping to the backrow.

If we don't have Moa then:-

Dowes
Berrigan
O'Meeley
Manu
Fitzgibbon
Washbrook

Cusack (pr)
Lauaki (pr)
Radford/Tickle/Burnett/Turner
Houghton