looking at the pic of him with Stan in todays hdm it looks like he needs to do a good bit in the gym IMO before he'll be ready for SL.

Him and Nev Costigan can compare mud guts.

If it is the same pic as online, it's hard to say - loose fitting shirt and that.
Paniu looks quite slim for a second-rower, even a versatile one - looks more an out-and-out centre, at first glance.

Can they play for Gateshead?

They can't play for us, as the publically-available rules stand!

As I said on another thread Salford have proved that is no longer the case.

Agreed - but there's been no public confirmation from the RFL yet, which is a bit ridiculous.



Unless the announcement was whispered in a Red Hall broom cupboard, the non-fed limit is still officially 5.

Keating, Weyman, Costigan, Burns and Tuimavave fill our allowance. Maki and Paniu will make 7. As Anakin says, we 'know' the limit is going up, even though we haven't been told.

Returning to your first question, I [ithought[/i that non-fed players were excluded from dual-reg - but the rules change frequently, so even when I'm right it's usually temporary. [iToday's[/i answer/estimate is 'no'.

Thought et had played his last game for us? Anyhow judging by the photo I agree a lot of conditioning needs to be done.

he looks more likely to turn out for Hull Dockers than Hull KR lol.

Is it just me, or is Francis Paniu's hand massive?

I wonder if they're regretting it now?