So our squad is pretty skinny at the moment, compared with recent seasons. In part this seems to be because the requirement to include homegrown players in the squad has been quietly dropped (see B1:16 in the RFL rules thing - just non-fed, then fed-trained and juniors lumped together). And obviously when comparing with some other teams, we're not running an under-23s.

But even so, now that Cox has gone, we're down to 25 players by my count. I suppose we could go with that, knowing we'll have to patch holes with loan signings as the season goes on. Wouldn't fill me with massive confidence though.

As a minimum, I think we could do with another forward who you'd be happy to see play 20+ games (difficult) and taking a punt on a squad player (loads of choice). Anything less and it could be a real struggle, IMO.

I believe most would agree the pack needs more 'grunt' but as the squad stands at the moment I feel there is quality as opposed to quantity amongst the fringe, an area of weakness identified by Chester et al.

I also think it is wise for Rovers to leave cap-space for in-season signings, it's surprising who suddenly becomes available after round 4, so I am more than happy to go with what we have.

However, I expect we will see at least two more additions to the squad sooner rather than later.

We are to get at least 2 more player to be announced soon who i do not know, but lets hope one at least is a prop who can roll up is sleeves and get stuck in

That squad is easily good enough to win the league, the middle eights league

Not quite sure if this is comparable but Leeds Rhinos are going with a squad of 25!

Leeds have had no where near the injury crisis we've had the last few years. Lucky you'd guess. But knowing our track record with injuries, 25 players would be too few and the loan market would beckon for us again.

Not much change in the outside backs. Still look a bit small / light to me, especially in the centres.

Midfield as you were. Chessie did say another midfield option would be a priority, can't see much out there though. Is Marsh really ready for SL if we need him?

But we're still very short of numbers in the pack. Clarkson / McCarthy is a straight swap & Greenwood was already here. Puletua, Cox, Burke & Ollett haven't been replaced as yet.

We need the last 2 or 3 signings to add some real size / quality.

Mulhern not got a squad number at Leeds and is joining you on loan for the season as previously mentioned.

What's he like

EVERY team has a squad of 25 it's a Super League requirement.

In late January every team must submit the names of 25 players who will be the first team squad for salary cap purposes..these must be the top 25 highest paid players who between them cannot earn more than £1.85m.

Other players can feature for the first team but between them they cannot earn in excess of £70k.........this allows young players earning peanuts to play first team in the event of injury crisis etc.

Rovers or any other club can hand out a squad number to a young player... this sometimes happens when a player is too old for U19's but still not ready for first team...you either get rid or give them a squad number.

Rovers policy...it would seem.....is to keep these players hanging around as back up,give them a squad number and then get rid of them before they expect a higher wage....to be replaced by a new batch of hopefuls on peanuts. But really the squad is the top 25 earners as it is at every other club.

Good post. Very informative and filled in a few knowledge gaps for me. Ta.

I think we have the backs to trouble a few sides if they stay fit, but I have grave concerns about our pack especially looking at other clubs signings, I can see ours getting banged around a bit. If we don't get a busting 2nd rower and a big prop of quality I can see us in the bottom 4

Prop sorted (quality unknown!), no idea if your 2nd row dream will arrive.

Mulhern?

A player with potential rather than one you'd [iexpect[/i to make an immediate and significant impact. Potential is fine, but as we found in 2012, fans' patience is finite.

If it is him when are they going to tell us or are they keeping it a secret

Young prop from Leeds I heard

Your right mate,robbie mulhearn on a years loan.

Think you might find we have signed him on a permanent two year deal TBH.

This could be another decision that bites us later on in time, just like Kyle Amor was. Really disappointed to see him leave the club permanently.

The Rhinos fans that live near me up here reckon Mulhern is half decent. They were expecting him to get more game time at Leeds this season now that JP and KL have retired.

If he is joining us, wish we would get a wriggle on and get it announced formally. Then Chezzie can name the squad numbers from 1 to 25.

Hdm today says two signings to come

Yes. I read that. They actually named Mulhern as one of them, but didn't confirm it as a done deal. The other reference was vague. Could be wishful thinking, strong rumour, fact, fiction or media spin. Guess we'll have to wait.

Worst kept secret finally out:

[urlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/35008957[/url

And the 16 yr old from wakie he is not the other player the mail said i hope not he is a bit young

Unlikely, the Wakey lad is headed straight into the new joint academy.