Reporting in the LE today that he will join up with us again next season. Quality signing in my eyes, has improved a lot as a player since he left us and has been the stand-out player for Dewsbury every time I've watched them this season. I just wonder what this means for Simon Brown. (Not saying there isn't room for two quality scrum halves in the same squad).

Backward step in my opinion,he wasnt 1st choice when he was here lastime,Its all good and well being dewsburys best player but that doesnt take much,Should be looking for better quality than that,Hes not the scrum half thats going to get us finishing higher than 4th which must be the aim,Brown is a far better player imo,Hopfully the other signings will be better.

Can i add im not saying he's rubbish,He's a good player but is it the player that is going to propel us into the top two?I just think the best player in the team needs to be the number 7 and he isnt,I know if money was no object we would go for higher calibre of players ie Ben Black etc,So good luck to him.

I think you'll be surprised, he's got an excellent kicking game and I think he's improved tenfold since he left us.

SHEFFIELD Eagles are set to announce their first new signings ahead of the 2012 season.


It will see the return of half-back Dominic Brambani from Dewsbury Rams and the signing of centre Duane Straugheir from York City Knights.

The return of Brambani from relegated Dewsbury Rams will fill the Eagles’ long-time need for an experienced half-back to partner Simon Brown.

Brambani was with Eagles in the 2007 and 2008 seasons, playing 51 games. After a spell in Australia he joined Dewsbury. Dewsbury coach Warren Jowett has accepted that Brambani will rejoin the Eagles. He said: “I’ve had two good seasons out of Dom, he’s been a good player for me.”

York boss Dave Woods said: “Sheffield have taken one of our best players in Duane.”

Straugheir joined York from Bradford Bulls this season. A tall, powerful runner, he would give options in the backs and the back row of the pack.

A third deal could see former centre Tangi Ropati returning to the club from Widnes Vikings. Ropati was signed by Widnes at the start of the season but was one of 13 players told last month they were not being offered new contracts when the Vikings move to Super League.

Not aware of Straugheir but sounds a decent player so good luck to him. I said on Friday night I'd have Tangi back on a flash, he'd have a point to prove if he came back here.

Straugheir ?

He was at Fev a couple of years ago.

Name doesn't ring a bell at all, I'll have undoubtedly seen him play, probably on numerous occasions.

I always think Brownie plays better at stand off than scrum half and Dom would compliment him well -both of them being great with the Boot - then with q at full back (someone teach him to catch) and Dane at 13 we'll have four great playmakers, (five with Hendo!) Tangi and Yere at finnigan and bergin on the wing - roll on next year (if tangi doesn't come back maybe Straugheir will be the one)!

What happens to Corey Hanson? I'm all for squad depth but I hope we don't sign players to the detrement of this lad's progression, haven't seen a player with so much potential come through for a long time.

That's the problem i would rather see Corey get the chance for one of the centre shirts and hopfully see the improvement in him again next year,He was second fiddle this year to so called better players and not being funny he's been one of the better players since he got the chance,If Tangi came he definatly be the number 1 centre partnership with Menzie,As for the wing i like Tim Bergin but would like to see a winger with lightening pace which Tim doesnt have,But Tim and Vinny vying for one wing spot and a truely pace machine on the other would put us in good stead.

I think the competition for places will only aid Corey as a player.

I've seen Duane S play a few times, good player who will add to the squad IMO

If he is treated fairly,However well he played this season,soon as the dual reg players were available he was dropped regardless of performance,The only thing that will aid Corey as a player is gametime.

I have no doubt that Corey will make it, next year we could have strenght in depth at centre - but I think Corey will eventually be a backrow forward - maybe replace Green - power and speed - he has great potential

I'm sure Aston knows what he's doing with Corey. I think next year he will continue to get more game time, perhaps not just at centre then.

Hopefully with these early signings and most of the squad signing on for next season then we will have a larger, settled squad at the start of the year and hopefully make a better crack at the NRC!