: Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:39 pm  

Whilst we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater regarding the loss of Eastwood, and the untimely injuries to Smith and Bailey, it's fair to say that we could afford to have some more depth and quality to our squad, should we choose to do so.

It seems that GH is either unwilling or unable to prise the players that would improve our chances from their current clubs.

I'm not in favour of signing "anyone" to give players a rest etc, but I'm also not sure that we have "turned every stone" in our search for more firepower in either the front row or the centres.

I don't believe that with our current squad we have "no chance" of silverware this year, we have too much remaining quality for that, but I do believe that we could enhance our chances by signing a quality prop or centre.

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 6:53 pm  

G1 wrote:

No. Willie played 2005.

To be fair to the freakish lad he did give me one of my best ever moments at Knowsley Road that night. I watched that game in the pop stand surrounded by Saints fans.

I also remember an amazing pass over the back of his head against the Bulls at Headingley that we scored off. Only ever seen ET do it before.
I guess if you are going to have a plank of wood, you may as well have a big one.

: Fri Mar 27, 2009 11:01 pm  

batleyrhino wrote:

It seems that GH is either unwilling or unable to prise the players that would improve our chances from their current clubs.

Why do you say that? Which players in particular?

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:07 am  

G1 wrote:

Why do you say that? Which players in particular?

Sam Burgess would be an improvement. At present, GH seems either unwilling (won't instigate a move) or unable (can't agree a deal) to get Sam to come to Leeds. I'm sure there would be others but that's the first name that comes to mind.

I would not be looking overseas...

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:25 am  

i think we are a prop light.second row we could get away with but scrutes has not been replaced. a couple of front row injuries and we are really struggling

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 11:42 am  

unless we're paying a fee I feel we've missed the boat in bringing in any SL players.

The rookie NRL youngsters usually establish themselves by mid season in which case may allow for early releases of some players.

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 12:11 pm  

We don't know that GH isn't looking and negotiating with some players currently in SL, howveer it is unlikely.

On the subject of Hull signing a couple of kolpaks, I think both were signed before Eastwoods visa was denied. even so, I would rather stick with what we have got, rather than sign someone mediocre.

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 12:25 pm  

Those of you craving more signings need a reality check.

We're in the midst of a recession. ITV are suffering because of a downturn in sorporate support. Do you not think it may be affecting us (and other clubs)?

Combine this with the fact that the club is going to HAVE TO find funds for a new Southstand in immediate future.

So, the directors, who have to consider issues you fantasy football managers don't, might just be right to say "Well, we invest a lot in our youth set up so I am afraid at the moment its' there you will have to look for your players".

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 12:35 pm  

....and I would have absolutely no problem with that if the club actually came out and said that was the case.

I agree that the current economic climate will be exerting pressure on the finances of all the clubs, which effectively means that as a buyer you would get more for your money. With this in mind it creates an even stronger reason for signing a Burgess etc.

: Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:03 pm  

leicester_rhino wrote:

On the subject of Hull signing a couple of kolpaks, I think both were signed before Eastwoods visa was denied. even so, I would rather stick with what we have got, rather than sign someone mediocre.

I think both were signed very close to Eastwood's Visa being turned down as that was only a matter of days after Crocker fell fowl of the authorities.

Hull went out and made the signings happen, so it shows it can be done if there is a need and a will to do it.

Sam Moa's Visa was through within a month and he has already played three times for Hull. Epalahame Lauaki sought a release from Auckland (and at the time Eastwood was expected to replace him there, although that never came to pass.)

Lauaki had an outstanding World Cup IMO and if he gets here will be a big hit on Humberside.