I guess we could also put some of the academy graduates in the IN column. And some of those are very good. In fact I'd go as far as saying that Lindop and Taylor-Wray are infinitely better than any signings we've made or mooted over recently. Apart from Cleary of course, who was never really on the cards.

That's a good call. Our feed from the young 'uns is a very important plus.

You're just making up a strawman so you can knock it down.

I think it's perfectly fine to say you don't think Livett is good enough: he wouldn't have appeared in my top 500 list of signings either.

All I was saying is that many clubs have a few 6/10 players and you sometimes need those to balance the salary cap and/or ensure you don't burn out your first 17. And that given a choice between a 6/10 player who lives in Toowoomba and one who lives in Warrington or developed in the club, the latter has more advantages.

But sure, feel free to say that by that logic you could get a game next year and I'm sure you'll rack up the likes.

We already have our fair share of 6/10 players. Infact, I think we have more than most clubs.

Other than Ashton, Thewlis, Williams, Harrison, Walker and Fitzgibbon I'd say the rest are all pretty average and can be much improved on.

Unfortunately it appears that the club have spent a huge chunk of the cap on improving Dufty's new deal when we seemingly have a immensely talented fullback waiting in the wings already. Another poor indictment of the recent recruitment at the club.

Sure I read that Dufty’s increase was already built into his contract.

Not sure that’s fair, Dufty’s contract is up at the end of 2026, at which point CTW will be 20 I think. Seems sensible planning to me…?

Sensible planning yes. However, I'm talking more about how much Dufty is now on. Which means we can't improve the squad that much. He's now on silly money.

Actually I remember now it was Abe that posted something about Dufty’s contract a good while back and that an increase would kick in.

If you think Dufty is 'pretty average' - as well as, presumably, Currie, Vaughan, Yates and King - I can probably leave it there.

Hopefully things will improve with the end of King's contract. I don't mind a huge chunk going to Dufty as he is box office (and we would be up in arms if he left to our rivals), but King is absolutely not box office.

So Dufty can’t be improved on? For every good game he has, he’ll have a brain fart and drop a ball or be nowhere positionally. He’s in a different universe to someone like Bevan French, say.

Vaughan who has been questioned by Burgess? He makes guards but he’s 34, he’s always suspended. I’d much rather we had signed Luke Thompson.

Currie? One good season in about ten. If you’re happy with that then guess you don’t have very high standards.

I forgot about Yates so I’ll give you that one. I like him.

What has Tony King done since he resigned? He’s been average at best. Again, Wardle twice the player he is.

Dufty adds an X Factor for us and it was correct to extend his contract for now, but Cai Taylor-Wray will be introduced to that role gradually when opportunities occur so that he will displace Dufty towards the end of Dufty`s contract.

CTW and Aaron Lindop need to be used to cover absences to our current regular first teamers and Lindop should replace Tai at the end of this season when Tai`s contract expires and I expect Lindop to get a lot of game time in 2025.

The Alfie Johnson recruitment intrigues me. Whilst he won`t count on our Salary Cap in 2025, I don`t expect him to get a 1st team opportunity before CTW or Lindop.

Lindop can cover the Centre/Wing positions, and CTW can play Fullback/Wing and both need as many games in the first team that we can accommodate, for suspensions, Injuries and loss-of-form etc.

Thewlis seems to think Johnson is in for a spot on the wing in a recent interview.

I read it as he was competition, which given he is a winger is hardly surprising. But given Thewlis’s extension and Matty Ashton’s contract barring injury he is unlikely to get a sniff.

Is this you playing Devil’s Advocate or are you being serious?

What have I said wrong or what don’t you agree with?

I notice just_browny couldn’t respond to it so hopefully you do.

I’m sorry but (and this may come as a surprise to you) just as everyone is entitled to an opinion everyone is entitled to disagree.
I am very surprised that a team you consider to be mainly composed of also rans managed to finish 3rd.
If you only want people to agree with you then posting on here is probably not the best idea.
Ps I am no one’s surrogate , I am quite capable of reaching my own conclusions

Where did I say people can’t disagree and have different opinions? Let’s not make things up now.

You questioned my sanity without actually countering what I said and left it at that. I therefore asked you which part of what I said, didn’t you agree with? A genuine question which you still haven’t answered btw. I’d say if you can’t engage in a civilised debate without questioning someone’s sanity then posting on a fan forum probably isn’t for you either.

I think you are being super critical. To say we have more 6/10 players than most clubs does not stack up when we finished 3rd & got to Wembley. The idea that we only have 6 players who are above average also doesn't really make sense ... unless we had a hell of a lot of luck or the best coaches in the world ever. If you look at the Betting Odds for next season your ideas look a bit strange. You've gone over the top with doom & gloom.

I'm very interested to see how Alfie goes. If he has played in the GB/England RU 7's team on the wing he will be quick & skilful. If he's tough enough he ought to be handy.

Physically looks good so yeah will be interesting to see if he gets a game early on, more competion for places than anything else. But Burgess wouldn't sign him if he didn't think he could add something to the team.

So where did I question your sanity?
As far as I could be bothered I countered your argument by pointing out our 3rd place finish.
If you can show me where I questioned your sanity I will happily apologise.

Here’s some insanity for youz.
Up to you if you believe it or not.
It’s a rumour thread anyways.

Word on Fitzgibbon is crocked for our season and probably end of his career.
Hence the olive branch for Livett. Not signed but discussions as possible replacement. Robinson happy for Livett to go to get cap to spend, his contract is worth about 100k p/a.

I don’t know weather Wire could get cap dispensation from Fitzgibbon. If they can, Livett would drop on.
Hearing Sam has told Livett to fix any recreational vices he may or may not have (I’ll leave that there), and get himself into shape for being a back rower.

Vaughan wanted out or Wire, couldn’t get a club. Wire knew all about it and threatened to cancel his contract if he didn’t return for preseason.
Allegedly he’s already signed to the 2nd tier of the Aus league from 2025 2 year deal.

Burgess bro hates it at Hudds and had Vaughan gone awol, he’d have switched to Wire allowing Luke Robinson the cash to spend in other areas.
But seeing as Vaughan has now returned, Wire won’t have to cap to bring Burgess bro in.

Now that’s a rumour…depressing as hell, but definitely a rumour.

Eww I don't like negative rumours of malcontent.

Fitzgibbon would be a massive loss.