vastman wrote:
PB, surely any club would want to see the outcome of the MPG before finalising anything. Also since when has early October been the cut off point for signings
Also did TRB say that?
It may well be that we'd have signings 'in the bottom drawer'. It may well be that we have waited until the MPG to see what might be available.
It is also possible that the uncertainty about the CC3 and more recently if anything is going on with Scott Moore (we don't know that this isn't twaddle at this stage), but our main focus was a half back initially and we got that sorted - for a year at least - but there it would seem to undermine the work getting a HB if we then don't have a quality hooker and we are, effectively, back at square one, be that by accident or otherwise.
IMO we need to keep Fifita, but at what cost? I don't know what's happening, but we need this kind of blockbusting prop, in addition to the more workhorse types, and if it isn't going to be Dave, then we need to find another. There is no point in having 6 props all the same - again IMO.
The situation with Tupou is more complicated. I think he's been a great player and his touch and game are quality, but his body doesn't want to know and he is the key to a decent chunk of our playing budget. Perhaps one thing needs to happen before anything else can. If he goes, we then need a new second row who can play a bit - not easy to find on a restricted budget!
The other dynamic is the younger players. I expect James Batchelor and Jordy Crowther to play more games next year. Add Judah and young Moules and you get a few more games. We need these exposed to first team rugby for long term benefit.
It's all very complex, but until a few more pieces are put in place I think we are short of a full picture and with players getting signed up everyday, it can't be getting easier.
We had an 8 week window where we were safe in SL but 4 SL clubs plus the Championship clubs couldn't offer that security. We did well to pick up MCB in that time, but we suspect Keegan was coming anyway. We also rescued Grix from Shudds, but whether he was leaving there anyway, I don't know. It seems like slim pickings in the circumstances.
Perhaps I just need to stop thinking / worrying as there is nothing I can do to change it - and I do know there are those who are working their socks off to sort it. Good luck to them!
