Looks to have abit of everything from his highlights reels which i like, no obvious deficiences.



Some good last play kicks too.



And that steps ridiculous, hopefully bring some of that magic to FC, looks exciting

But when was the last time a youngster came in and took to super league like a duck to water ?



Been a long time probs shaul ?



You banged on about hookem for ages ....Where's he now ? Barely got a look in at the worst cas team for a decade

Like the look of Brown. Would be pretty happy with him as a signing.

Brown confirmed

Is list full lol.

Potentially a very good running threat. Who will play the role of organiser/kicker?

Got really good options and variation in the spine now.



The promotion of the Academy players is really good news as well. That many players coming through together can only be good for team spirit going forward.

Watching his highlights he seems to have a decent short kicking game.

Not sure what your point is, that's the past, just because we haven't produced any stars it doesn't mean we won't again. Hookem was outstanding at every level he played at before first grade, so you can see I was banging (your favourite word) for him to be given a chance.



Plus since Shaul, we have produced Litten, Litten, Abdul, Lane, Fash, Brown and I'm a sure few others, ok not superstars, but probably played over 400 SL games between them.

One more to go m, hopefully Oli Pratt.



Is it worth signing Luis Johnstone on a one year contract?

Smith signed Johnstone for Warrington and then for rovers. He obviously thinks there’s a player in there. Definitely worth 1 year with the option of a second if he hits certain criteria.



Worst case scenario, get him in on trial for preseason

i mentioned him several months ago as he wasnt getting a look in at Rovers

We could do a lot worse than signing him to fill the second row

Looking at the squad, I'd say we are overall slightly stronger this season stronger at FB, halfbacks, hooker and prop.



Weaker on the wing and backrow.



If we could add in one of Pratt and Johnson or both, I don't think Smith has done badly with the hand he has been dealt.

Really need a proven second row of starting quality I feel. Someone better than Luis Johnson too. As it stands



Okunbor - unproven as a back rower



Carlos/Scott - converted back rowers again and will no doubt be needed in the centres given theirs and Sutcliffes injuries



Ashworth - more of a prop recently so will need a big preseason of conditioning



Lane - our only recognised back rower, but out the ones mentioned he’d be bottom of the pecking order for me, just shows how bad he has been for 18 months.



I know we have young kids coming through, particularly like the look of Jebson but that is up there with the weakest in SL.

I'd definitely take Johnson on a year's deal. Not much out there at all and he's an out and out second rower.

I wouldn’t personally.



Apart from a bit more experience I’m not sure he offers much more than our collection of young second rowers.



Would rather see them given a chance than have their pathway blocked.

That's not going to happen, we have what we have and the best we can hope for is someone like Johnson.



We have hope Smith has it right amd the likes of those you have mentioned work out.



I fully expect Okunbor and Ashworth to start with Scott or Calos off the bench.

I wouldn’t waste my time with Johnson then.

Agree , Johnson would be a squad filler at best and he’s no better than what we have already.

Pearson already said there’s only a possible outside back to come in, so not sure why posters are asking for a back row.

I’m personally looking forward to seeing the new look team.

We’ve got more youth and more of a running threat next year.

The divas and pub trainers have left the club and Grix will bring a refresh on the coaching side.

Some really good potential in Jebson Staveley Severs.

I want to see them given a chance.

One thing i will say about our best 17 next season is that it’s a lot more versatile. We’ve several players who can cover the backs and halves/spine mid game than we’ve previously had, to a better standard anyway.

I get what people are saying about Johnson, but if it keeps Lane out the team then it's worth the risk.



For whatever reason Smith rates Lane, despite many opportunities he still played Lane in just about every game last season our backrow is weaker so probably less chance of him not making the 17.



We have to get away from the fact that Cator and Lane are guaranteed to be in the 17 every week. Have them as squad players, yes, but not sure either would get into any other SL teams 17.

I don’t know if he rates him or not. Just a case of that he seems to be fit each week. He dropped him for Scott in the starting side one week.



Fash is a guarantee in the 17 atm. As is probably Cator, like I said before Scott and Ashworth will hopefully play back row to get Lane down to squad player.



When Trueman is back I wonder if we could see Nu at 13 more. Providing Hoy/Walker are fit that is.

I'd be happy for Scott to be given a shot in the backrow.



All depends on what type of outside back we sign too.



If he's a young kid, like Oli Pratt we might not see too much of him next season. Which would mean more opportunity for Lane.



Reece Lyne was the other name doing the rounds yesterday

I hope it’s not Lyne. Misses too many games like our centres already. Wrong side of 30 now too.

He wouldn't be my choice either. His move to Bradford has apparently fallen through