phiggins

Yep. A lot made of their departures, but Shorrocks and MacDonald were excellent signings, and Mellor also a very shrewd signing.

Just seen that about Chamberlain. That one does make sense to me, he does need to be playing regularly, and it's not going to happen at Leigh now. In fact, if none of these deals were happening, I could see a situation where Briscoe would come in if one of our centres got injured, rather than Chamberlain.

If it does create room on the salary cap, then it makes it a good deal for us. Will have to judge it in context of what other deals get done. Hopefully we can still offload Nakubuwai and then bring someone in that improves the starting 13.

I'm finding it a bit of a puzzler to be honest. Big questions about McIntosh are, is he any good at full back? Would he get in the team on the wing? Are we likely to be able to keep Hanley next year and beyond?

I don't think it would be too big a gamble for Rowley. If it doesn't work out, plenty will believe the issues led beyond the coach and his reputation won't take too much of a hit. Just a case of whether he personally wants to work in Hull

I think GOB at 6 will be a different proposition with Moylan at full back, than he was with Hardaker there to be fair. I don't think Ashton picks up that intercept if O'Brien is making the play on that side. To be honest, if he has any more performances like Saturday, then Lam's place won't be assured. There was a lot of wayward passes.

I can see O'Brien playing at 6 when he comes back, with Moylan staying at full back.

Leigh. Only one win, and several injuries, some of which may be related to the club's pre season departures in the backroom staff. At least two wins thrown away. Grade E

Shame to see him injured. All reports I've seen about him from reserve games and pre season friendlies have all been positive, so not sure why he's never been given a chance at Leigh. Can only assume Lam doesn't think he's ready for SL yet, hence the season long loan rather than week to week.

Have they maxxed out though? From their indicative grading, their biggest failing was finances, where they scored 2.15 out of 4.5. It's not beyond the realms of possibility to see them increase on that score with transfer fees for Dupree, Croft and Ackers accounted for, as well as any money they've had in from the council. If they do, then that plus the fact they scored 4.15/5 for fandom will show some pretty significant gaps between how this system sees clubs and reality.

Thompson?

I don't think the football, and the Gateshead story is a particularly valid comparison or vindication of this grading system. In football they use on field competition to determine who is promoted and off field criteria to determine their eligibility. In RL, we're moving to a system where it is a competition both on and off the field for those clubs that are uncertain of which league they will be in. I think if we'd adopted a similiar approach to football, with P&R subject to minimum standards, then there wouldn't be quite as much debate on the subject as long as implemented fairly (i.e. clubs already in have to also meet those minimum standards)

Of course ‘sorted’ could mean various things. I remember Lam saying Reynolds’ contract situation would be sorted soon last year. When with Lam and O’Donnell he was able to give a much more positive update. Out of all those out of contract, I think we need to get Asiata, Amone, Hanley and Leutele signed up. Can take or leave the rest. But am sure they will assemble a good squad for next year and hopefully prepare for the season than they have this year.

Gannon not been up to much on loan?

If that is the case, then I think they’re overthinking it a bit. If McNamara is clearly a better goal kicker, he should be given the job