Phil Briscoe

Looks like a good acquisition and it was the one area we looked a little lighter in. Must admit when we published the squad earlier in the week I thought that was it for new signings so this feels like a real bonus. Well done to the club for the ambition being shown and the level of investment giving us fans something to get enthused about.

We don’t tend to reply to these total rugby league threads and apologies If this should have a separate thread. But what do people make of this appointment? It kind of got missed in the middle of all the player announcements. For what it’s worth I think it could be a shrewd appointment of someone with a great rugby brain who could really fire our attacking game. Also if results don’t go according to plan given the investment in the squad and Ford is relieved of his duties mid season Cooke would be a credible interim replacement without causing too much disruption. Any thoughts please?

Agreed. If we put our biggest side out last year we had a huge set of forwards but it didn’t necessarily work. As things stand we’ll be potentially looking at a different style of play next year with a lighter more mobile pack. Maybe that’s the plan and the recruitment strategy has been based on that? Or maybe I’m over thinking it!

What does everyone think of the appointment of Paul Cooke? If this needs a separate thread my apologies. As a starter for ten, being a cynic these days, I think he has a great rugby brain and it could be a shrewd move. But at the same time Ford has no excuses this year and if he’s relieved of his duties mid season Cooke could step in.

Very useful summary and analysis thanks. The only points I would add is that most of my mates are Wake fans and they speak highly of Boothroyd so he looks a good addition. Completely agree with the policy of signing young, hungry aussies rather than SL journeymen. The only risk can be that as young guys in a very different environment for the first time they can get homesick and decide it’s not for them. Think we lost Tanner last year because his partner returned home. Of course nothing is without risk.

Agree and Eden was probably one of the higher earners so get him off the wage bill. Hardy is Fev through and through and a very consistent performer but we’ve signed a lot of quality centres and second rowers so, like many, will have to work hard for a spot in the 17.

Once they’ve been announced I would agree mate. Just going on what has been confirmed so far.

Agreed and credit to the club for the level of investment shown. Still a bit short at prop for me and I’m not a fan of pushing second rowers into the middle. Think we need a couple more big bodies.

Would really like us to retain Arnold he’s got something about him.

Are you suggesting there are people who post in here who know all the facts? I think not. Also who is the person who posted an opinion without knowing the facts but has since seen the error of their ways!?

Keep em coming

Do you mean Webb who was announced several hours ago or is there another one?

Coming together nicely now. The only position that looks light still is at prop. Think I’m correct in saying we only have Springer and Beckett confirmed but I’m sure the club has it in hand and we’ve been linked to a couple of front rowers already.

The Chairman has said we’ve made some class signings for next year so I’m not worried about whether we’ll be competitive. What does frustrate and confuse me is that it’s pretty obvious that many of those signings have already been made, as stated elsewhere one of our new players knows he’s reporting for training next week. So why not officially announce them? I can’t see any logic in not doing so unless it’s for some contractual reason.