In less than three weeks time the transfer window slams down its shutters for the year as clubs are forced to go with what they have for the remainder of the 2016 season.
Clubs have until July 22nd to make one final move in the market as they try to reassert their silverware credentials, build for next season or reinforce their squad ahead of a relegation battle.
Realistically, every single club has areas in their squad where they can get stronger, but salary cap restrictions mean it is unlikely that certain clubs will add to their playing roster before next season.
However, should resources become available, here are the key areas every coach would love to strengthen for the remainder of the year.
Castleford – Full-back
The Tigers are one of the clubs least likely to strengthen before the deadline, given their mid-season signings a few months ago along with Rangi Chase.
However, if the opportunity arises, the Tigers could do with a full-back for the rest of the year. Cas aren’t the same team without Luke Dorn in the side. Not only do they miss his seamless arrival into the attacking line, but his absence has seen Denny Solomona fill the void, and, despite Solomona’s undoubted talents, he’s not the same player when he is moved from the wing.
Greg Eden will be Dorn’s replacement in 2017, but Cas could do with a specialist replacement should Dorn get injured again this year.
Catalans – Hooker
The Dragons have been unfortunate to be without Paul Aiton for the majority of the year, with the former Leeds star making just five appearances this season.
Eloi Pelissier has done well in his 18 appearances as the starting hooker, but he’s better as an impact player from the bench, and Catalans could do with someone to add depth in that position to get the best out of their current hooker.
Huddersfield – wing
A difficult one to predict given their ongoing recruitment throughout the year, but Paul Anderson signed both Jamie Foster and Gene Ormsby on short term deals while he was at the club, and they haven’t been replaced since leaving.
However, with Andy Kelly still in interim charge, it is unlikely he will make any signings himself.
Hull FC – Full-back
Another club unlikely to strengthen given their fantastic year.
However, Hull FC have lost two of their last 12 games… and Jamie Shaul has been absent from both.
His influence is undoubted, and if Radford did want to improve short-term and had cap space to do so, he’d probably want a better option at the back should Shaul be unavailable again.
Hull KR – Stand-off
Perhaps the club most likely to strengthen before the deadline, Hull KR desperately need to replace Terry Campese, who will miss the rest of the season.
In the eyes of some, Rovers are the club most threatened with relegation, especially without Campese guiding them around the field.
Finding a replacement is easier said than done, however.
Leeds – Full-back
With Zak Hardaker now at Penrith, Leeds have lost their long-term number one.
The Rhinos probably don’t have space on the salary cap to replace him following the arrival of James Segeyaro, but it’s a position they can unquestionably strengthen following the Man of Steel’s departure.
Salford – Prop
Many would have argued hooker as the key position for the Red Devils ahead of the deadline with Tommy Lee out for the season.
But with Sean Kenny coming in from Warrington, Salford now look weakest up front.
Craig Kopczak has had a great season, but the Red Devils can’t maintain their dominance when he leaves the field, and Ian Watson will be keen to sort that before the deadline.
St Helens – Centre
Saints fans would tell you they can strengthen across the board, but the reality is that they aren’t far off at all.
Injuries have seen them struggle in the backline all season, with numerous changes being made to their combinations on both wings.
Although Mark Percival is a sure starter, the other centre spot has been up for grabs all year.
Keiron Cunningham appears to prefer Dominique Peyroux at second-row, while Jordan Turner has predominantly played in the halves, so there is definitely room for another centre.
Wakefield – Scrum-half
Jacob Miller and Liam Finn have struck up a fine partnership, perhaps one of the best in the league.
But fears over fatigue must surely concern Chris Chester, with both players featuring in every single match this season.
Should the opportunity to add depth in the halves present itself, Chester would surely do just that to give his current halves a well-deserved rest.
Warrington – Stand-off
Like Hull FC and Castleford, it’s unlikely that Tony Smith will be considering a final move.
However, there’s little doubting how much Warrington miss Kurt Gidley when he’s out, as proved in their recent draw with Hull KR.
They do already have Declan Patton, but a bit more experience ahead of some huge games wouldn’t go amiss.
Widnes – Loose-forward
With Hep Cahill currently playing at prop, Widnes could strengthen at 13.
However, with Denis Betts often utilising a prop at loose anyway, the importance of getting a ‘specialist’ 13 probably won’t be critical.
Wigan – Hooker
The Warriors have done remarkably well to cope as they have without Michael McIlorum for the year, and great credit must go to Sam Powell for that.
But despite his performances, it’s hard to imagine that Wane would turn down the chance to bring in another hooker for the run-in if the right man became available.
