I do hope so.

If you fancy a laugh, click on the Dire forum, they have a thread like this every week, how the mighty Dire are gonna sign 3 great Aussie's


It really is a good laugh. Apparently Jonathan Thurston has been spotted in Asda Westbrook & SBW (the injury prone kiwi) was at drive in Maccies on Winwick rd. It's all true..

Aye, Matt Orford too apparently. Leaugue Weekly rumours they have shown an interest in Gasnier as a replacement for Martin Gleeson.

Personally I think there will only be two signings a centre and a prop to replace Cayless. Other than that I would expect more youngsters to make the step up rather than splash the cash.

the possible positions we may need to fill in the short to medium term

Hooker to replace KC - Scott Moore
7 to replace Longy - Eastmond/Smith depending on your opinion
Centres, possibly 2 - Lyon to replace gids in 2011 and one of lomax/wheeler/armstrong/dean to the other centre.
Prop to replace JC -one of Emmit/Yates/Frodsham are they big enough?
add to that Lomax who with wheeler and Kyle can play centre/standoff/fullback i dont see any major issues.
Possibly a 19st prop ala paul anderson who we still miss in the heavier conditions.

I think all were missing is a replacement for Cayless. Some huge prop. Carl Webb>>> think I seen him today walking his dog in sherdley park

I seriously doubt that, but quite probable for 2011 as he is still contracted with Manly next year.

Props off-contract for 2010 :
Dave Taylor (Brisbane)
Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta)
Justin Poore (St. George)
Glenn Hall (Manly)
Richard Fa'aoso (Newcastle)
Shane Tronc (North Queensland)
Steve Price (NZ Warriors)

They are all great but not worth the money they would demand IMO

Fa'aoso isn't. He's alright, but gives away far too many penalties.

Did he play for Cas at one point ?

Steve Price is a legend, but would he give up Aus, Origin & NZ Warriors for few seasons over here? Maybe for the right $$££.. He's the only one from above list that stands out

Are there any British, contrated or not Big props about?, 18st + I want a young Baloo please that is our only missing player.

Fuifui and Dave Taylor are both young and not involved in representative rugby so they may be possibilities.

Taylor has had an good season at the Broncos, although I have never really seen him before. Maybe trying to impress the new coach? For a new contract? Or has he just been brought through the academy?

Only 21, think it's his second season in first grade. He's really making an impact this year under Henjak.

We need someone who is ready now to help Jammer out. Can't wait 3 seasons for a young brit to bulk up. But the way Cloughie is bulking up maybe he is our new prop!!

I dont think Cloughy is tall enough to get to 18/19st without being fat you need to be around 6'4". Cloughy is a fraction over 6'

Fuifui is another Paleaasina. Can't stand up without oxygen after fifteen minutes.

If we go for a prop we need one that can do fifty minutes - minimum.

He doesn't need to be so heavy because of his low centre of gravity.

You reckon ? I've seen Moimoi do 25-30 minute stints for the Eels and is much more mobile than Feka.

One rumour I heard was that Jamie was bringing Kane Cleal with him when he comes over.

I know what you mean he is great and is being used as someone said as our "3rd prop" very effectively, absolute talent, but i want another of these please

He could still play now, there was no need for him to retire. It's not like he ever ran anyway, just walked in and carried them 15 metres.