And yet some weapon on here this week was stating he'd happily get rid of Ben Evans, as he contributes nothing.

I'd rather have 3 Ben Evans on last years form than Roy.

I don't Paul, but playing the field as things are at the moment, everyone and his dog on here is banging on about the need for a ocker halfback.

Meanwhile ratch has cemented himself as our FB, he hasn't been moved forwards even when we've had options to replace him, despite our issues at 6/7 this year. The long term plan when we signed him was to replace Bert at FB, now i'd say about 95% of people on here this last few weeks are convinced he's gonna be put to stand off next year. Based on nothing, it doesn't make any sense, it's wishful thinking at best.

Besides which Gidley wouldn't be anywhere near as effective , or as vocal as we need him to be at FB.

I don't really care which position Gidley plays, I just want to see him out on the field regardless of who gets shifted about to accommodate him. He is a leader, pure and simple, and that's the main thing we are lacking. No matter how poor we have been this season, put Gidley into the side against hull, saints at magic and huddersfield and we win those matches. He is no marquee superstar, but he has a rugby brain and knows how to manage a game in the latter stages a la kevin sinfield.

Plus One!!

Gidley is currently alternating between playing 6 or 7 for Newcastle Knights.

I too can`t understand why so many Wire fans have jumped to the conclusion that he is nailed on for the fullback position for us.

The extra space available for Ratchford at fullback suits his off-the-cuff style & also enables him to play as the extra pivot, that Hodgson introduced to our game.

Ratchford is our number 1 until he leaves (which I hope is not at end of season for the Pies!).

Gidley will come in at 6 and work with Myler I think. Gaz O'Brien unfortunately I think will be cut, even if it a loan move for a year and then re-assess him.

Should Ratch be leaving, then our marquee will be another half back, with Gidley moving to 1.

Clark and Dwyer are our hookers for at least next 2/3 years, with Chris Hill leading the forwards. Need another two props as not big enough or good enough at present.

Replacement for Westwood is needed for me, Currie hopefully will keep developing and get at least another 3/4 years before he moves on. Grix is there and quality when he plays but the injuries have ruined his career.

Lineham on right wing, with Joel possibly his centre. Evans in other centre, with Russell for me although I still never understand why TS doesn't trust Matty as FB these days.

Bridge and Atkins can both move on, they have served club well over years but we need freshening up.

Others to leave - Roy, Wheeler, Penny.

Leaves likes of Laithwaite (Decent but not a Westwood), England (Hard Worker, Good Spitter), Ben Evans, The King lads, Ormsby, Patton and Philbin.

Still a decent squad when compared to others in the league, something just isn't right though at the minute..!!

Very true. This guy went from world elite prop in the mid-00s to getting a serious injury in 2008 which saw a huge decline in his quality. That was six bloody years before we signed him. Yes, he was once Kiwi and Souths captain but after that injury he just became a squad player and eventually just someone who joined in in training.

How that made our top brass think "right let's give this guy a huge wedge of our salary cap" after six years! is quite saddening.

I don't blame Roy Asotasi for that. In fact, in a few games that he's started this season he's been fairly effective.

But Gidley [iis[/i a full back. He's played in other positions, sometimes very poorly, and has been shafted to other positions due to a younger and better FB coming in at Newcastle...but he is a FB and I don't think I've ever seen him have a bad game at FB.

Does anyone want to bet that Gidley will play stand-off? I can almost guarantee that he will be fullback with Ratchford back at 6.

Gidlley will be a waste of space as will Sandow if he comes.

Asotasti is rubbish, he occasionally does something in a game and people seem impressed.

Watching the forum, a couple of people called it from the off last year.

Flying Biscuit and Wire Yed

Very positive Neutral Zone! Might as well stick with the players we've got and not look to the NRL to make any signings.

Cat does if i remember correctly.

I will take that bet. His squad number next year will be No1.

A tenner to St Roccos?

I'm unconvinced by the Gidley signing if if I'm honest but happy with Sandow (if it happens).

I don't think he will have a defined position, I think he will be the new Ratchford. In the last few weeks he has been named 7,6 and 1 for the Knights, but he plays the same role which is first or second receiver. He may wear the No 1 shirt but wont play there solely. He will be all over.

Agreed and inevitable due to injuries but I feel as TS said recently he has primarily signed to play as a linking full-back.

Whether Ratchford can work with Sandow effectively remains to be seen.

Ratchford's squad number is six. Has he actually started a game at stand-off?

Yes he has started at 6 a few times mainly at 7 and occasionally at 1, but plays the same stand off type game all the time. He is either first or second receiver on each play and can put people through gaps well.
Sorry thought you were talking about Gidley, If Ratch has started at 6 it is very rare.

Erm well spotted but you seem to have forgotten about Russell spending most of the season on the sidelines therefore taking away any selection options.

Still willing to take the bet that Gidley (when everyone is fit) will be first choice at full-back.

I'd be willing to bet that with everyone fit and ignoring numbers on players' backs that Gidley will be playing in the halves.

Go on then PY a crisp tenner on the first team selection of the season, paid to St Roccos?

Assuming everyone is still here of course. Especially Ratchford.

No guarantee it will be crisp but happy to take the bet based on the team with Gidley and Ratchford both fit. Ratchford won't be going anywhere, Smith really rates him at fullback.

Hey we shall see. I am basing this on what Smith said in a video interview a few weeks back and the fact that Gidley has been playing mainly full-back over the past few seasons.

Either way it will be one of them, sorry Matty Russell.

I heard comments from Smith why he doesn't see Russell as a permanent fixture at FB, and the current young hbs doing okay. That being the reason Ratch is at FB, but I've never heard or read comments from Smith that he sees him as our future FB.

I know of this because that was how he answered my question on radio Manc.

That question was suitable for 3 2 1. And he didn't take it seriously

So you are Ted Rogers and I claim my £5.