I totally agree that chances have to be earn't that goes without saying, and under Madge it sounds as though those who do put the extra effort in are rewarded.

It would be interesting to know whether Thornley as ever had second thought's about going to Sale. Seeing as we'll have lost both are first choice centre's in less than a year after he left the club. I realize the financial gain was to hard to resist. But playing a poor game in a poor team in front of few people can't be all that rewarding. And that's if he's got any game time, because to be quite honest I haven't a clue as whether he's played for the first team or not.

Plus it would be interesting to know were he to return to RL whether he'd be fall into the category that Lenegan mentioned at the fans forum, of RU youngsters qualifying for a dispensation on the salary cap. I know strictly speaking he's not really a RU produced player, but it would be interesting to know the parameters of such initiatives as a side note.

I'd be interested to hear answers to those questions as well.

At the time, I heard a rumour that people close to Thornley (I don't know who) were constantly advising him to go to Rugby Union. I'm not sure why, given the new era that was dawning at Wigan. But of all the defectors in recent times, he doesn't seem to be one who had an 'automatic England selection' built into the deal. I've certainly heard nothing about him since he left. But I've said this before and I'll say it again, I don't know what kind of money his agent was demanding to make Wigan turn their backs on him, but as a junior I'd say that he was well behind Stefan Marsh in the selection stakes, and we've all see how tough Marsh has found it to pin down a first team shirt.

During a Cowboys game the other week Matt Bowen was linked with a moved to England, although no club was mentioned. Buderus and Tahu have been linked with a moved back to the Knights. Not sure if has been confirmed yet that Darius Boyd will follow Bennet again, but it was mentioned during either the Knights or Dragons game last week.

Would love Tahu to replace Carmont if he retires as expected.

Hardest centre partnership in the league Tomkins and Tahu.

I still think George has one more season in him but he needs to be managed better next season.

He shouldn't play all the games but 70% of them is achievable for him.

The guy gassed it in from 50 meters tonight. He CAN do another season.

He has another season in him, but apparently he wants to quit on his own terms. Fair play to him.

Where we're going to find his replacement is another matter.

Imo we will desperately need 2 new centres next year. And that won't happen.
Joel, for me, isn't a centre nor will he develop into this 'world class' centre that some are suggesting. He just won't IMO

He has the annoying habit of cutting his winger out completely. But I still think we need to stick with it and see if Maguire can turn him into a centre. If nothing else, it allows us to have Joel, Hoffman and Faz all on the field at the same time, and that's a terrifying trio.

Widdops signed a new 2 yr deal with the Storm. Tried to post a link but it didnt work. It's on loverugbyleague. com

I agree that he wont, he hasnt got the handling skills to find his wingman and his instance on running on the angle has seen him get dumped into touch countless times.

With Gleeson gone & George going, Im happy to give Charnley one centre spot, but we need a quality recruit in the other position.

Good.

England needs a quality halfback progressing his skills in the NRL instead of having to play in games like last nights where things come far too easily and make players lazy.

Hock, 5 year deal my backside.

Yep, it's 4 and a half years.

Quote ="Wigan/Leeds Andy"Yep, it's 4 and a half years.'" Quote ="thehullwhitestar"Hock apparently considers himself to be a free agent and has agreed a deal with us because the five year deal that he signed with Wigan was done while suspended which makes it invalid. He has now decided he wants to come to Hull for more money (and to be part of Rich's squad of course ) and the solicitors/agents are currently sorting/arguing it out. As someone has already said, isn't it odd that such a high profile signing with loads of media publicity has not yet included a single quote from GH himself. I think that this deal is not dead yet.'" posting.php?mode=quote&f=34&p=16118455

Quote ="Wigan/Leeds Andy"Yep, it's 4 and a half years.'" Quote ="thehullwhitestar"Hock apparently considers himself to be a free agent and has agreed a deal with us because the five year deal that he signed with Wigan was done while suspended which makes it invalid. He has now decided he wants to come to Hull for more money (and to be part of Rich's squad of course ) and the solicitors/agents are currently sorting/arguing it out. As someone has already said, isn't it odd that such a high profile signing with loads of media publicity has not yet included a single quote from GH himself. I think that this deal is not dead yet.'" posting.php?mode=quote&f=34&p=16118455

So Hock's deal is invalid because he signed it while suspended (even though the RFL would have to agree) and now he's going to sign for Hull while still suspended.

why on Earth do people keep mention Matt Cooper, the guy is 32 and will be turning 33 2-3 months into next season ffs

Some of the rumours on that Hull FC forum are absolute genius. Signature material.

Matt Cooper.
Matt Cooper.
Matt Cooper.















































Matt Cooper.

Would be more than happy with a stop gap centre signing, who would stick around for 2 years if he is of the right quality. Cooper or Tahu would be ideal still top players and allow us a couple of years to develop a replacement of our own further (Marsh or Charnley).

It would be great to sign a top notch centre in his mid 20's but there are non in the UK and with the increase in the cap in the NRL next year, their price just shot up.

Do not know when his deal is up but Larne Patrick is turning into one hell of a good player, one to watch over the next few years.

Must admit I've found him impressive. Tahu looks a little heavy and slow to be a centre thesedays, often played in the backrow at panthers. However he is a good player-very aggressive edge to his game.

Agree completely looks impressive everytime i see him. Really aggressive runner.

OOC in 2012.

www.skysports.com/opinion/story/ ... 73,00.html Very interesting read from Phil Clarke on recruitment and managing the salary cap.

www.skysports.com/opinion/story/ ... 73,00.html Very interesting read from Phil Clarke on recruitment and managing the salary cap.

Yes that is interesting and it makes me wonder based on the fans forum comments of IFL why the RFL dont do a Melbourne type investigation of certain clubs.

Do you think the club that plans its playing staff 4 years in advance is Wigan?