Plenty of half backs off contract at end of this season in NRL

I said pretty much the same thing on page 2 of a post called NRL players in key positions, Kenny.

I did look at the vast majority of these on Wiki, and a large proportion of these tend to be either very inexperienced, or with a wealth of experience, that could be out of our league salary wise.

Personally, I wouldn't want someone without much game time experience, as this could put further pressure on our existing half backs, having a negative impact on their game. Having said that, I think two of our better overseas half backs of the past, Obst and Jeffries, only had about 35 NRL games between them. Luke Kelly and Sam Williams were the two names that seemed to resonate with other fans on here.

For me, we just need a younger and quicker version of Liam Finn.

I would ideally like Jamie Soward, but can't see us been able to match is salary realistically. This is a shame, as he wants another crack at Super League. Other than Saints, the other Super league clubs that are after him are all out of the top 6, so for us to maintain where we are, we need to improve also in this department. It may be a case that for say Saints to go for him, they may need to offload a half back. Luke Walsh is also off contract

Gareth Moore anyone? Brought in into a struggling young side in 2011, never really got a chance under Agar.

Haven't really seen anything of him since he left us, but from memory of when he was here I'd say no thanks.
I don't recall him being a player in the Finn type mould, an organiser, which is what we need IMO.

Gareth Moore is too small for SL. They would run over the top of him.However I would take equally small Rob Burrow if he is unwanted by Leeds because he is a freak and can cope and still has loads to offer.

Burrow isn't an organiser though and that is what we need

Walsh has signed for Manly (supposedly), and Saints are signing Matty Smith to replace him.

Interesting that one to do with Matty Smith, as reading between the lines Jamie Soward was St Helens bound

Saints don't seem to have had 2 half backs for ages so in theory they could sign both

That is true, and that would be quite a strong partnership.

With Matty Smith going, could this end the speculation of Hampshires future, as there would be a spot in the halves at Wigan available.

Moore might not be the biggest, but he was a competent goal kicker, and his long range kicking wasn't too bad either. Watched Halifax vs Fev earlier in the season, Moore tore them apart. Would be decent backup.

I like Moore, but for next season Finn would still be first choice.

I believe he has a full time career and part time rugby suits him better.

Why not give Isaac John another go as his first visit to SL he was young but he is now 27 with more experience playing in the halves and could be a descent match with miller

Gareth Moore was ok first time around.

However I feel if we have any ambition we should be aiming higher.

Other SL clubs are and we are trying to compete with these.

Thanks but no thanks.

Not too sure about Isaac John. He really did struggle both on and off the field to settle.

Personally I like the thought of Williams or maybe Luke Kelly

Agree, we've got to be looking at someone better than Moore to compete next year. Like someone else said he wouldn't even out place Finn imo.

Personally.

An extra half back shouldnt be just here as cover. They should be here providing competition.

It wasnt that long ago that fans were slating Miller and Finn. Miller especially. Form is only temporary as they say.

If we are looking to replace you would want that player to be SL ready

I don't see replacing our halves as a priority. Finn and Miller have been good this year and have only looked below par when playing behind a beaten pack, which to be fair they often have to. When our forwards are on the front foot they look impressive and that's the way Rugby is folks!Our priority is getting some size and punch in the pack, getting players in whose mistake stats and missed tackles are lower as we have too many of the opposite and a decent centre to put with Arundel who I think has had a good year. We need a utility player to replace Hall who we ought to have kept

Fair point Charlie but if either Miller or Finn pick up an injury who do you put there

finn is not super league standard he should be the back up

Overall BOJ04 I think he has gone ok. His main problem is lack of pace for me. There has been several occasions this year where he has broke the line but due to lack of pace as soon as he has realised it he has been closed down. Had this have been someone quicker they would have been through.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but we would have been better sigbing him 5-6 years ago as he would have ben quicker then.

Next year he will be a year older and slower and would agree that I would rather have him as back up.

He could actually share the hooking role with Moore but then distribution could be slower.

I am sorry but anybody suggesting Gareth Moore needs to give their head a shake. He is a decent championship player but there is no way he is SL standard. If we are wanting to progress then we need to be looking at better than Moore.

I have been happy with the way that Finn and Miller have gone this year but with Finn's advancing years and the fact that I cant see Finn and Miller being as lucky with injuries as they have been this year i think we do need to be looking at another half back option for next year.

I'm sorry but I don't get this. If we were to grade this year's Superleague combinations in terms of ability, clicking games organisation etc ( all the things you want from out halves) then Finn and Miller don't get into the top 15 combinations. That's quite a sobering thought and indicates how brilliantly we have done this year with such a handicap. Of greater concern is the fact that other clubs are looking to improve on their already superior position. Our overriding priority in recruitment must be to bring in a new high quality halfback pairing. Miller may make a squad player but I fear for next year without a dramatic improvement in this area.

Think Finn has done very well this year and won't be far off the POTY award. Jonathan Thurston he might not be but he's done well for us. Ideally we could do with someone with a bit more pace ball in hand but I don't think our problems have stemmed from the half backs this year, Finn's kicking has in fact won us a couple this year and we shouldn't discount the reliability of his boot too readily when talking replacements

People still slating Finn clearly don't get it. Finn controls everything allowing Miller to have a freer role.

Half backs at the moment seem to be as rare as hens teeth hence Saints signing Smith, so their wage demands will be inflated. Soward would be great but other than that why chuck cap space trying to fix something that isn't broken.

It is no coincidence Finn signs for a club and their league position improves. He may not be the high profile half who makes breaks and scores tries but in my opinion he has been a vital cog in a decent performing halfback partnership and a player that provides the team a blend of organisation and flair.

Injury is a real worry. Trinity have been lucky this year not picking up a serious knock to either half this season it may not go as well next year, so I do think it is important to improve strength in that area.

I know Trinity have been linked with Mateo, whilst he is a backrow forward if he signs, he has had plenty of experience playing in the halves and could provide an option as cover, making the cap and possible budget restrictions go a little further.