Although it does seem really quiet on here, regarding actual signings etc, could it be that some of the players who have been involved in the WC, may have to tie up some loose ends in the southern hemisphere first, or may even be on holidays, which could delay any signings

You may be right, but I would have thought the sooner they take part in pre season training the better.
A lot of the Southern hemisphere players may have had holidays [ibefore[/i the world cup.
Doesn't seem to have affected other clubs, but we'll just have to be a bit more patient I reckon.

I would seriously hope that the overseas signings that we are looking at are already wrapped up as done deals, we are already late in the day with getting our squad together as other teams are at completion at this point, yes any players that played in the WC can get a Visa but don`t mistaken that for not having to go through the application process which can be lengthy as I have just found out myself, if we signed them today I imagine they wouldn`t be here until mid January at a guess.

He played for the first team last season in the friendlies

Correct he did but that wasn’t the discussion or the point. My point was that he isn’t a first team member or signed to a first team contract and that still remains the case as far as announcements or common knowledge goes.

He may very well be an option in emergency if he remains a member of the academy/reserve team but he’s not a first team squad player for a position we lack the depth. At this level you’d expect that depth in a squad.

Lawrence gone to the Bulls club stated he wasn't on the radar at all contrary to information posted on platforms

Glad he’s not coming here myself but just shows that those on social media complaining over Lawrence signing was just a waste of air.

The rumour was started on the shudds board.

Though I don't doubt that he could have done a job for us, I'm glad this isn't happening too.

I think with Ashurst, Proctor and possibly when needed Pitts, we have all the age and experience for 11,12 and 13.

Regarding players in world cup and signings been late to join the squad for training. If we have, they will probably not be back in training till the new year. I expect even the Brits will be given a period off before they join the squad and others we may sign will go home to spend some time and then join late.

Like everyone I'm worried as a fan, however all the people that feel the board want us to fail is rubbish. It's a business and thye want as much out of it as we do for other reasons. We do need some bodies and will be on a budget. So i guess 3 to 4 tops, this is based on JM saying 5 and we have signed two. No matter what we are still the side with least money so it will be tough.

But we are Trinity and whoever wears the jersey will get my support so let stop constantly bagging the club.

Trin until I die.

I don't see the big deal.
Plenty of teams won't have their full squad till new year.
If it means we get the right guy, I don't mind if he turns up the day before the first game.

Plus, if they're of NRL standard, then it's probably likely that they'll be fitter anyway

Reminds me of children trying to guess their Christmas presents.

I don’t mind the guessing but the silly panic some have is ridiculous and it’s the same people every year.

At the fans forum MC made it very clear, by the start of the season we will have a competitive squad of thirty players. That will do for me.

See Michael Lawrence joins Bradford. So that’s another experts prediction totally wrong.

You can all guess what you like but you’ll all be wrong or lucky. No Gale, a total cert according to some, ditto many others.

The club play it so close to their chests these days it not almost impossible to know. I’m around and about the club a lot at present and I’ve never even got a whisper in two months. Admittedly I don’t ask but that’s only because I know it’s futile.

I guess I'll be getting the usual socks and pants, oh and the usual Lynx Africa set

You're well spoilt sunshine.........

It's that close that all rumours in the press seemed to have dried up

Ashurst named as captain Jordy as vice captain

I got the impression at the fans forum that Crowther would be the first choice LF, for me this confirms it.

I’m hoping it’ll be the away shirt I’ve dropped enough hints to the Mrs..

I see no reason why not.

He’s a bit like Jowitt, never given the chance to settle in one position.

Although he’s taken some stick when at hooked it will have helped his game. His distribution from 13 which is less hurried than 9 should be spot on.

Peak years ahead for both players and we are lucky to have them.

Yes, there is that, though I don't tend to wear replica shirts as much these days, only on match days. I tend to go for the polo type more, as I get more wear from them these days. Hoping they do one in the style of the away shirt.

Going to have a look in the shop later, when I start to do the dreaded deal of the christmas shopping.

Cant faul his attitude , effort and defence which makes him likeable but his attack can be somwhat lacking and a bit of a worry for me for me .jowitt to be fair played 95% of his games at fb and the difference shaul made and the amount who wanted us to sign shaul kind of says it all.that said i hope they both have best seasons of there lifes

I think Crowther will make a cracking LF.
He was only ever a stand in hooker and did his best without being a star in that position. I agree his distribution skills, if he works a bit harder on them, are more suitable to LF role. His defence is already there.
On top of that he's Trinity through and through and that makes a difference to me.

Jordan has had to come through quite a few knock backs in his career but Willy showed faith with him and now Mark. Whilst switching from hooker and 13 most games I thought his distribution was as good as a number 9 without the scoots, he got criticised for putting his hand up and playing out of his normal position by people on here, a position which I think is the hardest on the field. I’ve spoken to many parents who’s kids are on scholarship about the ups and downs of a young kid hoping to get to SL and the dedication required from the lads and especially their parents. Parents with lads on scholarship need to hold back with negatives about others because take it from me, their lad will get it at some time if the get to the elite level and it’s not nice but comes with the territory. This coming season will be his tenth year at Wakefield and with Mark awarding him with the vice captaincy, which makes us proud parents might I say, he hopefully can play in a position he likes the most, fingers crossed. I’m sure he’d play any position if asked if it helped Wakefield .