If we'd have supported his runs from acting half he'd have alot more fans.

If by 'masterstroke' you mean 'hell of a risk', I'm right with you. Hoping for a quality player to become available specifically in the positions we need is a long-shot in itself, but when you add in the situation with visas nowadays you could be looking at such a player not even being available to play for us until halfway through the season.

And maybe I'm a pessimist, but injury-free is not a situation that seems to last long at Hull. IIRC, we were 'relatively injury free' at the start of last season, and the one before that.

Agree with all points. It disappoints me that many laid the blame for us not getting the best out of him entirely at his door. We could have got so much more from him if we'd been willing to change just a few things.

Highlighted in 2008 by Phil Clarke on sky sports our players just never read him whereas Swain fitted straight in.

No questioning Berros quality as a player but it never really worked at Hull for him. The odd flash of brilliance made it more frustrating from my point of view because you could see the quality he had.

Swain and Berrigan couldnt have been more contrasting hookers. Perhaps that was the problem?

Tbf all swain had to do was get good early ball to Cooke, I admit he did alot more than that.

In some games berrigan seemed to be trying to get good early ball to himself!

More then likely.

No, but we're now a hooker down as well as having no adequate half back cover. We've lost one of our most talented players and are now thin in 2 key areas of the team. I'm not seeing how that's a masterstroke.

Not really the club's fault, but still very risky to let him go when we might not be able to get a replacement in.

That's a lot to do with it. Swain was in a side with multiple creative players sharing the attacking burden. Far more was expected of Berrigan with much less to work with.

I did say COULD be a masterstroke on the basis that quality players become available once the season starts!

If we start the season and lose both half backs and Washy is gash at hooker then fair do's but we are still in a position to significantly stengthen where necessary on the back of Berro leaving.

I think we badly need another half back and if Berro had stayed then we could not have paid decent cash for one. As things stand we can probably bring in a decent 6 or 7 with his cash which I beleive is what Hull need as a priority.

If we signed for example Sammut or Chase who can play 1,6,7 or 9 do you agree it would be a good move?

I have an intense dislike for the way Swain treated Billy but the fact remains the man knew how to run a front row. During 2005/06 there was a decent argument for King, Carvell, Dowes and Thackery all playing for Great Britain. Given the way they have all drifted out of contention (perhaps Carvell excluded) since Swain fell out with the club after the pre-season camp in 2007 i would say he had a massive influence on them. Berrigan has never seemed to have that influence.

What nobodys remembering is there's a few nrl clubs with room on their cap should anyone become avaiable.

Not sure on your point there Sheldon?

Mallinson? Didn't know they fell out tbh.

Some are saying to wait till a top player becomes avaiable, but alot of nrl clubs will be doing the same, most notably eels.

Big style.

I've only heard he fell out with Kath, was this to do with Swain?

See what you mean and I hope the Eels get a top player!

From Hulls perspective I was thinking more a young half who has missed the first grade spot and has a point to prove.

Back in 2007 Peter Sharp was interested in Jamie Soward at the time a fringe player - what a signing he would have been!

Course it is Berro had a contract for 2011 the club could easily have said no we are not releasing you.

And Swain was 100% right in what he said/observed.

You could argue though that the team the team was in a better position with the unprofessional attitude at the club

you could, but if we'd listened to Swain and done what he was suggesting we'd be head and shoulders above where we are at the moment.

seems we can cross Sammut off the list no chance of him being sold


[urlhttp://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/2011/01/22/crusaders-hope-to-boost-squad-55578-28033968/[/url

sammut and chase are just a smokescreen. I think we all know the club well enough to now they wouldn't have let a former multiple Oz/SOO player and clive churchill medal winner go without having a top class replacement lined up. I fully expect him to be revealed at the forum on Wednesday and be with the squad at cardiff