Keighran going to Wigan to replace (alledgedly) Toby King, to solve their goal-kicking problems. Instead of getting 40 points a match, they will probably get 50 a match next season.
Do we sign Toby King, as we need two centres? Peter Matatuia has been released by Warrington. Do we get him back? Jack Walker leaving Hull KR to be replaced by Evalds. Do we sign him, as we need a full back?
Any of those would probably improve us, Matautia would add cover in the centre or at full back so might add squad depth, rumours about Hooley,who Lingaard would know from Batley, though he might have PTSD after todays hammering in France. 3 young full backs in Oz if we have the cap space (and money) Hodgson, though fitness would be a concern,Kalokalo is a real talent and OOC as is Declan Casey,23 and slightly more experienced. Though perhaps I’m shopping in Waitrose rather than Aldi. I would think second tier Ozzies, preferably with something to prove. I’m more concerned as to where our go forward prop will come from,pacific islands maybe. On the plus side a fit again Macca is still class, and I’m a fan of Horne and Tasipale, Richardson to come back with the ever reliable Joe and we have the nucleus of something, Putt and Namo look decent additions. More is needed so let’s hope we lose who we need to and the additions cut the mustard.
stuey
Jack walker gone to hull fc.
Hearing matautia going to Sheffield.
Looks like Edwards and Eden will be leaving. That bit wasn’t what caught my eye though:
The Tigers will play off a reduced playing budget next year and as part of reducing the cost of their squad
Doesn’t sound promising, what sort of budget are we talking? We really can’t go through this all again next season.
Tell you what.
If the club are cutting corners again, the fans won’t stand for it.
They will stop buying season tickets, they will pick and chose the games they want to go too.
The whole club is in a mess, imo down to Fulton demanding his 250k per year.
That’s a massive chunk for a club like ours.
I keep coming back to the same thing, that statement asks more questions than it answers - if we set our stall out that said we need to raise X or Y for redevelopment or whatever, then I can get behind it.
Just saying we’re going to have fewer players and spend less on its own is daft when you’ve scraped staying up with a week to spare. Just share a proper plan that supporters can get behind and let’s stand for something for gods sake.
With the reduction in sky it will not be just Cas operating on a tighter budget, the few clubs with sugar daddies will be fine, the rest will struggle and the standard of Superleague will fall even further
when you look at Blake Austin in jumper 46 i dont know how we have got through this season, the wage bill must have been off the scale, add to that paying off farimo / fanua & andy last, then signing 4 more players, how the heck have we done it unless the “new owners” have put money in?
Where about is this statement on a reduced budget. Was it part of the podcast with Mark Grattan.
There are a lot of teams spending big, mainly wire, kr and Huddersfield. We just can’t compete. They are paying big money for average players. We need to speculate and I think we are doing that with the PNG players and tsipale. It worked in part at Leigh.
We need a rich owner or new investment. Both are a possibility but history says it won’t happen.
I’ve just seen the Yorkshire live article without any direct quotes.
My take is that we do need to get rid of a few overpaid players and retain the best.
I love Eden when he’s fit but that’s not often. If he’s asked for a release, then that’s makes it easy. We can’t carry players.
I think Edwards is underrated this year. Last year, with macca leading us about, he was offensively good but this year is been all about the defense. If he wants to go then fine.
I’d like to keep westerman, a no brainer.
Watts, you’d love a pay as you play deal due to his disciplinary. I don’t think it works like that anymore but I’d still give him a 1 year rolling deal. He breathes Cas and it was him and Westy that kept us up.
Keep all the juniors that played this year qereqere, hall, Robb, Martin, Wallis, Tate.
Miller very disappointing but might be different with macca firing and another half back. Austin certainly is good enough, Richardson, who knows in regards his injury, but need at least one other.
Widdop is an extravagance. Too slow, too injury prone, too expensive. Age has caught up with him.
Only 2 players mentioned by name, Edwards for me not needed we seem well covered in the second row,Eden been great but fragile now and if he wants a two year deal makes sense to go to Fev. Fully agree on Widdop and Miller neither offered enough this season. Fletcher Rooney looks to be the next in line for a step up so would be worth giving him a run out at Leeds. I’m hoping it’s Ward who’s having some input into these decisions,whether it’s from financial necessity or not and he’s steering the ship. Let’s face it after this season it would be hard not to improve. I’m happy with the rumoured incomings and 2 or 3 youngsters look to have what’s necessary to take the next step up. Financially we are where we are,do we really need to spend big,not done Wire or the Giants much good, Humberside still devoid of silverware. I’d far rather we recruited smarter than we have and start developing some of the talent we have.
Ultimately our juniors have been neglected for years and some fault has to be laid at DP, he wanted super League ready players so he could keep his job.
We are now rebuilding that area and are looking pretty good. We are recruiting at all levels.
The IMG stuff should, in the short term, allow us to plan early due the following year rather then at the end of the season.
Sad to see him go.
Been a great servant and try scorer.
Been a great player for us and it’s a shame he’s moving on. Injuries have been an unfortunate issue but his try scoring record and speed has been a real asset to Cas. Can only hope that we bring in someone similar as we’re going to miss him.
Looks like 2024 will be the start of a new era at the club. We’re having a proper clean out, fingers crossed that it’s going to improve us.
Reading between the lines the club are getting shot of all the high earners.
Bringing in average players who will be on less money.
Hope it done come back and bite us.
Though the club have a safety net with no relegation.
Fans though won’t keep turning up to watch a beaten team.
Didn’t see that the club had also confirmed that Matagi will be leaving too.
By my reckoning at least 11 players from this season won’t start the next one with us,and I get the distinct impression more will be on their way, with at least two in discussions with other clubs. Far outweighing the rumoured ⅚ incomings. Word is more need to go before more come in.It’s a root and branch alright, it’ll be a younger,less experienced team that takes the field for the first game that’s for sure. Only hoping we retain some of the older heads to steer the ship,and still thinking we are light on the prop front. Also whispers surfacing of Widdop discussing a player/coach role in the championship.
At can’t go on with last year’s squad. We have looked better with the new players coming in, if only to push the others already here.
I’d keep foster btw. He never lets us down
Hepworth
Widdop wouldnt be a big loss in my opinion and if it happens it will free up a decent wedge. He will be one of the top earners i would guess.
The long term coach situation needs sorting first, personally i would go with the three we have and get rid of Scott Murrell.
Lingard must be kept on , I see him as our future head coach.
Mid table mediocrity would do for me next term
CTID
Rather hoped the coaching situation would be clarified after the Leeds game,I would like Lingard to stay and we’re of the same opinion re Widdop,would rather hang on to Austen. There are other options out there for halves and already seem to be sorting the full back issue with Hooley from Leeds and Rooney stepping up. Priority for me is sorting out the quota spots, freeing up a spot to bring in El Zakhem would be a good move.
