On Papali’i and Tapau, there are both well past their best, but undoubtedly they are power houses. Vaughan, Harrison, Yates, Currie are all superb, but more about big minutes and effort areas. Philbin can, and has recently, been a disruptor and can scatter the pigeons (first carry yesterday, in a difficult position!) but with no disrespect, Tapau and Papali’i could do 15 minutes of fire and fury and create some actual chaos, Papali’i in particular close to the line is a threat. 

But, as Or Thane says, it’s a short term plug. We need to find a space for Thomas when he returns from injury, and Green and Whitehead are in the way, we can’t block the path for a pay day. 


If you look at the “outs”, Johnson, Russell, Ratch and Crowther would be on the hit list, if we can. I’d add Tai and Powell to that personally. We need a right back row, and we need to look at that 14, a hooker/utility. If I was Leyland, I’d be playing for that 14 shirt. He can play fullback and half, but if he can develop to be a back up hooker, he would be a strong candidate for that role.

The salary cap has not achieved the levelling up that it was aimed at achieving. It has only stopped clubs from going out of business; maybe that's a good thing, or maybe it has held others back.

It’s a bit annoying that we can’t pick up those that we are interested in, but it is actually a refreshing change that we don’t just out bid and pay over the odds. We’ve done that before and now have that reputation that agents use to their advantage and play clubs off against us. 


I would have been really disappointed to have “won” an over priced bidding war for Liam Knight or Matty Lees.

It's a sad indictment but it hasn't stopped Salford and Bradford before them struggling financially     

https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/news/york-knights-launch-audacious-paul-1258237

https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/news/york-knights-launch-audacious-paul-1258237

karetaker: https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/news/york-knights-launch-audacious-paul-1258237 Wow. Good on you York. What a shambles (sorry). I suppose it depends on money & length of contract. York is such a lovely place. Mind you I'm in love with Stockton Heath too.

karetaker: https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/news/york-knights-launch-audacious-paul-1258237 Wow. Good on you York. What a shambles (sorry). I suppose it depends on money & length of contract. York is such a lovely place. Mind you I'm in love with Stockton Heath too.