Don't really understand what your point is Geoff, if, as is being quoted, we have Andy Coley lined up, we will not be signing any more prop forwards, so that is your prop. As for fullback, despite wishful thinking from most, it is likely to be Shaun Briscoe.GeoffN posted:But we have other areas where the money would be better spent; fullback especially. We at least have a ready-made replacement centre in Goulding, we don't currently have anyone to replace Ashton, and we still need another experienced prop.butt monkey posted:
I for one, would forsake stability to make minor adjustments - including DV out in order to achieve that balance in the three-quarters that is not there at the moment.
As for being able to afford a new player, it is/was common concensus that DV is highly paid, (probably one of the highest) players at the club. I am not saying blast all his funds on a replacement, but that money is there for one when/if DV goes.
I cannot see either player's wages combined, fully utilise the freed-up salary cap from the prospective players that are to go at seasons end.
Hence, my line of thinking is that MO would like to have at least one BIG NAME singing for next season, most likely to fill a centre position.
If Goulding was deemed capable by Brian Noble, for first team selection, then why is he not getting more starting game-time? I believe that he is out of contract at the end of the season (feel free to correct me), and does not fit into the long term plans of Brian Noble.
It is fair to say, that Harrison Hansen is playing (almost) centre when he comes off the bench. Perhaps that is more in line with Nobby's plans. After all, you would never have seen Vaeliki break the initial tackle and have the pace to create room, and then have the awareness of his support, that saw Chris Ashton score against Catalan Dragons. And that from a supposed 2nd rower - showing a centre (DV) how to play centre