Looking at the last 13 Games we have only won 6. It is a pretty poor run of form and not that of a team who are going to challenge in the playoff this year. We have lost three homes games in the league this year which is unusual for us.
I think we are at a cross roads over the next twelve months.
(1) Do we get a new coach , is there someone better we can attract up here or is continuity more importent?
(2) Who do we retain in the current squad and who do we let go?
These are huge decisions for the board. The wrong choises and we could very well end up dropping down the division. The last three years we have been in the top three for the first time in four years we will finish in fourth. We cant afford to slip any futher down this league.
Other teams are getting stronger. Fax are building well Dewsbuy have recruited four from Wkaefield for next year Catic the March twins and Field all very good players. Leigh have signed several for next year Wainwright will be very good in this league. Slaford will be strong and we will be probably facing Widnes again next year. ( I think Cas will go up)
My own view is that Rotherham will probably end up staying. I think the board will give him the benefit of the doubt and plump for continuity. To get another coach will take time and we would need to be sure we were getting someone better which of course is no guarntee...better the devil you know.
Playing wise we have lost Trindall Seeds and Lester, looks like Maidens going to Leigh and I have a funny feeling Duffy may end up going ..(although I hope not)
Ideally we need another half back, two Props and good centre and a winger to be competitiive.
Half backs - I would look overseas they are much more higher quality than we can get in the UK. Hermania, Ben Black, Obst, Penny they seem plentiful down under.
Props - again Tanga toa would be good but he is quota, Styles at Leigh is rec Karl Edmundson has been mentioned non quota playing in the bartercard cup. The thing with the Kiwis is most of the better ones have been snapped up by NRL you don't get the undiscoved gems you used to from New Zealand like watson Shelford Lester Joe and fats...I would wonder about the quality of a 27 year old who had never played outside Batercard cup level. Workington have had two or three "top" bartercard cup player who have struggled with attitude and form in NL2. Warrington have released Chris Liekhove, Azue at KR may also be available. Even Summers at Widnes would be a disaster if we signed a second quality prop.
Wings - The guy we should go for is Byron Ford at KR or Anrea Baur of same club
Centres - We will have the two MCavoys, Jackson and Elibeck so there are enough bodies there I just worry with those four we will lack some experience and guile. Again a good young aussie who has been well coached with a couple of first grade games under his belt similar to Luke Dyer or Damian Blanch when they came over.
Summary
Rotherham to stay.
OUT : Trindall, Lester, Seeds, Maiden and poss Duffy (hope not)
IN: Two Props, Half back (even if Duffy stays) Centre and a wing