Whats that ? I presume its something the RFL have brought in for next year.

I think its some sort of edible hat.

very good!

When we signed Richard Varkulis I thought we were getting the British Vainikolo from the way he was talked about on the internet.



Most players that come up from the National Leagues get a fair bit of hype.



I remember when we signed Warren Stevens back from Whitehaven we were assured by the Haven fans that we had signed the best prop in the NFP and reunited with Cullen he would go on to be a great SL player.



I think Matt Sturm had the same tag when we signed him (best prop in the NFP).



Then I remember the excitement when we were linked with Neil Turley and Phil Cantillon, both players who we were told would set SL on fire and we were laughed at by fans of Leigh and Widnes when we didn't sign them. Both made it into SL but they were not the players they were hyped up to be.



Now I am not saying all lower league players are doomed to failure in SL, there have been a handful of examples of players who have come up and become good performers in SL (Higham, Rooney, Kirke) or even top players (Wilkin, Brough, Gardner), but I wouldn't burden Chris Hill with much expectation, I'd see him as a squad player and if he can make a good contribution at some point then great.

Add Purdham to that too Sal

I honestly can't remember any hype about us signing Richard Varkulis, in fact I thought he came from Leigh Miners, not even the NFP etc.



The only hype I can remember came from the way that he was scoring tries for fun in the reserves etc and really pushing his case and that created a lot of chat about whether he should the full team etc, he got limited chances and then bombed out.

Richard Henare was from a lower league & he turned into an excellent player. (while it lasted) until it went up in smoke

yeah but that was in teh first season of SL so the step up was negligible at that point

Chris will need a season , perhaps two to get up to SL speed , no doubt , and you are right , some of the Leigh fans have given him perhaps too big a reputation , personally , he will get there , of that I have no doubt , a little time and patience will be needed

Hmm interesting signing, didnt see it coming



in smith we trust

has all the attributes and will be coached by a man proven to bring players on,good signing.

tache, are there only 3 players coming in (Hill, Waterhouse and Ratchford) or will there be more?