sb01

Yes it was

For those unable to attend at Saddleworth Rangers, here are some of the matters dealt with. There will be future forums at Waterhead, St Annes, Higginshaw and hopefully Limehurst. The aim of the fist team is promotion, this season, then finishing in the top 4 of the Championship next season with Super League within 5 years. To that end recruitment of other players is currently underway. There is an arranged fixture next weekend against Salford Reserves which will take place in Salford. In addition to the first team, the announced funding this week for a part-time person to assist with development of girls rugby in the area, will then ultimately lead to a girls competitive team in 2025. The intention is to create a third team - Academy level, which is all part of the longer preparation for potential Super League entry. This may contain players who have come through the Pathway Programme, and therefore from the area. Whilst not part of this, note was made that one amateur player (from Waterhead) who was currently training with the first team. JT commented on the much better facilities at Boundary Park than exists at Castleford. Sean Long also said that he is currently enjoying his coaching role more than he has done at any club in the past. Finally, there are specific plans for further developments of the Boundary Park experience, including an attempt next season at a new world record attempt - details not disclosed.

I believe that Jack Johnson (back) has a contract through to 2025, but that John Johnson (forward) who signed during the 2023 season has currently a contract through to the end of this season.

Not all of the squad are on contracts through to 2025 currently. So those who signed in 2023 signed for the remainder of that season and this e.g. Ellis and Johnson. Some of the players who signed at the start of the season have only signed for the season only e.g. Morgan and one of the Chaoelhows.

Current Super League players out of contract at the end of this season, can formally be signed up from the beginning of May. it is rumoured that some of the 150 out of contract have all ready been unofficially signed up for next season. Whilst I believe that the overwhelming majority (if not all of them) are out of our reach for a variety of different reasons, there maybe a very small number who are of interest. I am thinking of players who like e.g. Turner and Wardle are towards the back end of their playing careers, but could do a very good job for say 2 or 3 more seasons for us in the Championship, establishing the club in that division and possibly even making us challengers for a Super League place (this all assumes of course promotion this season). Even better if they have some sort of local connection. Is there anyone who fits that description? The only possible that comes to mind is Marc Sneyd (Salford) a club we now have connections with dual reg. Thanks

I have heard from a source close to the club that signing number 28 is going to be Fred Bloggs.

Listening to the Sean Long interview , he disclosed that he is now a full time employee of the club, which will presumably mean that we will be involved in more activities in the community than a part time coach would be able to achieve.

I see that the Daily Mirror have said that the favourite to get appointed as Head coach is Sean Long.