Snitch will give the pack much needed power in the back row after the recent departures of Duncan MacGillivray, who gave four years' good service to the club and retired from the game, and Jason Golden who has joined Harlequins RL.

Still major doubts if Brett Ferres will see out the last year of his contract at Belle Vue as he is unsettled at the club. The back-row is still a big concern and coach John Kear needs say two more signings in this area to create competition for places.

However, Kyle Bibb signing a new deal for two more seasons is superb news. Bibb is an up and coming young player and got some much needed game time in 2008 when Wakefield had a fair few injuries in the pack. Jay Pitts is another player who came through pretty well in 2008 and could be a real talent in the longer term and may play more first team games in 2009.

The club have some terrific young players, like Aaron Murphy, Cain Southernwood and Danny Cowling, who could make a big mark in the first team squad soon.

Kear is a coach who will give young players a chance and give them backing too. He has worked wonders with little money and for me is the best English coach in Super League. If he was given more investment Wakefield have a really good opportunity to reach the top half of the league.

STEPHEN CRAMM, Wakefield

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AS OUR domestic programme in rugby league winds down the litmus test is yet to come. Yes, the rugby league World Cup Down Under.

The Great Britain format has been abandoned in favour of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales set ups. Let's hope we can repeat the successes of 1954 and 1972.

In the past 12 months England, competing in any other sports, have been disappointing. May rugby league bring us something to celebrate. Every match Down Under should be treated as a final.

The dedication of our players may come to fruition and earn them winners medals. The whole of the country will be behind them. Let's see them stand up and be counted.


KEVIN MAGUIRE, Batley.

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I HAD the good fortune to be at the Grand Final this last weekend and the game even surpassed last year's heroics by being a closer contest.

Even though the team performed brilliantly, I think the fans' vocal contribution must have inspired the players to the ultimate performance, as they never stopped singing for the whole game.

My seat was only five rows in front of the band who never stopped playing the trumpets and drum which kept the noise momentum going.

This helped to make it a great day to remember and I know now what it feels like to be a Rhinos 'Southstander'. I hope the club recognise what this band brings to every game and treat them to something special. They deserve it!

Bring on the Sea Eagles!

PETE GRIFFIN, re-converted Rhino