Keep hearing Ben Barker not back at Plymouth, i wonder if he is a contender 

Right, let’s get away from the nonsense. Serious question. Which will have more passing in 2026; Wimborne Road or the queue at Poole Post Office? Disclaimer: This was not a serious question. All the best for 2026 Pirates. Looking forward to another competitive season.

Not sure if Ritchings average fits, will become a lot clearer tomorrow when Oxford announce there final 2 riders 

Realistically, nope. Major surprise if it wasn't them. But for the sake of debate...if it's not Cook, there are not many around on that average, meaning that Pirates either go a couple of points under the limit with Rushen or sign a 5ish pointer and a 4ish pointer instead. If they have Cook but not Rushen then maybe Daryl Ritchings gets another shot at 7? He did better than expected last year.

It does seem more of a humane alternative

Until he is chucked of this forum for good, this is going to be the norm