Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 3:05 pm  

doc-rhino wrote:

no we can also get a quality hb unless
you are happy with the 2 cast offs

By definition any player not produced by the club is somebody's cast off, so not sure who you are referring to? I can't fault Austin for effort this season and though if we had the cap space I'm sure we could do better, at the moment prop has got to be the priority. What I can't understand is why you ditch Martin - one of our better players this year - and put Austin in his position. Austin defends like a halfback, which is fine if you are a halfback. Second row is something else entirely.

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 3:24 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

By definition any player not produced by the club is somebody's cast off, so not sure who you are referring to? I can't fault Austin for effort this season and though if we had the cap space I'm sure we could do better, at the moment prop has got to be the priority. What I can't understand is why you ditch Martin - one of our better players this year - and put Austin in his position. Austin defends like a halfback, which is fine if you are a halfback. Second row is something else entirely.

sezer , austin , martin , prior, tetevano all not good enough if we've any aspirations , we have 2 tackling 2nd rows in gannon and bentley would like a running one next to one of them

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 3:47 pm  

doc-rhino wrote:

sezer , austin , martin , prior, tetevano all not good enough if we've any aspirations , we have 2 tackling 2nd rows in gannon and bentley would like a running one next to one of them

I don't think your assessment of all those players is correct, but like anything, it's a matter of opinion. I get the feeling you've been watching the club over a similar time frame to me, so you'll understand when I say that the type of clear out you are talking about would require Alf Davies level spending, not just in recruitment, but also compensation. Just can't be done under the salary cap as it stands. We're going to have to hope the new coach has a touch of Graham Murray about him. I genuinely rate some of the young players (I know you don't) and I think they, and some very selective recruit, are the only way out of the current mess.

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 4:27 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

I don't think your assessment of all those players is correct, but like anything, it's a matter of opinion. I get the feeling you've been watching the club over a similar time frame to me, so you'll understand when I say that the type of clear out you are talking about would require Alf Davies level spending, not just in recruitment, but also compensation. Just can't be done under the salary cap as it stands. We're going to have to hope the new coach has a touch of Graham Murray about him. I genuinely rate some of the young players (I know you don't) and I think they, and some very selective recruit, are the only way out of the current mess.

all true and i certainly don't take a win or defeat the same way as 10/20/30 yrs ago - the trophy days were good but i.m still craving a bit more entertainment. and the recruitment over the last 10 yrs whether gh or ks hasn't been up to the preceding 10 ,. Some of the youngsters look good but does look like walkers initially pace had gone and have to hope newman doesn't break down again as he's our main strike player ,. The overseas players individually aren't the worst but as a group no one does anything outstanding , prior and martin were better when they arrived

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 5:12 pm  

I think he’s gone OK, and tried to stand up in a bit of adversity. It could also be a reflection that the club doesn’t think young Sinfield is far away and don’t want to put a long term roadblock in his way.

The main issue is that if Austin gets another and Martin (deservedly imo) gets another year that makes recruiting the props we need very difficult.

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 6:52 pm  

doc-rhino wrote:

put austin in 2nd row ,get rid of martin get big prop

Surely you are taking the p155 Doc by wanting Austin in the back row?
Whilst you're on a roll which big prop would you then sign?

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 6:55 pm  

doc-rhino wrote:

put austin in 2nd row ,get rid of martin get big prop

Re-sign Ryan Hall and he could be his 2nd row partner

[Frosties.]

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:26 pm  

I cannot believe that we are seeing suggestions about releasing our best player this season and moving Austin to second row!

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:39 pm  

Personally don’t mind Austin staying. He was the only one talking to the players behind the sticks when we got malled in Cas CC game.
I think has improvement too with a better pack and line runners. I’d like to keep Martin but not at the expense of further poor balance in the pack…..,

Re: Extension | Blake Austin - Expires: 2023 : Fri Jun 03, 2022 5:52 am  

Apart from the obvious like Walmsley, are there any British props worth splurging on? While the cap is an issue, transfer fees might have to be considered to short-cut the rebuild process a bit. GH did lay out big money for young Iestyn once upon a time....