: Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:54 am  

rpw wrote:

I don't think they will sign another prop imo. Unless they decide Burgess or Bailey are no longer required. We have, Peacock, Bailey, Burgess, Leuluai, and Kirke or JJB who can fill in there. They also have Ambler for the coming seasons hopefully. 2nd row as GH has already said is a problem where we are short, and so is the right centre position.

That just leaves Ablett, Buderus,Ali, Diskin and Sinfield at present with Worrall as backup.

Given that players will miss, at a guess, about an average of 5 games a season through suspensions, injuries, England call ups, Sinfield playing in the halves, Ablett as centre cover etc (not taking into account fatigue factor if the club has a good cup run) these 11 plus Worrall for 9 (and sometimes 10 match spots leaves the club very tight and that's without any long term injuries

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:58 am  

finglas wrote:

That just leaves Ablett, Buderus,Ali, Diskin and Sinfield at present with Worrall as backup.

Given that players will miss, at a guess, about an average of 5 games a season through suspensions, injuries, England call ups, Sinfield playing in the halves, Ablett as centre cover etc (not taking into account fatigue factor if the club has a good cup run) these 11 plus Worrall for 9 (and sometimes 10 match spots leaves the club very tight and that's without any long term injuries

Oh i agree, In an ideal world, I'd love another prop don't get me wrong. I just feel when you look at the squad, we're better off in the prop department than in the 2nd row (quality wise).. an ideal signing would be a 2nd rower who can also operate at prop imo.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:04 am  

rpw wrote:

an ideal signing would be a 2nd rower who can also operate at prop imo.

The club agreed and tried to sign Greg Eastwood for that very role.

They now need to source a replacement for Greg Eastwood.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:04 am  

rpw wrote:

Oh i agree, In an ideal world, I'd love another prop don't get me wrong. I just feel when you look at the squad, we're better off in the prop department than in the 2nd row (quality wise).. an ideal signing would be a 2nd rower who can also operate at prop imo.

But given the backs of Webb, Hall, Senior, Gibson, Donald, McGuire, Burrow with backup of BJB, Watkins, Ablett, Sinfield, Ratu I think it's more important to bring in two forwards than a forward and a centre although if we cannot get tqo forwards of the necessary satanard one forward and one back would be a compromise. But if they are to bring players in they neec to be players that dramatically improve the current squad.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:14 am  

tvoc wrote:

The club agreed and tried to sign Greg Eastwood for that very role.

They now need to source a replacement for Greg Eastwood.

Yep. They sure do. Sam Burgess please.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:15 am  

finglas wrote:

But given the backs of Webb, Hall, Senior, Gibson, Donald, McGuire, Burrow with backup of BJB, Watkins, Ablett, Sinfield, Ratu I think it's more important to bring in two forwards than a forward and a centre although if we cannot get tqo forwards of the necessary satanard one forward and one back would be a compromise. But if they are to bring players in they neec to be players that dramatically improve the current squad.

Yep. Sam Burgess please...

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:20 am  

tvoc wrote:

As I have said many times previously Gibson for me isn't big enough, quick enough or explosive enough to make a top class centre. We'll see.

I agree with you on 99% of things and most of the time you say what I would have (you super intelligent man you) but I think you have this one wrong. You don't need size, electric speed or power to be a good centre. While that certainly helps and makes things easier for the player I think finesse and ball in hand count for alot. Brad Godden wasn't the biggest or quickest but he put a winger over. While gibbo is short of the level Godden was at I see him in the same mould with ability to put his winger in. Plus as he proved, he can finish himself too. He showed lots of promise coming onto the scene but has played little rugby since his injury. He can play at the top level. I'd give him 1 more year and then decide.

Keith signing on 1 more year does leave recruitment in an awkward position. Should it be Keiths last season and we start to fade him out Gibson then Watkins (watkins more for wing) could be used as well as bringing in an experienced centre. 4 centres might be a bit much but I think from Watkins displaus so far he's more than 1 season away from a regualr.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:30 am  

Get rid, he's a turnstile with limited latteral movement,.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 11:34 am  

LeedsPokerGuru wrote:

I agree with you on 99% of things

I'll forgive you the 1% this time.

Godden was excellent, I don't see Gibson remotely in the same class in either defence or attack although I see why (in stature) you might wish to make a comparison.

Watkins needs to find some composure and consistency to match his undoubted speed and overall potential. When that will arrive is the only question for me. Hopefully by the time Senior calls it a day, whenever that comes to pass.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 3:20 pm  

Watkins is a natural left centre and will be our replacement for Keith. As much as I like Gibson, I think the recruitment of an out and out right centre is essential, and if Gibson has to make way for that, then I wouldn't be too sorry to see it. If we can keep him as backup to Shenton (or whoever, sorry Cas fans) then great.