SaleSlim wrote:
He's being underestimated because he plays for Salford and like it or loathe it fans of the big 4 inherently look down on us. Lui is a cracking player and one of the best defensive halves in the league for me.
As for Hastings, I'm not sure he'd sign for Leeds. He's openly stated his desire to go back to the NRL after next season so (unless you offer him stupid money) I can only see him moving elsewhere in SL for a genuine chance of silverware. With all due respect Leeds ain't gonna be challenging for silverware next year (unless you count the Championship shield as silverware?
).
If anywhere it'll be Wigan but I hope he sees the potential in the squad Watson is pulling together for next season and gives us another year. Despite our $hit crowds etc he has a genuine affinity with the Salford fans as well not forgetting living and playing alongside his best mate Joey Lussick.
2 more signings, or thereabouts, and Leeds would have as good a chance of silverware next year as Wigan certainly. We're losing another chunk of salary cap for 2020 and there will be more signings.
Good to hear Lui is a solid defender.
There might be something in what you say re. Salford's perception - but then again we signed Keith Senior from Sheffield Eagles and everyone was pretty keen.
It's a shame but I think the reality is that Salford as a club need to cash in some assets. If Leeds are willing to pay a fee for Hastings this year and Wigan aren't, that could have some bearing.
Or, as you say, he might decide to stay with Salford for another year or two. Problem is there is no guarantee an NRL opportunity is going to come up for him either way - the standard of halves over there is way higher than SL in general.