Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:31 am  

Exeter Rhino wrote:

Good to clear some cap space - hopefully means we have room for a mid-season signing in the forwards (bearing in mind the timing of Myler's departure and no major signings since).

It's a shame it didn't work out for Olpherts at Leeds. It's not like he was a disruptive influence on the culture like Austin or Macdonald, or taking up a huge chunk of the salary cap like Tetevano or Sezer, so let's let him go with a bit of respect.

Will be interesting to see if we use the space during the season. Given that Wigan have lots and lots of props I wouldn't be surprised if we are keeping a close eye on them. Somebody will probably feel a bit left out in the cold before long.

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:38 am  

Clearwing wrote:

More likely Johnstone renews with Catalans, I'd have thought. Unless anyone knows/is seeing something I don't?

Think it was reported earlier in the year that he has told them he intends to leave. Wakey apparently have the cash and could also use the marquee academy allowance, so they have a clear financial edge. However, I think we'd be foolish not to enquire. I also really rate Tom Davies but not sure of his contractual situation.

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 1:42 pm  

I hope Derrell goes well at Wakey. Even though his performances weren't up to scratch for Leeds, its never nice to see a player suffer the way he was. I wish him all the best.

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 2:58 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

Think it was reported earlier in the year that he has told them he intends to leave. Wakey apparently have the cash and could also use the marquee academy allowance, so they have a clear financial edge. However, I think we'd be foolish not to enquire. I also really rate Tom Davies but not sure of his contractual situation.

Can't argue with either winger at Cats, although I thought NRL clubs were taking a look at Johnstone. I think it's too early in the year to call this - we have Roberts (just nearly 22, people forget how young he is), Frater, Simpson, maybe Lumb and maybe Smith all capable of playing wing and looking for a chance. Fus may yet come back and stay fit too, earn another +1 year... a fit Fus is as good as we're likely to get anyway, while the younger lads develop.

I am glad Olpherts is gone, no hard feelings but he just wasn't good enough for Leeds at the end of the day.

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 3:06 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

Think it was reported earlier in the year that he has told them he intends to leave. Wakey apparently have the cash and could also use the marquee academy allowance, so they have a clear financial edge. However, I think we'd be foolish not to enquire. I also really rate Tom Davies but not sure of his contractual situation.

.
HKR and I think Saints interested in Davies.

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 3:57 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

Can't argue with either winger at Cats, although I thought NRL clubs were taking a look at Johnstone. I think it's too early in the year to call this - we have Roberts (just nearly 22, people forget how young he is), Frater, Simpson, maybe Lumb and maybe Smith all capable of playing wing and looking for a chance. Fus may yet come back and stay fit too, earn another +1 year... a fit Fus is as good as we're likely to get anyway, while the younger lads develop.

I am glad Olpherts is gone, no hard feelings but he just wasn't good enough for Leeds at the end of the day.

Would have to disagree with you on this one. When it comes to recruiting off contract British players speed is of the essence, that's why we moved so quickly to secure Newman and McDonnell. I'm a big fan of Fusitua when he plays, but by any measure he just doesn't play enough. When you add in the fact that he's a quota player, it's a simple decision. Don't think any of the lads that you mention are anywhere near ready to be a 1st choice winger at Leeds. It's such a vital position nowadays (particularly with our style) that you can't afford to be making do or cutting corners.

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:01 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

Would have to disagree with you on this one. When it comes to recruiting off contract British players speed is of the essence, that's why we moved so quickly to secure Newman and McDonnell. I'm a big fan of Fusitua when he plays, but by any measure he just doesn't play enough. When you add in the fact that he's a quota player, it's a simple decision. Don't think any of the lads that you mention are anywhere near ready to be a 1st choice winger at Leeds. It's such a vital position nowadays (particularly with our style) that you can't afford to be making do or cutting corners.

If Fus goes though won't we just get another NRL winger in reality?

Johnstone is from Leeds ish originally I believe, not had the impression he's ever wanted to play for Leeds though. Don't know, we'll see - don't forget we are winning tough games with young Roberts on the wing and Simpson is highly rated (albeit at centre)... Ned McCormack can also play wing and he's already in the squad. Don't get me wrong I'd be delighted if we signed either Cats winger, I'm just not sure it's a burning priority myself.

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:05 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

Would have to disagree with you on this one. When it comes to recruiting off contract British players speed is of the essence, that's why we moved so quickly to secure Newman and McDonnell. I'm a big fan of Fusitua when he plays, but by any measure he just doesn't play enough. When you add in the fact that he's a quota player, it's a simple decision. Don't think any of the lads that you mention are anywhere near ready to be a 1st choice winger at Leeds. It's such a vital position nowadays (particularly with our style) that you can't afford to be making do or cutting corners.

Here's another one for you: Momirovski to wing and allow McCormack, Simpson, Smith or someone else to come through at centre?

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:16 pm  

KaeruJim wrote:

If Fus goes though won't we just get another NRL winger in reality?

Johnstone is from Leeds ish originally I believe, not had the impression he's ever wanted to play for Leeds though. Don't know, we'll see - don't forget we are winning tough games with young Roberts on the wing and Simpson is highly rated (albeit at centre)... Ned McCormack can also play wing and he's already in the squad. Don't get me wrong I'd be delighted if we signed either Cats winger, I'm just not sure it's a burning priority myself.

I think we're currently getting away with it playing Roberts (who is a centre) but that won't last. Simpson is stll a teenager, hasn't played a game in 18 months, and is a centre. McCormack is a centre - let him be a centre. They're just far too young to be playing against mature players on a regular basis at this stage, in fact the rules around the amount of minutes played actively forbids it. We could go for an NRL winger, but I'd rather go British if we have the option.

Re: OUT 2024 | Derrell Olpherts - Wakefield Trinity : Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:29 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

I think we're currently getting away with it playing Roberts (who is a centre) but that won't last. Simpson is stll a teenager, hasn't played a game in 18 months, and is a centre. McCormack is a centre - let him be a centre. They're just far too young to be playing against mature players on a regular basis at this stage, in fact the rules around the amount of minutes played actively forbids it. We could go for an NRL winger, but I'd rather go British if we have the option.

If we could get Johnstone it would be great, what a backline that would be. Although isn't he left wing?

Losing Johnson, Donno, Olpherts and maybe Fus should give us a fair amount of cap if we are thinking about it.