: Wed May 13, 2009 11:15 am
Long and KC are both Saints legends, however there comes a time with all players when its time to hang up the boots, or take a step down in intensity.
Chris Joynt was a legend at Saints but knew when to quit and didnt spoil his copy book.
I would hate for Long and KC to fall for the boxers trick of playing on and end up diminishing their immense reputations.
Both can still do it and raise themselves for the big games, but the week in week out intensity does take its tole, and has shown on a number of times this year, when the players have put in performances that are out of character.
At this stage i certainly think Saints cannot afford to offer Long a 2 year contract. At most i would offer him a one year deal, but realistically even that is pushing it.
Its a similar scenario to Willie Talau. Willie could still do the business but sometimes you have to plan for the future and take hard decisions. Remember as a result of Willie going, we have managed to give Chris Dean and Gary Wheeler the opportunity to show their wares.
Wheeler in particular looks a star in the making, and although not yet as capable as Willie, offers the potential in a year or two to be a better player.
KC for me should go out at the top as a legend. Therefore finish at the end of this year.
