[Bulliac]

Re: Halfback : Sat May 21, 2016 8:22 pm  

woolly07 wrote:

With Gaskell looking like he may miss a few games I am now wondering that if Smith can find a decent pair of halves for next season will it really be a massive loss if he leaves. He can be brilliant at times but those few times tend to stick in our minds all season and I wonder if there is a stand off out there that would do a better job for us. We don't need an occasional flashy player but rather a consistently decent player.
If we get a good 7 then he may improve his consistency but at the moment he isn't. I also doubt he is seen as that top class player by SL teams.
If he left and we didn't replace him then yes, it wouldn't be good but if Smith can bring in two solid, reliable halves then no, we would get over him leaving.

As things are, I'd say maybe be not. He can be brilliant but he does miss a fair bit of game time too, which is a fair negative and he hasn't been anywhere near as influential this year, though admittedly he hasn't had Jake Mullaney as a foil. Many seem to suggest he's going anyway, so maybe there won't actually be a choice for us to make?

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 2:42 pm  

Travis Burns has also been long rumoured and he would seem to fit the brief of a player who can cover a few positions. Also already over here so presumably no likely visa issues.

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 4:11 pm  

Bully_Boxer wrote:

Travis Burns has also been long rumoured and he would seem to fit the brief of a player who can cover a few positions. Also already over here so presumably no likely visa issues.

A few weeks ago it was reported Burns would be going to Leigh. Now they've signed Drinkwater that prospect seems remote.
Reading the Saints forum it's obvious there is a consensus that Cunningham will not select him. But KC will be under even more pressure after today
Burns played for Manly, North Queensland and Penrith in the NRL. I think he was a teammate of Purtell at the Panthers and it's certain that Smith will be well aware of his abilities and whether he would fit into his structure.

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 6:16 pm  

Drinkwater scored on debut today for Leigh, only came on with 20 minutes to go.

I think you could do worse than get Travis Burns from Saints, even on loan although it is reported he can be a little abrasive with team mates.

It is also true that it was hotly tipped he would come to Leigh on loan but could have been a load of old baloney !!

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 7:23 pm  

Think burns would've perfect fit for us but iirc he refuses to drop down a league

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 8:00 pm  

mat wrote:

Think burns would've perfect fit for us but iirc he refuses to drop down a league

According to who? He isn't playing in any league at the moment.

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 8:10 pm  

Go and have a read of the Saints forum if you think we should be trying to sign Burns. The guy sounds like nothing but trouble, we should steer well clear.

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 8:13 pm  

Bully_Boxer wrote:

According to who? He isn't playing in any league at the moment.

and collecting a decent wage for doing nothing too.

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 9:47 pm  

Greg Eden is playing reserve grade in the NSW competition.

Re: Halfback : Sun May 22, 2016 9:56 pm  

MicktheGled wrote:

Greg Eden is playing reserve grade in the NSW competition.

Greg would rip it up in the championship but he's a fullback primarily, not sure how suited he would be to playing in the halves, and more importantly I don't think he'd want to come back to play in this country for anything other than a SL side.