Re: Signing a halfback : Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:36 pm  

Can we get Soward back over to SL?

Re: Signing a halfback : Mon Aug 18, 2014 11:29 pm  

sally cinnamon wrote:

Whats the difference between that and GO'B?

Also the problem you will run in to there is work permits, unless they've played 50% of the first team NRL games in the past two seasons or are a regular international they will struggle to meet the work permit criteria.

How did Gelling get one?

Re: Signing a halfback : Tue Aug 19, 2014 5:50 am  

Gelling probably got one through his international appearances with Cook Islands.

Re: Signing a halfback : Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:21 am  

Realistically we have to make Myler-Ratchford-O'Brien-Bridge work. There are no better UK halves overall playing anywhere else ( you could make a case for Matty Smith but he's not moving from Pies to Wire ). We are not going to get a first-rate Aussie for all the usual reasons. The other UK-based Aussies are below par. I still think that Gaz O'Brien has a fine half-back brain, and just needs more confidence. OK, he doesn't have the typical cocky 'me' attitude of many of the great HBs ( like Murphy or Gregory ), but he will get close to that as he convinces himself that he's a permanent fixture in the side with big responsibilities. Ratchford and /or Myler will be the free-running 7 to take advantage of O'Brien's creative plays. Bridge is doing a good job but his age means he won't be around in three-four years, maybe even fewer.

There are those who believe that we have some major talent in the juniors at HB, but (a) I haven't seen them to make judgment myself and (b) that was said about quite a few young HBs in the past who didn't make the grade in the end.

Re: Signing a halfback : Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:28 am  

O'Brien is leaving so surely we must be looking at replacing him somehow??!!

Re: Signing a halfback : Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:35 am  

Gareth O'Brien will be our No1 half in the next year or so. Tony Smith does not keep players that he does not think will be first choice players. He is 23 and is just coming to the age where good half backs start to flurish. Why else would the club keep him around if they did not think he was the answer. All this 'in and out' is the clubs way of getting him ready. Its a tough call for any young player to come in to a team like ours and run the show, because he needs to shut up players like Bridge, M Monaghan, Higham, Ratchford, Myler, not an easy thing to do without earning the stature.
On Friday he was dominant in the first half, the first 4 kicks resulted in additional sets or points. He was less effective in the second half as we changed our approach and we predominatly attacked down the middle as Cas forwards tired, so the hookers became dominant.
He is the answer and will be a international half within 3 years.

Re: Signing a halfback : Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:43 am  

marshman777 wrote:

Gareth O'Brien will be our No1 half in the next year or so. Tony Smith does not keep players that he does not think will be first choice players. He is 23 and is just coming to the age where good half backs start to flurish. Why else would the club keep him around if they did not think he was the answer. All this 'in and out' is the clubs way of getting him ready. Its a tough call for any young player to come in to a team like ours and run the show, because he needs to shut up players like Bridge, M Monaghan, Higham, Ratchford, Myler, not an easy thing to do without earning the stature.
On Friday he was dominant in the first half, the first 4 kicks resulted in additional sets or points. He was less effective in the second half as we changed our approach and we predominatly attacked down the middle as Cas forwards tired, so the hookers became dominant.
He is the answer and will be a international half within 3 years.

Let me tell you this about Gareth O'Brien - He was recently offered to Leigh on a permanent basis but his wage demands were too high.

Make of that what you will...

Re: Signing a halfback : Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:46 am  

He wont be our number 1 halfback for years to come if he doesn't sign the contract we've offered him. At the minute he's rejected it purely on the basis that he wants to play first team rugby every week, as it is he will be leaving us.

Re: Signing a halfback : Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:54 am  

A reasonable request in my eyes, he deserves to play first team rugby every week, whether that is with us or elsewhere remains to be seen. Let's just hope the right decision is made and we aren't kicking ourselves a few years down the line..

Re: Signing a halfback : Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:58 am  

ratticusfinch wrote:

He wont be our number 1 halfback for years to come if he doesn't sign the contract we've offered him. At the minute he's rejected it purely on the basis that he wants to play first team rugby every week, as it is he will be leaving us.

If this is true it just goes to show that what we think of him, trying to tie him in to a long term contact as he has another 12 months left on his contract. Begs the question as to why were are offering him to Leigh and offering him a new contract at the same time?? I think one or both of these last few posts may be wrong ???