Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:13 am  

karetaker wrote:

Wigan look in a bit of bother Harry Smith offered a big contract in NRL. Wigan have offered him an extension but looking like it would take marquee money to keep him.

Jack Farrimond is a young halfback in their production line who looks like he will be a special player.

Having watched both Smith and Farrimond at the same age, to me Farrimond has the edge over Smith.

It`s probably a little too early in Farrimond`s career to takeover if Smith leaves at the end of 2024 season though.

The signing of Thompson as a Marquee player on a long term contract means that Wigan may have to forfeit either French or Field to enable them to offer Smith a new deal that keeps the NRL clubs away.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:48 am  

Gaz3376 wrote:

Whens Mikaele back Ducky, or is not happening? Kasiano and Dudson both in training making it look unlikely?

On the pics on the training it doesn’t look like it.
Just a rumour, on the rumours topic.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:37 pm  

Another potential signing that didn't happen was only 6 weeks ago. We approached Jon Clarke to return in a coaching capacity, not fitness & conditioning. He turned us down in favour of a similar job offer in the NRL. I believe he's now at Manly.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:47 pm  

Jon Clarke keeps popping up everywhere. He has done very well for himself since his playing days.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 1:30 pm  

ratticusfinch wrote:

Is this the first sign of Wigan being cash rich being a problem for them (like it has been for us)? If they didn't have Danson's money would they made the poor, but headline grabbing, signing of Thompson? I don't think they needed Thompson and now he inexplicably takes up a marquee spot that they'd be much better using on Smith.

He will replace Smithies at 13 or replace Ellis at prop if he moves to 13.

[Fantastic Mr Catpiss]

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 2:28 pm  

Smiffy27 wrote:

Jon Clarke keeps popping up everywhere. He has done very well for himself since his playing days.

another one, the usual suspects bagged as not good enough and "jobs for the boys"

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 2:59 pm  

Abe Froman wrote:

Another potential signing that didn't happen was only 6 weeks ago. We approached Jon Clarke to return in a coaching capacity, not fitness & conditioning. He turned us down in favour of a similar job offer in the NRL. I believe he's now at Manly.

Talking of coaching was there anything behind the rumours of Matt King or Sinfield coming as coaches.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 5:03 pm  

Fantastic Mr Catpiss wrote:

another one, the usual suspects bagged as not good enough and "jobs for the boys"

Strange that when local lads aren’t being selected it’s bad and when we look to advance old players that is bad as well.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 6:14 pm  

Jon Clarke - one of our most underrated players of the Super League era. Along with Sally's favourite, Chris Riley.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 6:16 pm  

Fantastic Mr Catpiss wrote:

another one, the usual suspects bagged as not good enough and "jobs for the boys"

Was Jon Clarke in line for a coaching postion with us when he finished playing? I don't recall any discussion on it.