Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Oct 19, 2011 12:51 pm  

Lee Smith might not be too bad a signing.
He would have a full off season with the benefit of Bitcon's advice and Wane's coaching which could provide him with the turnaround he so desperately needs.
A well negotiated IL deal say on a one year plus another year option in the club's favour might give him a chance and us the possibility of a good player.
If Wigan did announce him as having signed I'd be ok with that!

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Oct 19, 2011 1:20 pm  

FIOS wrote:

Anyone think Lee Smith would be worth a shout at centre? Hes rumoured to be leaving Leeds and I wouldnt mind him at all.

Lee Smith is not and has never been a centre. He won the Harry Sunderland award playing full back, which is his best position IMO. He's been nowhere near the Leeds team for the second half of the season either, when Leeds started playing well. Don't know if he's injured or was dropped though. I'd have been happy to take him before he went to Union, as a full back, but that was then. Right now, I'd rather try Charnley at centre in place of Joel (if he goes) than Smith

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Oct 19, 2011 2:47 pm  

dirtbag83 wrote:

Lee Smith is not and has never been a centre. He won the Harry Sunderland award playing full back, which is his best position IMO. He's been nowhere near the Leeds team for the second half of the season either, when Leeds started playing well. Don't know if he's injured or was dropped though. I'd have been happy to take him before he went to Union, as a full back, but that was then. Right now, I'd rather try Charnley at centre in place of Joel (if he goes) than Smith

Its hard to say given we do not know the make up of our squad for 2012, but if we retain Roberts I would not want Smith, as they play very similar positions, if Roberts leaves he could provide us with that level of cover.

I agree, never a centre always a wing or fullback.

He has talent without doubt but needs it tapping into especially his athleticism which is excellent but seems to have lost his way.

Could do a job IF we lose Roberts but certainly not a priority signing.

If i were a betting man I would say he is Bradford bound.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:06 pm  

I know it's slim pickings this year with regards to quality players OOC, both over here and realstic targets in Oz, but I really hate this attitude of "I know he's not been pulling up trees at his current club but maybe our coaches can do better with him"

We are aiming to create a squad to challenge for honours every year. A player should perform week in week out and grab the attention of the bigger clubs. We shouldnt be having to "take a punt" on anyone, if they havent performed to the high standards Wigan expect at their other clubs then they dont deserve the move here.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Oct 19, 2011 9:36 pm  

WARRIORCRAIG wrote:

I know it's slim pickings this year with regards to quality players OOC, both over here and realstic targets in Oz, but I really hate this attitude of "I know he's not been pulling up trees at his current club but maybe our coaches can do better with him"

We are aiming to create a squad to challenge for honours every year. A player should perform week in week out and grab the attention of the bigger clubs. We shouldnt be having to "take a punt" on anyone, if they havent performed to the high standards Wigan expect at their other clubs then they dont deserve the move here.

Agreed, but welcome to English Rugby League.

[DaveO]

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:08 pm  

Dave26 wrote:

Agreed, but welcome to English Rugby League.

So would you sign the kind of players Warriorcraig mentions?

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Oct 20, 2011 9:55 am  

Whilst we are on about centres, I know we - and others - have spoken to Gary Wheeler. Not too happy apparently with a perceived lack of opportunities since regaining fitness.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Oct 20, 2011 10:03 am  

jinkin jimmy wrote: Whilst we are on about centres, I know we - and others - have spoken to Gary Wheeler. Not too happy apparently with a perceived lack of opportunities since regaining fitness. I know we tried to sign him in 2009. However not for me. I've been having a big argument on the Saints Red Vee site about him. http://www.redvee.net/forums/showthread ... -off/page2 I honestly don't rate him, but it may be that he was hyped up so much as a youngster and has never shown what it was all about. I know he has admirers at Wigan though, it's just that I'm not one of them.

jinkin jimmy wrote: Whilst we are on about centres, I know we - and others - have spoken to Gary Wheeler. Not too happy apparently with a perceived lack of opportunities since regaining fitness. I know we tried to sign him in 2009. However not for me. I've been having a big argument on the Saints Red Vee site about him. http://www.redvee.net/forums/showthread ... -off/page2 I honestly don't rate him, but it may be that he was hyped up so much as a youngster and has never shown what it was all about. I know he has admirers at Wigan though, it's just that I'm not one of them.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Oct 20, 2011 11:19 am  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

I honestly don't rate him, but it may be that he was hyped up so much as a youngster and has never shown what it was all about. I know he has admirers at Wigan though, it's just that I'm not one of them.

Every Saints speccy bar Saddened thinks he's a brilliant talent, but he is literally a tampon for us, in for a week, out for (at least) a month.

I'd hate to see him leave, mainly because he'd probably get to your place, never be injured again and end up kicking our backsides twice a year.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Oct 20, 2011 11:29 am  

If we were taking a gamble i would much rather take it on Wheeler than Smith.

What sort of injuries has Wheeler been getting? If its just little niggles they can sometimes be solved with conditioning.