: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:16 pm  

LovesToSpooge wrote:

Seeing this is the rumoured signings thread rather than the how much a player was paid thread, I thought I'd share with you what I know. Having received a phone call earlier tonight from Mick Hogan in regards to an e-mail I sent him last week, I took the time to ask him about future signings for the club.

The immediate impression to come over me was the club have as yet to sign anyone for next year, It was also pretty much implied that the club wouldn't sign a replacement for hock, but rather fill that role from within. The club also had the option to sign either O'Meley or Webb but decided against as neither were felt to be right for the club, particularly O'Meley who it was felt by the medical staff that with the extra 6 or 7 games plus heavier pitches would take a big toll on his knees. I also got the impression that Coley would be rewarded with a new deal, and that possibly a new prop may not be brought in, I'll explain why further down.

I also asked about the halfback position, to find that Mick and Lenegan have enquired about the current Aussie number 7 (naming no names) yet found that the sums involved in bringing him here were astronomical and unrealistic for any superleague club. In regards to Myler, the club were approached by his people but the club felt he wasn't the correct partner for Sam for varying reasons.

The final two overriding feelings I got were that the signings this year would be minimal due to the fact that the right calibre of players are just not available at this time, and finally that the club would be far more willing to wait for the right people to come off contract next year, than go ahead this year and make signings that wouldn't be right for the club.

And can I finally say that I found Mick Hogan to be a very knowledgeable, and is working is hardest to get the club to be the leader in every field in superleague, and after speaking to him I have the utmost respect and feel that the club is heading in the right direction, but things will take time.

I've written the above comments and made them public as I hope it will shed some light on things and add some transparency in regards to goings on with the signings.

Good to see there giving serious thought to recruitment. I don't think we've missed out on O'Meley and Webb.

No point signing a replacement for Hock unless we could get someone like Pritchard.

Coley doesn't deserve a new deal IMO we need a good prop to replace him but looks like none are available

Dissapointing about the half back. Probably right about Myler, more than likely going to Wire anyway.

Isn't the current Aussie number 7 Thurston? Or did you mean an Aussie number 7?

Anything about Phil Bailey?

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:19 pm  

kirkamania6 wrote:

Good to see there giving serious thought to recruitment. I don't think we've missed out on O'Meley and Webb.

No point signing a replacement for Hock unless we could get someone like Pritchard.

Coley doesn't deserve a new deal IMO we need a good prop to replace him but looks like none are available

Dissapointing about the half back. Probably right about Myler, more than likely going to Wire anyway.

Isn't the current Aussie number 7 Thurston? Or did you mean an Aussie number 7?

Anything about Phil Bailey?

Thurston is who they looked at but it was deemed he would take up to much cap for one player.
Nothing was mentioned of Bailey.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:25 pm  

LovesToSpooge wrote:

Seeing this is the rumoured signings thread rather than the how much a player was paid thread, I thought I'd share with you what I know. Having received a phone call earlier tonight from Mick Hogan in regards to an e-mail I sent him last week, I took the time to ask him about future signings for the club.

The immediate impression to come over me was the club have as yet to sign anyone for next year, It was also pretty much implied that the club wouldn't sign a replacement for hock, but rather fill that role from within. The club also had the option to sign either O'Meley or Webb but decided against as neither were felt to be right for the club, particularly O'Meley who it was felt by the medical staff that with the extra 6 or 7 games plus heavier pitches would take a big toll on his knees. I also got the impression that Coley would be rewarded with a new deal, and that possibly a new prop may not be brought in, I'll explain why further down.

I also asked about the halfback position, to find that Mick and Lenegan have enquired about the current Aussie number 7 (naming no names) yet found that the sums involved in bringing him here were astronomical and unrealistic for any superleague club. In regards to Myler, the club were approached by his people but the club felt he wasn't the correct partner for Sam for varying reasons.

The final two overriding feelings I got were that the signings this year would be minimal due to the fact that the right calibre of players are just not available at this time, and finally that the club would be far more willing to wait for the right people to come off contract next year, than go ahead this year and make signings that wouldn't be right for the club.

And can I finally say that I found Mick Hogan to be a very knowledgeable, and is working is hardest to get the club to be the leader in every field in superleague, and after speaking to him I have the utmost respect and feel that the club is heading in the right direction, but things will take time.

I've written the above comments and made them public as I hope it will shed some light on things and add some transparency in regards to goings on with the signings.

If true i'm not shocked at all

Its all well and good "enquiring" about Thurston. St Pats could enquire.what was he expecting "Mr Thurston wants 20k a year"

I'm sorry but the list hanging about PROVES theres real talent available for next season.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:25 pm  

LovesToSpooge wrote:

Thurston is who they looked at but it was deemed he would take up to much cap for one player.
Nothing was mentioned of Bailey.

Given the nature of your post concerning the reply you got this is the most worrying thing. What the hell did they expect when enquiring about Thurston? Of course he was going to command a huge wage to come to the SL, then in the next breath they seem to suggest that non of the right players were available, firstly which in my opinion is not correct, secondly they have turned down a potential long term signing when if they do not intend to bring anyone in we would have the cap space, and finally again we expect to bring in quality but are not willing to pay the going rate for it.

Your initial post fills me with dread, but only time will tell if it turns out to be correct.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:26 pm  

wigan_knight wrote:

If true i'm not shocked at all

Its all well and good "enquiring" about Thurston. St Pats could enquire.what was he expecting "Mr Thurston wants 20k a year"

I'm sorry but the list hanging about PROVES theres real talent available for next season.

Who would you bring in thats available then?

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:30 pm  

Tame Tupou to West Tigers! Have we missed out

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:37 pm  

LovesToSpooge wrote:

Seeing this is the rumoured signings thread rather than the how much a player was paid thread, I thought I'd share with you what I know. Having received a phone call earlier tonight from Mick Hogan in regards to an e-mail I sent him last week, I took the time to ask him about future signings for the club.

The immediate impression to come over me was the club have as yet to sign anyone for next year, It was also pretty much implied that the club wouldn't sign a replacement for hock, but rather fill that role from within. The club also had the option to sign either O'Meley or Webb but decided against as neither were felt to be right for the club, particularly O'Meley who it was felt by the medical staff that with the extra 6 or 7 games plus heavier pitches would take a big toll on his knees. I also got the impression that Coley would be rewarded with a new deal, and that possibly a new prop may not be brought in, I'll explain why further down.

I also asked about the halfback position, to find that Mick and Lenegan have enquired about the current Aussie number 7 (naming no names) yet found that the sums involved in bringing him here were astronomical and unrealistic for any superleague club. In regards to Myler, the club were approached by his people but the club felt he wasn't the correct partner for Sam for varying reasons.

The final two overriding feelings I got were that the signings this year would be minimal due to the fact that the right calibre of players are just not available at this time, and finally that the club would be far more willing to wait for the right people to come off contract next year, than go ahead this year and make signings that wouldn't be right for the club.

And can I finally say that I found Mick Hogan to be a very knowledgeable, and is working is hardest to get the club to be the leader in every field in superleague, and after speaking to him I have the utmost respect and feel that the club is heading in the right direction, but things will take time.

I've written the above comments and made them public as I hope it will shed some light on things and add some transparency in regards to goings on with the signings.

My overriding feeling is that Mick Hogan will never be telling you anything again.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:42 pm  

If we're changing coaches then it makes sense that we've not made any signings for next year.

A new coach will have his own opinion on players and we don't want to use up the salary cap and tie his hands should he want to bring in new faces.

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:43 pm  

kirkamania6 wrote:

Who would you bring in thats available then?

Out of 125 current NRL off contract players IL believes none are good enough.

From the top of my head i noticed

Thurling
Simpson
Cayless
Fa'aoso

: Wed Jul 08, 2009 9:44 pm  

Cruncher wrote:

My overriding feeling is that Mick Hogan will never be telling you anything again.

My overriding feeling is that responding in such a way to direct questioning from a fan (appologies Love to Sponge if you have better connections to him) on such a sensitive issue is very unprofessional indeed and asking for trouble.