Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:08 am  

CobraCraig wrote:

I don’t think many laughed at him for suggesting that (it would be stupid to think this couldn’t happen again), from memory he was laughed at for being stalker like with Zak.

It will be interesting to see what he has actually done, before the Saints game it was brushed off as something fairly minor by both the club and Zak.

There were 2 incidents
So make sure you don't confuse wigans response prior to the Saints game and the reason he got dropped, with what happened a couple of days later and why he's been released etc.

2 different things

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:13 am  

CobraCraig wrote:

I think saying he’s not a particularly good player is harsh, he played internationally at centre in the off season just gone and he’s a better full back as well, he’s been stuck on the wing this year so well out of position and a tough place to shine with a lack of pace. I could see him going Leeds and doing well at full back.

I’m not sure it is. He’s decent nowadays but as a centre I wouldn’t have him in the group of better ones in the league. He played for England due to a number of absences IIRC. Maybe it’s unfair to judge him on his wing performances and ultimately I think there’s been a real lack of motivation on his part to play anywhere other than fullback but on his actual performance levels as a centre or winger for us this season and last, I wouldn’t have him as a standout.

I agree if he goes to Leeds and plays fullback he’ll probably improve rapidly. He did play his best rugby for us at fullback early last season but he’s not going to play fullback here, so you’re left with an unmotivated, decent centre. Aside from any debate over his current level as a player, it’s just a relief to know there isn’t a disaster waiting around the corner.

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:19 am  

Jukesays wrote:

There were 2 incidents
So make sure you don't confuse wigans response prior to the Saints game and the reason he got dropped, with what happened a couple of days later and why he's been released etc.

2 different things

be interested to know what the 2nd was

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:23 am  

[Gareth] wrote:

be interested to know what the 2nd was

As would I. I'd hazard a guess at it being alcohol related.

He's supposedly 'tee total' since his drink driving ban yet i've seen pictures of him drinking on social media many times.

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:43 am  

Katrina wrote:

As would I. I'd hazard a guess at it being alcohol related.

He's supposedly 'tee total' since his drink driving ban yet i've seen pictures of him drinking on social media many times.

Not alcohol related just being an booty related.

Wouldn’t get on the team coach after Wakefield game and I hear ongoing lateness for training thereafter.
I assume summarily dismissed with no payment.

Not great timing but the club are 100% correct.
I actually applaud their actions.

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 10:52 am  

You wonder if he thought because it was Peet in charge he could take liberties. Peet is obviously a young coach, inexperienced and did not have that top level playing career and Hardaker has always struck me as a guy who rates himself higher than what most other people do. If that was the case, it’s a win for Peet and a feather in his cap to move forward with. There can be no doubt of his ability to make tough decisions.

A bit of short term pain for the squad losing a decent player but it could have plenty of long term gains.

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 11:16 am  

One of my old bosses used to say to me with a wink 'nothing like a good old sacrificial lamb to the slaughter now and again to sharpen the senses of the rest of the troops'.

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 11:24 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

I’m not sure it is. He’s decent nowadays but as a centre I wouldn’t have him in the group of better ones in the league. He played for England due to a number of absences IIRC. Maybe it’s unfair to judge him on his wing performances and ultimately I think there’s been a real lack of motivation on his part to play anywhere other than fullback but on his actual performance levels as a centre or winger for us this season and last, I wouldn’t have him as a standout.

I agree if he goes to Leeds and plays fullback he’ll probably improve rapidly. He did play his best rugby for us at fullback early last season but he’s not going to play fullback here, so you’re left with an unmotivated, decent centre. Aside from any debate over his current level as a player, it’s just a relief to know there isn’t a disaster waiting around the corner.

It’s a blow still as we are losing our best centre and it’s going to be tough to find an adequate mid season replacement with no quota spots available. That said if he’s been disruptive and like has been said 2 incidents have occurred in the last couple of weeks then we are better shut, I certainly don’t think he’s going to be the difference with us winning or not winning trophies, although he would have dealt with Hurrell better than Bibby did last week.

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 11:28 am  

CobraCraig wrote:

It’s a blow still as we are losing our best centre and it’s going to be tough to find an adequate mid season replacement with no quota spots available. That said if he’s been disruptive and like has been said 2 incidents have occurred in the last couple of weeks then we are better shut, I certainly don’t think he’s going to be the difference with us winning or not winning trophies, although he would have dealt with Hurrell better than Bibby did last week.

I can certainly go with all that. It’s an area that needs attention for next season (and maybe this if anything crops up). Hopefully Halsall gets some chances and nails a spot.

Re: Hardaker? : Fri Apr 22, 2022 11:30 am  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

Not alcohol related just being an booty related.

Wouldn’t get on the team coach after Wakefield game and I hear ongoing lateness for training thereafter.
I assume summarily dismissed with no payment.

Not great timing but the club are 100% correct.
I actually applaud their actions.

That was the first incident