Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Nov 18, 2019 11:55 am  

I often think a young Ellery Hanley in the modern game would be best suited to a FB. Think he was under 6ft and probably around 14st. In his early days his passing and speed on the wing then centre at Bradford yet combined with his passing ability and movement would see him as an awesome FB. You'd want him on the ball attacking both flanks.

I wasn't surprised at all to see his son line up as a FB.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Nov 19, 2019 2:41 pm  

Last Son of Wigan wrote:

I often think a young Ellery Hanley in the modern game would be best suited to a FB. Think he was under 6ft and probably around 14st. In his early days his passing and speed on the wing then centre at Bradford yet combined with his passing ability and movement would see him as an awesome FB. You'd want him on the ball attacking both flanks.

I wasn't surprised at all to see his son line up as a FB.

I think you’re onto something there. I’m quite excited to see Hanley in the first team in the coming year’s. I think we have a really talented crop coming through

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Nov 19, 2019 11:27 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Under 18 on the 1st September 2019 for the 2020 season. It's changed for next season from being U19.
Basically now it's a two year academy (U17 and U18) instead of three year.

Thank you.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Nov 28, 2019 8:33 am  

Canberra swapping Aiden Sezer for George Williams is a head scratcher for me.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Nov 28, 2019 8:51 am  

MadDogg wrote:

Canberra swapping Aiden Sezer for George Williams is a head scratcher for me.

The only thing I can think of is that they look at the improvements that the other UK players have made and the raiders and see that kind of potential in Williams, Hodgson is the best example, gone from decent SL player to one the best hookers in the NRL with a bit of decent coaching.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:54 am  

Dave K. wrote: The only thing I can think of is that they look at the improvements that the other UK players have made and the raiders and see that kind of potential in Williams, Hodgson is the best example, gone from decent SL player to one the best hookers in the NRL with a bit of decent coaching. Hes definitely a gamble in my opinion for them; not someone you'd plonk straight in the first 13 (I dont think Hodgson was given the 9 shirt when he first signed, he worked at it and came from 'nowhere' in NRL terms). I dont buy that Williams has the prototypical build and size to be an NRL half-back. I also dont believe at all that half back combination of him and Wighton will work as there is no controlling pivot there. Just noticed on the Canberra website that Wighton is listed as fullback however? https://www.raiders.com.au/teams/

Dave K. wrote: The only thing I can think of is that they look at the improvements that the other UK players have made and the raiders and see that kind of potential in Williams, Hodgson is the best example, gone from decent SL player to one the best hookers in the NRL with a bit of decent coaching. Hes definitely a gamble in my opinion for them; not someone you'd plonk straight in the first 13 (I dont think Hodgson was given the 9 shirt when he first signed, he worked at it and came from 'nowhere' in NRL terms). I dont buy that Williams has the prototypical build and size to be an NRL half-back. I also dont believe at all that half back combination of him and Wighton will work as there is no controlling pivot there. Just noticed on the Canberra website that Wighton is listed as fullback however? https://www.raiders.com.au/teams/

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Nov 28, 2019 5:41 pm  

MadDogg wrote:

Canberra swapping Aiden Sezer for George Williams is a head scratcher for me.

I have been following The Raiders on their Greenhouse forum and it was noticeable how negative fans felt about Sezer at the start of last season. He was falling behind Williams (another one) in the pecking order and was considered lazy. Part way through the season something clicked, possibly the need to get a new contract, and all of a sudden he became incredible. Problem was that George had probably been signed by then (my assumption).

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:49 pm  

I thought Sezer looked a classy and clever halfback in the NRL for the majority of the year. Williams looked like a headless chicken for the majority of his SL year.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Nov 28, 2019 9:59 pm  

I really hope Williams succeeds down under because I’d never wish ill on a players who’s been as good as he has for the club but I’m just not sure. He’s a quiet lad and I think it’ll take him a long tome to settle. It’s good news for him that Sezer has gone as it takes the shadow of him away but like at Wigan, I don’t think Williams will have an ideal partner in the halves with him. Over the last few seasons we’ve been crying out for a dominant organiser to play alongside Williams and set him free but he’s not had that and Jack Wighton won’t be that either. It will help Williams that Josh Hodgson likes to play with his own ball in a lot of ways but it will hurt him in others going off GB’s halves performances on tour.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Nov 28, 2019 10:03 pm  

Have I missed an announcement of Sammut leaving? I know he was given a squad number but he’s tweeted something along the lines of ‘well back on my bike, where next?’ Everyone seems to be replying to say good look/you will be missed at Wigan etc..