Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Apr 20, 2020 9:24 pm  

Watkins has always been over rated, he showed plants of promise when he first arrived on the scene but never lived up to it for me.

Maybe Toronto might take a chance on him.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Apr 21, 2020 7:13 am  

Egg Chasing wrote:

If you think Bibby, Hankinson and Zak are better centres than Watkins then I don't really know what else to say as your RL knowledge is clearly rather poor.

Bibby has an eye for the try line but isn’t good enough in other areas (maybe better as a winger?)
Hank is solid in defence but nothing spectacular, his place kicking is the best part of his game.
Hardaker is a better full back but he’s gone pretty well at centre and his versatility is something that is needed in a salary capped sport.
Gildart is the best of what we have, question marks get raised about his size but it’s not hindered him in Superleague and he’s gone well in internationals.

On his day Watkins was easily better than all 4, that time however is long gone. It’s obvious he’s still better than Bibby and Hank but I’m not sure I would take him over Zak. Zaks younger, has less miles on the clock and no major injury history. The fact he can cover full back is also a massive bonus and I would definitely take Gildart over him now.
I don’t think anyone is questioning Watkins or his talent but his body seems to have slowed considerably and I’m not sure he would be worth the cap spend in a position we are fairly strong in (although that could change quickly if the Gildart and French rumours are true).

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Apr 21, 2020 1:40 pm  

I think we should sign Gary Connolly. He was great once too. Haven't we learned our lesson in signing players because of their name and past glory. Leeds fans dont even want him back. They have got Harry Newman who is currently twice the player Watkins is. He will be expected to be the big fish at Toronto with SBW. Bet you any money he doesn't stand out for them. It's like when Man Utd used to carry players like Butt and Fletcher. Looked ok in their side but failed when they went to be the big dog somewhere else

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:23 pm  

CobraCraig wrote:

Bibby has an eye for the try line but isn’t good enough in other areas (maybe better as a winger?)
Hank is solid in defence but nothing spectacular, his place kicking is the best part of his game.
Hardaker is a better full back but he’s gone pretty well at centre and his versatility is something that is needed in a salary capped sport.
Gildart is the best of what we have, question marks get raised about his size but it’s not hindered him in Superleague and he’s gone well in internationals.

On his day Watkins was easily better than all 4, that time however is long gone. It’s obvious he’s still better than Bibby and Hank but I’m not sure I would take him over Zak. Zaks younger, has less miles on the clock and no major injury history. The fact he can cover full back is also a massive bonus and I would definitely take Gildart over him now.
I don’t think anyone is questioning Watkins or his talent but his body seems to have slowed considerably and I’m not sure he would be worth the cap spend in a position we are fairly strong in (although that could change quickly if the Gildart and French rumours are true).

What’s the rumour on French Craig?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Apr 23, 2020 7:37 am  

The French rumour is that he is back in Australia due to the pandemic and won’t be coming back as he will be rejoining an NRL club.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Apr 23, 2020 1:50 pm  

The only thing I heard about French was he went home after the Salford game, something family related but was due back for the Catalans game (the following Sunday).

Maybe the rumour is people putting two and two together and getting five

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Apr 24, 2020 10:16 pm  

jonh wrote:

The French rumour is that he is back in Australia due to the pandemic and won’t be coming back as he will be rejoining an NRL club.

we hold his reg so he cant unless we allow him too

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat Apr 25, 2020 7:50 am  

Pieman wrote:

we hold his reg so he cant unless we allow him too

If he hasn’t agreed to the reduction in pay then the club aren’t fulfilling the contract and he is entitled to look elsewhere. All Superleague clubs have agreed that during this Pandemic they won’t poach players from other clubs, however this doesn’t include the NRL

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat Apr 25, 2020 8:52 am  

hatty wrote:

If he hasn’t agreed to the reduction in pay then the club aren’t fulfilling the contract and he is entitled to look elsewhere. All Superleague clubs have agreed that during this Pandemic they won’t poach players from other clubs, however this doesn’t include the NRL

It remains to be seen what kind of condition the NRL are in to offer big contracts to new players.

My understanding is that they too may need to negotiate player pay cuts.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat Apr 25, 2020 10:09 am  

hatty wrote:

If he hasn’t agreed to the reduction in pay then the club aren’t fulfilling the contract and he is entitled to look elsewhere. All Superleague clubs have agreed that during this Pandemic they won’t poach players from other clubs, however this doesn’t include the NRL

I dont think he is, as hes registered to us, the players will have to accept the pay decrease the club cant enforce it, its a breach of contract, that doesnt nullify the contract