Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed May 27, 2020 11:47 am  

Not sure they’ll pay for him but we’ll see. I’m certain a club would pick him up for free. He’s no giant but it’s never harmed him in superleague and he’s got a couple of noticeable performances under his belt in rep games (totally outplayed Jack Bird in the Cronulla WCC game and did really well in that England game at Hull).

Once Gildart goes that’ll be the last of that group of mates (Burgess, Bateman, Sutton, Williams and Gildart) to go over to the NRL. Hopefully that can help stem the flow of players going over. Those lads are clearly all pretty close and if they see one lad do something, they’re part of that new generation of lads who seem to live in each other’s pockets and follow the trend. It’s always been the case to a degree but not quite like the 18-25 year olds I see knocking about today.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed May 27, 2020 9:04 pm  

Gildart was set for going last year but his family persuaded him to stay for this year. Don't ask me how i know, i just know but he does want to test himself over there and with him being a low risk signing in terms of wages for the NRL in a time where they want to slash their wage bill i think he will be going. Problem with your thought process Nicky is the one i have just countered it with. NRL sides will now be looking for low risk wage players with big potential. I am pretty sure Smithies and Partington were being courted by Melbourne (Brian might be able to confirm) and the current climate might force their hand to go for these players. I just hope and pray that the days of SL being a feeder league for the NRL might be coming to an end if they have to bring their salary cap more in line with ours and we can keep our promising players for longer.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu May 28, 2020 5:07 am  

It will never stop now that the game in this country can no longer compete financially with the NRL or Rugby Union.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu May 28, 2020 12:21 pm  

Pie_Eyter wrote:

Gildart was set for going last year but his family persuaded him to stay for this year. Don't ask me how i know, i just know but he does want to test himself over there and with him being a low risk signing in terms of wages for the NRL in a time where they want to slash their wage bill i think he will be going. Problem with your thought process Nicky is the one i have just countered it with. NRL sides will now be looking for low risk wage players with big potential. I am pretty sure Smithies and Partington were being courted by Melbourne (Brian might be able to confirm) and the current climate might force their hand to go for these players. I just hope and pray that the days of SL being a feeder league for the NRL might be coming to an end if they have to bring their salary cap more in line with ours and we can keep our promising players for longer.

I don't know about Smithies and Partington but Havard has been coveted by Melbourne Storm for at least two years.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat May 30, 2020 10:37 am  

Rubbish that George Williams

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat May 30, 2020 7:50 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

I don't know about Smithies and Partington but Havard has been coveted by Melbourne Storm for at least two years.

I wouldn’t blame any of them for going to be honest. Why would you not? Best league in the world with huge financial rewards (provided it goes well)? The climate and way of life? Where do I sign?!

On a serious note though I’d be gutted to lose Smithies or Havard, Partington would be a big loss but I think we could get over it. The likes of Smithies and Havard have the potential to be able to have the pack built around them but ultimately you can’t blame the lads for wanting a pop at the NRL.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat May 30, 2020 8:36 pm  

Havard looks pretty special to me. He’s very young but you can just see there’s something different about him. We’ve struggled really regards producing a top class prop for a very long time. We’ve had some decent ones like Sutton, Prescott, Mossop, Crosby etc but none have been able to get to that very top level. I look at this lad and I think I’d be surprised if he didn’t make it to the very top. He has size at a young age, he looks in great shape, he’s got great footwork and is difficult to handle. A little more aggression over time should come and of his attitude is right, he should go really far in the game.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun May 31, 2020 2:50 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Havard looks pretty special to me. He’s very young but you can just see there’s something different about him. We’ve struggled really regards producing a top class prop for a very long time. We’ve had some decent ones like Sutton, Prescott, Mossop, Crosby etc but none have been able to get to that very top level. I look at this lad and I think I’d be surprised if he didn’t make it to the very top. He has size at a young age, he looks in great shape, he’s got great footwork and is difficult to handle. A little more aggression over time should come and of his attitude is right, he should go really far in the game.

The problem is it look like he is going to do a Sutton and walk away for nothing to an NRL club.

Hopefully he will be learning the lesson from Sutton who is currently sat out unable to make the match day 20 man squad at Canberra.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun May 31, 2020 4:14 pm  

Thought Sutton was injured?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun May 31, 2020 8:59 pm  

[quote="Tricky Dicky"]The problem is it look like he is going to do a Sutton and walk away for nothing to an NRL club.

Hopefully he will be learning the lesson from Sutton who is currently sat out unable to make the match day 20 man squad at Canberra.[/quote]

Is he?
I'm not sure about that.