Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Jun 19, 2023 9:04 pm  

I mentioned that I’m not convinced playing for Wigan will be hugely motivating for him given he’s historically linked with Saints but I certainly didn’t say ‘he won’t try because he supports Saints’. All I’m getting at is that there is a risk Superleague in general will be seen as a step back and you add in our history with players coming back from the NRL and his Saints links and it’s a big risk for the money he’ll command. He’s been a cracking player in his career but he’s been injured more often than not this past two seasons. When I personally weigh up the likely salary and risks against how well it could go, I’d pass and look elsewhere.

If he does end up here though he’ll have my full backing and I hope we see the best Luke Thompson because that version is a superb player.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 9:22 am  

post wrote:

It’s saying Thompson is on $800,000 and Bulldogs can’t match Wigans offer, $800,000 is James Fisher-Harris, or JWH money, maybe even Taumalolo money. You’d probably get Jesse Bromwich or Josh Papalihi for that money and I’d rather go with them.

He’s currently out injured with no clue about his recovery and return so his value should have dropped through the floor otherwise he’s another George Burgess or David Vaeliki. We shouldn’t be entertaining Thompson until he has recovered.

If Thompson is on $800,000 a year and we have offered more then that’s a million I’d say and for that million Aussie dollars you’d get 2 players, a top prop and a top 2nd rower. For me I’d get Christian Welch and Tariq Sims.

We are reportedly willing to offer more than the Dogs are for his next contract, not what he is currently on. That said there is no way he doesn’t get big money, regardless of injuries.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 9:24 am  

sergeant pepper wrote:

I'd rather part with the £250k ear marked for Dupree, but send it to Leeds for Oledzki. Looks like he's in a rut at the moment, but him, Havard, Ellis and Byrne would be a force to reckon with in a few years.

That’s someone I thought of yesterday, I think he would be ideal to compliment what we have too, more compact and agressive, like for like Singleton replacement really but a big jump in quality. I don’t think there is any chance Leeds would sell though.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 11:00 am  

I see Matt Lodge has been granted an immediate release, he would be someone I would be keen on but guessing him requesting an immediate release means he’s got something lined up (rumour the dogs) so that’s another one to knock of the potential list.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 11:06 am  

Just another quick thought on Thompson, IF he signs and IF he proves his fitness does anyone else think he'd be off back to the NRL like a shot at the first opportunity just like Bateman ?
Great player at Saints and no-one can doubt his talent when fit but I honestly don't think we could count on him being the long term pack leader we've been crying out for.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 11:22 am  

Was the only saints player who refused to take a pay cut because of Covid.

Went to the worst NRL team over the roosters as they offered $100k a year more.

The guy is clearly motivated by one thing only. He has warrington written all over him.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 11:43 am  

TheWarringtonWolve69 wrote:

Was the only saints player who refused to take a pay cut because of Covid.

Went to the worst NRL team over the roosters as they offered $100k a year more.

The guy is clearly motivated by one thing only. He has warrington written all over him.

The Oracle has spoken. Beware, the above poster comes with a public health warning.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 12:18 pm  

bazdev wrote:

Thompson will be a great signing, every player has injury concerns. We need a pack leader which is everything Thompson is. As for saying he might not try because he supported Saints? He is a professional rugby league player who will fully understand the stick he will get if he comes back and doesn't perform. Especially from Saints fans. He is better than Dupree and Oledzki put together. I hope the signing is true and we will revisit it in 12 months

1 - They don't

2 - Injuries and history of come in all shapes and sizes

I can only assume you aren't up to date with his injury record in the NRL.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 12:32 pm  

CobraCraig wrote:

I see Matt Lodge has been granted an immediate release, he would be someone I would be keen on but guessing him requesting an immediate release means he’s got something lined up (rumour the dogs) so that’s another one to knock of the potential list.

Lodge has a troubled past, would he get a visa? Looked good when he came back to RL but he would be risk not someone to pay big money for

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 20, 2023 3:15 pm  

CobraCraig wrote:

I see Matt Lodge has been granted an immediate release, he would be someone I would be keen on but guessing him requesting an immediate release means he’s got something lined up (rumour the dogs) so that’s another one to knock of the potential list.

No thanks, decent prop but a bad egg.