Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:20 am  

That Mon wrote:

He may have been very good or may go on to be but I doubt we would have seen anything more than an odd cameo going into this season and then only at the cost of Jnr development. I can't see how he would have forced his way past Faz, ISA, KPP at second row or Smithies Ellis at LF if all was fit? You could even say it may have stopped Walters signing and/or maybe one of the props being signed as Eliss would have filled the role, he's also more in the mould of a average size forward rather than that natural big frame we have definitely been lacking at times. All if and maybe but I think I would take Walters signing Jnr development and new contract over a player who made the choice he did.

It’s all if’s buts and maybes.

One thing is for sure we need to be prioritising a secondrow signing ahead of next season and I’d suggest we would look to use one of the quota spots we will open up on one.

Peet clearly wants a big pack and I don’t see where we get a secondrow that fits the bill from in SL.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:52 am  

jonh wrote:

It’s all if’s buts and maybes.

One thing is for sure we need to be prioritising a secondrow signing ahead of next season and I’d suggest we would look to use one of the quota spots we will open up on one.

Peet clearly wants a big pack and I don’t see where we get a secondrow that fits the bill from in SL.

We need someone to replace Isa, but we don't need a big name. By the end of the season, Walter's will have replaced Isa. Nesmba is top junior talent who'll then take up that regular bench spot. That works from a size POV, a development POV and more than likely a cap POV too.

If there's no one in the reserves who can step up, then I think we'll get another project signing like Chan. I just can't see an experienced head coming in and dislodging two of the best talents in SL.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:04 am  

Looking at the squad, I think a second row signing is the only thing we need for 2025 unless there are surprise exits and I don’t see who that could be at the minute (which is why it would be a surprise I guess..ha). The plan you’d imagine would be for Isa to retire and then at least one prop to move on (Cooper may well retire on his terms or Mago may go) and a second rower to come in, with guys like Hill and Sam Eseh moving up the prop pecking order.

It’s a lovely position to be in for things to seem so settled and straight forward. They’ve got plenty of time to look around the market here and down under for a second rower.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:49 am  

Phuzzy wrote:

In terms of what he can do but not in terms of him being a squad player. He wanted first team rugby and he wasn't guaranteed that at Wigan.

But the debate is about not having enough cover for the second row, the other points are valid but not in the context of what we are discussing.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 12:12 pm  

I was speaking to Kyle Amor last year when he was playing at Widnes and just after Eckersley has played a couple of games there. The conversation came round to what was Eckerleys best position as I wasn't sure if he was a fullback, winger or centre.
Kyle said that he thought Eckersley would make a superb attacking second row due to his physical size, speed and athleticism.

Food for thought?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 12:14 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

I was speaking to Kyle Amor last year when he was playing at Widnes and just after Eckersley has played a couple of games there. The conversation came round to what was Eckerleys best position as I wasn't sure if he was a fullback, winger or centre.
Kyle said that he thought Eckersley would make a superb attacking second row due to his physical size, speed and athleticism.

Food for thought?

Not for me. Looks a clear centre.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 12:29 pm  

Zig wrote:

But the debate is about not having enough cover for the second row, the other points are valid but not in the context of what we are discussing.

I think they are in context Zig. The discussion is what Wigan need. You could equally say any number of players could fulfil the role but it's a moot point if they aren't right for Wigan. He wasn't right for Wigan as he wanted guaranteed first team rugby and that wasn't something we could offer.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 12:32 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

I was speaking to Kyle Amor last year when he was playing at Widnes and just after Eckersley has played a couple of games there. The conversation came round to what was Eckerleys best position as I wasn't sure if he was a fullback, winger or centre.
Kyle said that he thought Eckersley would make a superb attacking second row due to his physical size, speed and athleticism.

Food for thought?

I did consider that Rogues but I have an aversion to sticking every big, athletic lad in the 2nd row. It's something we've done as a nation for far too long. We need big, athletic backs too so any capable of playing in the backs should do so. Eckersley is more than capable.

Have you had any further thoughts on Beardsworth?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:32 pm  

God, we (British RL) are obsessed with turning strong backs into boring back rowers, hope we don't do it again.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 11, 2024 7:31 pm  

Wigg'n wrote:

God, we (British RL) are obsessed with turning strong backs into boring back rowers, hope we don't do it again.

Quite a unique environment yesterday when I went to Siddal to watch Trinity in the cup.

What was evident was how big and athletic Thornley is not only compared to his opposition but also what it this year a very big Trinity team.

We didn’t do it with him and I highly doubt we would do it with Eckersley either especially since we now rely heavily on our centres (which I think he is all day) doing the hard yards early in sets.