Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Tue Jul 24, 2012 8:01 pm  

Pemps wrote:

And 2 of them are retiring

How many players have said they are retiring and then found a new gig in the NRL?

Ray Cashmere did it just last season.

Patten especially is playing some very good rugby at the moment and a potential 2 year deal from Wigan would make him at least think twice.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Tue Jul 24, 2012 9:18 pm  

Pemps wrote:

And 2 of them are retiring

Plus Webb is $hit

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:04 pm  

[Gareth] wrote:

Plus Webb is $hit

and a pure turd by nature.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:28 pm  

With regards to Carmont's replacement I'm a big advocate of Iain Thornley. A tremendous athlete, with neat feet, a good pair of hands and a strong build who will cause defences problems. I think he will see out this season until Pat returns and then get a shot next season with the number 4 shirt. Doubts were raised at the beginning of the season with McIlorum at 9, Goulding at 3 and Leuluai at 7 - they've arguably been three of our best players! Utter revelations!

Anthony Gelling is the other option but my issue with Gelling is that if he is struggling with his positional sense on the wing then he's really going to struggle in the centres - possibly the most difficult position to defend in. He's had some experience in the first team and Wigan are pushing him in the centres at Academy level but by all reports I haven't heard him having any stand out matches there. Thornley has now taken his place in the first team and his natural position is at centre.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:11 am  

Thornley at centre is fine by me if we decide not to bring anybody in. In truth I can't see it as who's available? Keith Lulia may be and he's looked pretty good this year but other then him I can't think of any really.

I'd like to see us sign 2 more halfbacks tbh. I don't think were going to be able to get the quality of replacement for Finch that we'd ideally like (somebody as good basically) so I'd sign a couple in the hope that having 3 halfbacks would really push them along as they'd be competing for their places. It's handy that Matty Smith can also play 9 in that respect.

2 halfbacks and a prop would be my targets.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Jul 25, 2012 9:04 am  

A prop will depend heavilly on how fielden is rated. He hasnt played for 2 years and to be hoinest i cant see him getting near our firts team this year.

Sam Moa from hull is rumoured

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Jul 25, 2012 10:35 am  

Tricky Dicky wrote:

A prop will depend heavilly on how fielden is rated. He hasnt played for 2 years and to be hoinest i cant see him getting near our firts team this year.

Sam Moa from hull is rumoured

I prop is essential regardless of Fielden, we have based out ethos under Wane of a big nasty pack of forwards, while Fielden is a grafter we need a more concussive aggressive Prop. We are losing quality and depth across the Park we cannot lose in in the frontrow as well.

I get the feeling Moa is in the bag, and is the type of player we need.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Jul 25, 2012 11:25 am  

Travis Burns has been banned for 17 weeks in the NRL and Penrith are getting rid of him, I know Widnes have been looking to sign him but would the bans transfer across to super league? If not I would consider him I believe he's a good halves and hooker utility player who has plenty of nrl experience. His aggression does need to be tamed but with so little options in replacing Finch next season he could be worth a 1/2 year contract, that's if the ban's did not transfer to our league. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/penrith-panthers-utility-travis-burns-forced-to-look-for-a-new-club-in-2013/story-e6frfgbo-1226434212467

Travis Burns has been banned for 17 weeks in the NRL and Penrith are getting rid of him, I know Widnes have been looking to sign him but would the bans transfer across to super league? If not I would consider him I believe he's a good halves and hooker utility player who has plenty of nrl experience. His aggression does need to be tamed but with so little options in replacing Finch next season he could be worth a 1/2 year contract, that's if the ban's did not transfer to our league. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/penrith-panthers-utility-travis-burns-forced-to-look-for-a-new-club-in-2013/story-e6frfgbo-1226434212467

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Jul 25, 2012 4:55 pm  

sam moa is going back to aus by all reports, if he was staying in the uk, he said it would be only to play at fc still

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Jul 25, 2012 7:17 pm  

Our contracted props for 2013 are Preccy, Mossop, Flower, Eric, duson, crosby and spencer.

Thats 7 props in the 1st team squad. Do we actually need to sign anyone?