Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Sun Sep 30, 2012 12:30 pm  

Cherry.Pie wrote:

Don't think we'll be signing any more players. The rest of the cap will go on contract improvements for the out of contract players and a few who might deserve bigger contracts.

I agree that we've lost a massive amount of experience though; in fact we've lost far too much experience. Lots of people criticised Wire's 'dads army' but their experience and also the experienced players in the Leeds side are the reason they are in the Grand Final.

Props in particular need some experience and our props will have very little. Only Lauaki will be near his 30's an he's no leader who can let his experience lift the team. Prescott will have been going a few years but he's been in and out of the side through injuries so isn't that experienced himself despite him being 27 at the start of next season.

To have Mossop (24), Taylor (22) and Dudson (22) as front line props next year is worrying. Experience is massive.

It is, but there is only one way to acquire it. I would have liked an old head in the mould of Pongia but it is not going to happen. Our team needs to grow together over the next few years and develop as a unit. We have some fine players both in the first team and coming up through the ranks who will become top class players. The experience that we refer to didn't after all deliver us a GF or CC final! I am expecting Wigan to be there or there abouts next year, after all there is no stand out team in the competition.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Sun Sep 30, 2012 1:02 pm  

Don't we have an NRL prop coming in?

The centre spot worries me next year, I just don't think Thornley/Gelling/Hughes are ready to replace someone like Carmont, it would be a huge step down - only one of those has played a game at centre in Super League!!

Its all about squad depth, if you look at each position and where each player can cover, its easy to see where we are weak:

Fullbacks:
Sam. Cover: Richards, Murphy, possibly Russell.

Wingers:
Charnley & Richards. Cover: Gelling, Thornley, Goulding

Centres:
Goulding. Cover: Gelling, Thornley, Hughes

Halfbacks:
Green, Smith. Cover: Powell, O'Loughlin, Sam

Props:
Mossop, Prescott, Dudson, Lauaki, Crosby, Spencer, Flower & Hopefully Taylor + Mystery NRL Prop

Hooker:
McIlorum, Logan. Cover: Smith, O'Loughlin

Second Row:
Hansen, Hock, Farrell, Hughes, Tuson, Gelling, Lloyd

Loose Forward:
O'Loughlin. Cover: Farrell, Tuson

Desperately need two props - Hopefully as I said above Taylor and NRL Prop, a new centre, and possibly if we have any cap left over, a hooker.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Sun Sep 30, 2012 4:34 pm  

Justin poore

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Sun Sep 30, 2012 7:28 pm  

Ninja saint wrote:

Justin poore

Thought he had popped his knee?

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:15 am  

I hear James Graham is chomping at the bit to get back to SL, maybe worth a punt

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:00 am  

[Gareth] wrote:

I hear James Graham is chomping at the bit to get back to SL, maybe worth a punt

Let's see how many bites that gets...

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:06 am  

Craig Gower would have been a good signing for 2 seasons. Really improved a struggling side like Broncos. Oozes class, can understand rugby on a top class level with many years of experience. Would also offer ideal development for the younger players.

I am worried about the lack of experience, but it's about recruiting the right player and in the right position to add something to the team.

I think 'age' should be reviewed on an individual bases, just because a player is past 30 doesn't mean he's past it.
For example, Willie Manu at 32 is still by far one of the best forwards in the league, doesn't look like slowing down, still looks good for another 2-3 years. So what if that means he's playing at 35, if he's good enough why does it matter.

There's a saying for younger players; 'if you're good enough, you're old enough' maybe this sentiment should also be adjusted for players who are past 30.

[Pemps]

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Mon Oct 01, 2012 9:27 am  

Last Son of Wigan wrote:

Craig Gower would have been a good signing for 2 seasons. Really improved a struggling side like Broncos. Oozes class, can understand rugby on a top class level with many years of experience. Would also offer ideal development for the younger players.

I am worried about the lack of experience, but it's about recruiting the right player and in the right position to add something to the team.

I think 'age' should be reviewed on an individual bases, just because a player is past 30 doesn't mean he's past it.
For example, Willie Manu at 32 is still by far one of the best forwards in the league, doesn't look like slowing down, still looks good for another 2-3 years. So what if that means he's playing at 35, if he's good enough why does it matter.

There's a saying for younger players; 'if you're good enough, you're old enough' maybe this sentiment should also be adjusted for players who are past 30.

Another 2 examples of this are Carmont, who hasn't had to endure the rigours of 15+ years at the top flight, and Beaver Menzies who's been at the top of his game for 20 years. Craig Gower has been there and done that at every level and could have been worth a shout. Maybe we did look at him? I'm pretty happy with Green for a couple of seasons though.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:05 am  

FIOS wrote:

Don't we have an NRL prop coming in?

No

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:07 am  

Pemps wrote:

Another 2 examples of this are Carmont, who hasn't had to endure the rigours of 15+ years at the top flight, and Beaver Menzies who's been at the top of his game for 20 years. Craig Gower has been there and done that at every level and could have been worth a shout. Maybe we did look at him? I'm pretty happy with Green for a couple of seasons though.

I think it's only fair to give Green time, wouldn't like to right him off before he even puts the shirt on.

For me, from a spectators point of view, Carmont looks as if he could do another season in SL. I even think Morley still pulls his weight when spelled as a top prop. Petro in Aus is now retiring but was still selected for the Oz national team and QLD around the 35/36 mark. The list goes on.

More experience and leadership is a must IMO. Leeds and Wire have have many leaders with experience post 30, they have undoubtedly contributed to their success this season, both teams making it to both finals.