Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:44 pm  

Father Ted wrote:

It seems that it is a done deal from all the rumours around.
SW must see that he can do a good job for us or else he wouldn't have signed him.
He's big and this is what we'll need next year. His signing tells me that Joel is to remain at centre and we need his size in the pack.
Hoffman will have gone and been replaced by Gaz Hock. Joel missing from the pack so he's brought in another 6'5" man. He's big enough to knock holes into opposition defences and tire them out whilst doing it.
Hansen is a fair size but Farrell and Tuson whilst very good do not have the size advantage of Hock and Lauaki or that Joel has.
Dudson is another big man that is rumoured to be joining us.
A good off season from Lauaki and we'll see what he's like and if he can deliver the performances required of him.

From what I've seen Lauaki has plenty of aggression, strong going forward and can find an offload. I thought the bloke was destined for great things when I saw him tear apart St.helens on his debut. He looked very motivated, but I can imagine after years of playing under Agar that motivation will have dropped.

However Lauaki is not fit enough and not motivated enough in defence. He isn't mobile enough on his own line and makes some very poor reads. Mark Bitcom can get the bloke fit and playing in a disciplined defensive system may bring out the best in him. It will be interesting to see how it works.

My only qualms is just the contrast in signing we've made. Ryan Hoffman a ready made, top international quality second row forward one year. And then a 27-year old who needs work on. When we sign players who are 27 I expect them to be matured and able to slot into the side like Hoffman. Someone like Gil Dudson is someone who can be worked with and I can accept that, but a 27 year old that needs a lot of work? Just a massive contrast from our last signings.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:15 pm  

cadoo wrote:

From what I've seen Lauaki has plenty of aggression, strong going forward and can find an offload. I thought the bloke was destined for great things when I saw him tear apart St.helens on his debut. He looked very motivated, but I can imagine after years of playing under Agar that motivation will have dropped.

However Lauaki is not fit enough and not motivated enough in defence. He isn't mobile enough on his own line and makes some very poor reads. Mark Bitcom can get the bloke fit and playing in a disciplined defensive system may bring out the best in him. It will be interesting to see how it works.

My only qualms is just the contrast in signing we've made. Ryan Hoffman a ready made, top international quality second row forward one year. And then a 27-year old who needs work on. When we sign players who are 27 I expect them to be matured and able to slot into the side like Hoffman. Someone like Gil Dudson is someone who can be worked with and I can accept that, but a 27 year old that needs a lot of work? Just a massive contrast from our last signings.

I think as a club theres nothing wrong with signing the odd 'project' in terms of a player that has ability that you think you can bring out by working with them. A player that you think you can get fitter and get motivated to improve and play better for you then they did their last club. Some of those guys will be young up and coming players and some will be guys like Lauaki who have ability but for whatever reason haven't been showing it.

The problem I see is that if we do indeed sign Lauaki, Dudson and Flower we're over loading ourselves with this type of player. I can accept 1 or maybe 2 at a push but not 3 especially when we've got established top line performers like Coley and Hoffman leaving.

As it stands though it's all rumour and i'd probably be suprised to see all 3 come in.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Sep 22, 2011 7:28 am  

Lauaki is a secondrow forward not a prop. Yes he is a risk but look at the market there is bugger all out there. If he is not good enough he will not play, lets be honest it is not like we are lacking in the backrow department.

He has bags of potential and will not cost the earth. The market this year has been/is really poor for available players physically Lauaki is up there with the best in the pack, its mentally he needs to improve and discipline, something I would hope we would see fairly sharpish.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Sep 22, 2011 7:42 am  

Hull have now signed Andy Lynch. They are recruiting well for next year. I can't wait to find out what we ar doing!

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:04 am  

Bigredwarrior wrote:

Hull have now signed Andy Lynch. They are recruiting well for next year. I can't wait to find out what we ar doing!

I think the Hull board need to get their fans back on board after another year of under achievement, they are putting a marker down for next season.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:11 am  

Raynor sacked by the Bulls some of their fans talking of an interest in Goulding to replace him.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:47 am  

jonh wrote:

Lauaki is a secondrow forward not a prop. Yes he is a risk but look at the market there is bugger all out there.

True, its not as though Wigan's biggest two rivals for the league have each gone out and recruited Aussie international second rows for next season.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:06 am  

Paul Youane wrote:

True, its not as though Wigan's biggest two rivals for the league have each gone out and recruited Aussie international second rows for next season.

Not the expense of a local lad I presume

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Sep 22, 2011 9:07 am  

stpatricks wrote:

Raynor sacked by the Bulls some of their fans talking of an interest in Goulding to replace him.

Yes please.

Not going to be good enough to establish himself at Wigan.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Sep 22, 2011 10:10 am  

Would of loved Lynch here for a couple of seasons. Whatever IL and SW are upto they need get signing some players soon ish imo.