Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:40 pm  

Grego wrote:

Is Carmont not classed as a 'project' signing?

I wouldn't say so. He was relatively unheard of, but he wasn't like Tim Smith, Karl Pryce etc that needed a lot of work to his game. He had been very successful in the NRL. I think the Newcastle fans made a petition to urge the club to keep hold of him IIRC.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:43 pm  

tugglesf78 wrote:

...Andy Coley was one in my opinion. That turned out ok.

He improved under the coaching staff at Wigan, but he had been consistent for Salford. He wasn't a quota player and doesn't need half the amount of work Lauaki does.

Regardless someone at the club must see something in Lauaki. I'm not sure how shrewd a move it is signing a 27 year old quota player that needs to be retrained, but who knows what will happen. If he gets himself fit, adjusts his attitude/temperament, finds motivation and works himself into a very structured defence/attack we might have a good player on our hands. Let's hope so!

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:57 pm  

personally, I would break the bank for Todd Carney if we could overcome the Visa issue. The man is a magician and I would class his attacking play as being up there with the likes of Trent Barratt. Mr Lennigan, work your magic!!

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:06 pm  

Interesting to note IL's been in Australia recently: Ian Lenagan is urging Wigan supporters to turn out in force for Sunday's Playoff game against Catalans Dragons at the DW Stadium. Having just returned from Australia, the Wigan Warriors Chairman has just witnessed two scintillating NRL Playoff games. http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=6474&type=news Wonder what he's been up to?

Interesting to note IL's been in Australia recently: Ian Lenagan is urging Wigan supporters to turn out in force for Sunday's Playoff game against Catalans Dragons at the DW Stadium. Having just returned from Australia, the Wigan Warriors Chairman has just witnessed two scintillating NRL Playoff games. http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=6474&type=news Wonder what he's been up to?

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:19 pm  

pk wrote:

we've still got the best all round second row in the league playing as a centre - and only a decent, not great one at that...

Agree fully.

Joel must go back to second row next year. He has done a decent job filling in but with Hoffman going he's needed back in that pack.

As for who plays centre it'd be a new signing or Charnley for me. If the quality of centre required isn't available Charnley should get first crack with Goulding, Roberts and Ryan King fighting for his wing spot as things stand.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:28 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Agree fully.

Joel must go back to second row next year. He has done a decent job filling in but with Hoffman going he's needed back in that pack.

As for who plays centre it'd be a new signing or Charnley for me. If the quality of centre required isn't available Charnley should get first crack with Goulding, Roberts and Ryan King fighting for his wing spot as things stand.

I really like the idea of Charnley at centre. Yet it's an option that very rarely mentioned on here. Personally I think he'd excel there. He's pace to burn with immense strength and superb feet, what more could one ask from a centre. Plus it means Joel back to the pack and an opportunity for King on the wing. I like it!

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:58 pm  

Maybe the Gareth Thomas signing was to get the RFL on board so we could use them to help with Carneys visa, after all IL is a shrewd business man and you don't to be that loaded without the odd deal here and there

[Pemps]

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 3:08 pm  

Baked Bean Boogie wrote:

Maybe the Gareth Thomas signing was to get the RFL on board so we could use them to help with Carneys visa, after all IL is a shrewd business man and you don't to be that loaded without the odd deal here and there

I don't think a visa application has anything to do with the RFL otherwise Bird wouldn't have been allowed to play for Catalan.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 3:47 pm  

LovesToSpooge wrote:

I really like the idea of Charnley at centre. Yet it's an option that very rarely mentioned on here. Personally I think he'd excel there. He's pace to burn with immense strength and superb feet, what more could one ask from a centre. Plus it means Joel back to the pack and an opportunity for King on the wing. I like it!

Think Charnley is fine where he is, not sure he has the hands or the game smarts for a centre. The attributes you mention are very much the core skills of a good wingman, a centre needs a little more refinement in his game, and to be honest without taking anything away from Charnley who I rate highly, not sure if he has that in him.

I have no doubt he could do a job as a centre but feel for the foreseeable future he is a better asset on the wing.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Sep 23, 2011 4:04 pm  

jonh wrote:

Think Charnley is fine where he is, not sure he has the hands or the game smarts for a centre. The attributes you mention are very much the core skills of a good wingman, a centre needs a little more refinement in his game, and to be honest without taking anything away from Charnley who I rate highly, not sure if he has that in him.

I have no doubt he could do a job as a centre but feel for the foreseeable future he is a better asset on the wing.

His handling ability is one of the reasons I'd give him a shot tbh. I think he shown some nice touches this year in a position you rarely get to use the skill. Funnily enough 2 good examples I can think of set up try's for Hoffman. One a cracking inside ball in Cardiff and the other a great run and pass away at huddersfield.

Game sense will come with time although I agree he needs work in that area.