[Wigan6/Leeds1 Andy]

: Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:20 pm  

DaveO wrote:

I simply find it unlikely we started talking to two players who might sign before Sunday no sooner was the ink dry on the print of him saying it was unlikely we'd get another signing before the start of the season. That would require negotiations to be concluded, contracts drawn up and registration completed in less than a week.

Dave

Lenagan's original quoted comments in no way suggest that we couldn't have been talking to players. It's just that at the time it was "unlikely" they'd be signed "before the start of the season". Like I said, hardly a u-turn.

: Wed Feb 04, 2009 2:07 pm  

Anyway when Sonny Bill Williams signs at 23:59 on Saturday we'll all be happy.

: Wed Feb 04, 2009 2:15 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Anyway when Sonny Bill Williams signs at 23:59 on Saturday we'll all be happy.

I can think of one or two who'd find a problem with it. Ah well, such is life when you follow Wigan.

: Wed Feb 04, 2009 2:22 pm  

Cruncher wrote:

I can think of one or two who'd find a problem with it. Ah well, such is life when you follow Wigan.

I wonder if Taumata's availability is the reason for this massive "u-turn" from IL from unlikely to might.

Despite what Noble continues to say about how he is happy with the half back partnership, it is clear we have been looking for a specialist 6, no inside line on this just thinking out loud, if we could break the mould and tame him a half back partnership for the next decade of Taumata and Tomkins would be a mouth watering prospect.

I have not seen much of this kid but he clearly has the talent, i have noticed him being mentioned by a few pundits from the NRL as the player to watch in 09, and anyone being earmarked by the press at least to shift Inglis to centre to accomodate them can be no slouch.

: Wed Feb 04, 2009 2:24 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Anyway when Sonny Bill Williams signs at 23:59 on Saturday we'll all be happy.

Only if he gets clearence and is fit to play the following day otherwise thanks but no thanks!

: Wed Feb 04, 2009 5:51 pm  

Hogan Knows Best wrote:

Be very interesting to see what happens over the next few days. I also think it will be a Prop.

Any ideas as to who?

: Wed Feb 04, 2009 5:53 pm  

jonh wrote:

I wonder if Taumata's availability is the reason for this massive "u-turn" from IL from unlikely to might.

Despite what Noble continues to say about how he is happy with the half back partnership, it is clear we have been looking for a specialist 6, no inside line on this just thinking out loud, if we could break the mould and tame him a half back partnership for the next decade of Taumata and Tomkins would be a mouth watering prospect.

I have not seen much of this kid but he clearly has the talent, i have noticed him being mentioned by a few pundits from the NRL as the player to watch in 09, and anyone being earmarked by the press at least to shift Inglis to centre to accomodate them can be no slouch.

Yeah, worth a go, him and Hock would be battling after first session though!

: Wed Feb 04, 2009 6:13 pm  

jonh wrote:

I wonder if Taumata's availability is the reason for this massive "u-turn" from IL from unlikely to might.

Despite what Noble continues to say about how he is happy with the half back partnership, it is clear we have been looking for a specialist 6, no inside line on this just thinking out loud, if we could break the mould and tame him a half back partnership for the next decade of Taumata and Tomkins would be a mouth watering prospect.

I have not seen much of this kid but he clearly has the talent, i have noticed him being mentioned by a few pundits from the NRL as the player to watch in 09, and anyone being earmarked by the press at least to shift Inglis to centre to accomodate them can be no slouch.

While there's no doubt he's got talent, there are horror stories connected with his attitude. Mind you, there were horror stories connected with Tim Smith, and thus far (at least) he doesn't seem to be a problem.

: Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:05 pm  

Tricky Dicky wrote:

Looks like the kind of lunatic that will end up in super league.


Arana Taumata


Just sacked by Melbourne Storm for fighting (his 4th sacking in 3 years)
Previously with Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, Canterbury Bulldogs.

He's a tallented player with lightning pace, has a great step, good kickin game and is deceptively strong. His support play has had him compared with Terry Lamb (the best support player I've ever seen).

At 19 years old he obviously has some growing up and maturing to do!
Some of the best coaches in the RL world (Bennett, Ballamy, Folks, Stuart) have rated his talent but have been unable to calm him down off the field.

At just 19 years old he has time on his side and with the right coach he could become a superstar.

Before passing coment I suggest you Google his name or check out a video site to see him play.

Arana Taumata

Date of Birth
15/04/1989
Position
Stand Off/Halfback
Height
182 cm
Weight
88 kg
Debut
2008
Pedigree
Discovered by Brisbane rugby league scouts at an early age in New Zealand, Taumata made the move across the Tasman in his teens, becoming a high school prodigy along the way. Had short stints at Brisbane, Sydney Roosters and Canterbury, with the Bulldogs handing him an NRL debut in 2008. Taumata, who grew up idolizing New Zealand rugby union star Christian Cullen, played for Junior Kiwis in 2007 and NZ Maori last year.

Preview '08
Simply put: Taumata is an athlete. He possesses tremendous physical attributes for such a young age. A classy five-eighth, Taumata is expected to put pressure on Craig Bellamy to give him a shot at No.6, in a move that could see Greg Inglis return to the centres.

Just looked this guy up on you tube. Looks like he has plenty pace. Might not be a bad un? (on field that is)

: Thu Feb 05, 2009 4:10 pm  

Taumata reminds me of a young Henry Paul, with pace, from what i have seen, very simillar style.