Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:12 pm  

We shouldn’t sign a player just because he can kick goals. I’d rather have the best rugby playing side we can and kick a few less goals. I’d get a kicking coach in (if we don’t have one already) and hold trials between the guys who are dead certs to make the side and play 60+ mins every game. I make that – S.Tomkins, Burgess, Gelling, Gildart, Williams, Leuluai, McIlorum, Bateman and Farrell. The best three practice with the coach, who then picks the kicker.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:17 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Aye, Mantellato has probably been relegated to a level fitting his talent now.

He's about as fast and agile as Barry Ward and his famed goal kicking is actually not all that.

He was nearly 28 by the time he had played a first team game.

At least Ken Sio has 60 NRL games under his belt, a lot of Super League games, and is still only 25.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:24 pm  

There is a Ken Sio montage on YouTube showing his tries (NRL /SL). Vast majority were from ten yards out (ala Tommy Makinson). Didn't see one full lengther. Not sure on this one!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 2:13 pm  

I do think we need to sign someone who can kick goals though now. It does seem like it could be a problem. The only person/people in our first team squad who I know can kick at least a little bit are the younger lads like Shorrocks, Higginson and Gregson, none of whom are likely to be first choice to play every game.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 2:21 pm  

JWarriors wrote:

I do think we need to sign someone who can kick goals though now. It does seem like it could be a problem. The only person/people in our first team squad who I know can kick at least a little bit are the younger lads like Shorrocks, Higginson and Gregson, none of whom are likely to be first choice to play every game.

But if I was one of those younger players I would be practicing kicking like crazy as another talent to get into the 1st team with!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 2:27 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

I saw that last night and have asked a friend in Aus if he can kick goals, he would bea very good signing if we could pull it off.

He has played full back, wing and centre. He has a decent strike rate but I don't think he has ever kicked goals.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 2:39 pm  

I think shorrocks will get the job tbh he's already kicked a few this season and is decent by all accounts, I know the people who have sponsored him this season and they've watched him closely for a few years and are always raving about his goal kicking. I think he'll definitely get plenty of games as well providing he doesn't get injured.

Of the first team regulars though we'all probably see Sam and George having a crack at it.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 2:52 pm  

Sweaty Betty's wrote:

He has played full back, wing and centre. He has a decent strike rate but I don't think he has ever kicked goals.

Never known of him kicking. He'd be a real good option to cover Sam at FB or Manfredi on the wing and once both back fit he would add good competition at centre.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 3:17 pm  

With Matty Smith leaving, surely now we have free cap space to bring in another player?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 3:23 pm  

PurpleCheeseWarrior wrote:

I think shorrocks will get the job tbh he's already kicked a few this season and is decent by all accounts, I know the people who have sponsored him this season and they've watched him closely for a few years and are always raving about his goal kicking. I think he'll definitely get plenty of games as well providing he doesn't get injured.

Of the first team regulars though we'all probably see Sam and George having a crack at it.

Good as Shorrocks is, I don't see him getting too many games, unless there are injuries again. With MM back as hooker, he'll be behind Williams, Powell and Tommy, I'd say.