IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 2:29 pm  

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/why-wi ... 1-10212347 I think that British RL overall has suffered from its lack of RU converts in recent years, but that is only because at one time we were able to target their biggest stars. That is manifestly not the case now. Even with the marquee slots, the likes of Owen Farrell would want ridiculous money for what they would bring to the game. A massive deal maybe would boost attendances a little (God knows, something has got to!), but for how long, and again, when it comes to the nitty gritty, would any of the current Saracens squad really be worth what he'd ask, especially given how long it would likely take him to acclimatise to the sport and the high risk that he might never do. We should remember that for every Jonathan Davies there was also a John Gallagher ('the world's best player,', who turned out not even to be good enough for A-team rugby league).

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/why-wi ... 1-10212347 I think that British RL overall has suffered from its lack of RU converts in recent years, but that is only because at one time we were able to target their biggest stars. That is manifestly not the case now. Even with the marquee slots, the likes of Owen Farrell would want ridiculous money for what they would bring to the game. A massive deal maybe would boost attendances a little (God knows, something has got to!), but for how long, and again, when it comes to the nitty gritty, would any of the current Saracens squad really be worth what he'd ask, especially given how long it would likely take him to acclimatise to the sport and the high risk that he might never do. We should remember that for every Jonathan Davies there was also a John Gallagher ('the world's best player,', who turned out not even to be good enough for A-team rugby league).

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 2:34 pm  

Maro Itoji would make a good battering ram of a second rower.

Elliot Daly a good centre, very fast.

Many Vunipola is the next big thing too apparently.

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 2:38 pm  

post wrote:

Maro Itoji would make a good battering ram of a second rower.

Elliot Daly a good centre, very fast.

Many Vunipola is the next big thing too apparently.

But their 'promise' would need to be weighed against their cost, and if they are all seen as RU stars or stars of the future, I'd expect that cost to be prohibitive.

If you're looking at truly ridiculous money it would never be worth it. For ridiculous money, you could probably get a high quality NRL guy.

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 2:52 pm  

I don't think we need anyone from Saracens, we have a decent looking squad (we could get stronger year on year if allowed to build on it rather than lads stream off to the NRL).

Like Lenagan says, timing wise it's probably not worth it this season, would rather dive into the Championship for a hidden gem if needs must.

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 2:56 pm  

post wrote:

Maro Itoji would make a good battering ram of a second rower.

Elliot Daly a good centre, very fast.

Many Vunipola is the next big thing too apparently.

Agreed but if I was them I’d stay put in RU, even if my first sport was RL. Where is the incentive to come back to league? Not as much money, media exposure, international crowds, international games or opportunities. It’s a no brainer to stay in RU or for those who aren’t exactly lighting fires in SL to switch to RU if the opportunity arises. Chris Ashton springs to mind there.

It’s down to the RFL, IRL and NRL to turn it around. But this is broken record chat.

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 6:13 pm  

I think whoever would want to leave Saracens for RL would only do so as a way of having an extended pre season training camp. Eg Owen Farrell, if he wanted to come, take a drop in money, continue to play for England RU as he’d have the blessing of Eddie Jones who I believe is a fan of RL, would come across and go back to union fitter and better defensively and also with a lifelong dream fulfilled.

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 6:36 pm  

post wrote:

I think whoever would want to leave Saracens for RL would only do so as a way of having an extended pre season training camp. Eg Owen Farrell, if he wanted to come, take a drop in money, continue to play for England RU as he’d have the blessing of Eddie Jones who I believe is a fan of RL, would come across and go back to union fitter and better defensively and also with a lifelong dream fulfilled.

Other than goal kicking I don’t see what else Owen Farrell would bring to the team!

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:20 pm  

hatty wrote:

Other than goal kicking I don’t see what else Owen Farrell would bring to the team!

I think he’s make a good 13, the extra pivot, good all round kicking game and solid defensively with massive bucket loads of leadership too.

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 8:24 pm  

It’s always looked a bit like a case of Owen Farrell not being quick enough to play as a RL stand off and not big enough to play as a RL loose forward. There’s certainly not enough there to make you want to throw multi hundred thousand pound deals at him, even if we could afford it. His fathers move to Union is the best thing that ever happened to him IMO.

Re: IL 'unlikely' to look at Saracens : Tue Jan 21, 2020 8:29 pm  

With crowds dropping would a Sarries player reverse that? Would they improve the squad? Probably not.
There's then no reason for IL to pay for a player out of his own pocket.