Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 10:40 am  

Wildcat26 wrote:

He`s a brilliant talent, I watched him play for Leeds reserves against Wigan a couple months back and he was hands down the best player on the pitch, not quite sure why he never got a chance in there first team.

Horrendous thing to do obviously no doubting that, but it was 11 years ago, he was a young lad, served his time and had his head down ever since, I agree don`t really think we need another winger but If WP thinks he`s worth a punt then I`d go with it.

I'm speculating here but I wonder if this is now an Ellis situation. One where TJ has turned us down and we have decided to let him go for a financial consideration before his contract is up. If South's and Catalan and whoever else are interested then I'm sure they wouldn't think twice about stumping up to avoid the rush.

This being the case another winger with some real firepower would be much needed with Kershaw out.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 10:43 am  

Spookisback wrote:

Only seen him playing… I knew nothing of his personal life

I had never heard of him TBH, so Googled him and it was the first thing I saw, unfortunately.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 11:02 am  

vastman wrote:

I'm speculating here but I wonder if this is now an Ellis situation. One where TJ has turned us down and we have decided to let him go for a financial consideration before his contract is up. If South's and Catalan and whoever else are interested then I'm sure they wouldn't think twice about stumping up to avoid the rush.

This being the case another winger with some real firepower would be much needed with Kershaw out.

This is ok if we are safe but we are not so it’s an additional gamble and would the short term gain of a transfer fee cover the losses from relegation.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 11:13 am  

Scarlet Pimpernell wrote:

This is ok if we are safe but we are not so it’s an additional gamble and would the short term gain of a transfer fee cover the losses from relegation.

As much as I think TJ is massively important to our team, if one player (a winger especially) is the difference between us staying up or going down then we are in big trouble.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 11:19 am  

Wildcat26 wrote:

As much as I think TJ is massively important to our team, if one player (a winger especially) is the difference between us staying up or going down then we are in big trouble.

I’m pretty sure without him we would currently be sat on a meagre 2 points. It may be a sad state of affairs but imo he is the difference.

If he is to go we need some considerable quality injection into key areas to compensate in the team for 2023. Even more so if Fifita is going.

If Miller is going I’d be looking at a quality 6 from somewhere and a couple of strong props and a loose.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 11:28 am  

Wildcat26 wrote:

As much as I think TJ is massively important to our team, if one player (a winger especially) is the difference between us staying up or going down then we are in big trouble.

The Salford game was a prime example of the difference even a lowly winger can have on a game.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 11:45 am  

Scarlet Pimpernell wrote:

The Salford game was a prime example of the difference even a lowly winger can have on a game.

Exactly, he won it for us single handed more or less. If you watch a large number of our try’s come following direct involvement from him or runs in previous tackle to get us on the front foot.


We don’t realise sometimes how lucky we have been to have him at trinity.

I really hope he stays. If he doesn’t he will still be my favourite player and I’ll still follow his progress.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 11:48 am  

Scarlet Pimpernell wrote:

This is ok if we are safe but we are not so it’s an additional gamble and would the short term gain of a transfer fee cover the losses from relegation.

I'm not saying it's ok, I'm saying that might be why we are looking for a player who short term can fill the gap. At the end of the day if he's off we have to do something and if he's off and it's early then ditto. Truth is that although I don't think Tom would deliberately hold back, knowing you're off will affect him, especially with his injury history. It's best for all in these situations if he leaves sooner rather than later, as in all work situations it doesn't pay to prolong a worker who no longer wants to work for you. Personally I've rarely made someone work their notice period as it's counterproductive, I usually just pay them what is owed and shake hands. It's incredibly sad but we all feared this would happen.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 11:56 am  

Scarlet Pimpernell wrote:

The Salford game was a prime example of the difference even a lowly winger can have on a game.

I wouldn't argue with that.

FWIW I honestly think I can pinpoint the moment TJ decided he was off. The pathetic play the ball to nobody in the Cas game. TJ was right in front of me and he turned to Hall and shook his head and raised his arms, he was so angry and whatever he said to Hall was not complimentary to some of his teammates. I think at that point the lad grew up and knew this couldn't go on. There is loyalty then there is blind loyalty and the blinkers came off at that moment.

I honestly don't think it's money as I suspect we are up there on the wages, especially with a testimonial not that far off. It's about his legacy, very different players but it's exactly what Toppo had to do in the end. The only way I can see him stopping is if WP and MC can convince him that next year we will recruit a far higher standard of players, let's hope.

Re: Reserves : Fri May 13, 2022 1:27 pm  

Scarlet Pimpernell wrote:

The surname of the player I am thinking of begins with a C.

Mark Colbeck?