Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Tue Oct 22, 2019 9:39 am  

I still think there well come be more incomings and goings before the season starts. Wouldn't be too surprised to see the likes of Escare and Sammut to be shown the door. This possibly could open up more cap space for new additions.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Wed Oct 30, 2019 1:51 pm  

We need a proper clear out and get some quality in.

1 - Hardaker
2 - Marshall
3 - Bibby
4 - Gildart
5 - Burgess
6 - French
7 - Hastings
8 - Burgess
9 - Leulaui
10 - Flower
11 - Farrell
12 - McMeekin
13 - O’Loughlin / Smithies

14 - Clarke
15 - Bullock
16 - Isa
17 - Smith / Powell

I’d want Escare, Navarette, Greenwood gone and sign a proper right sided second rower, a big lad with an offload and McMeekin would be perfect along with a proper hooker. My first choice would be Jayden Bradley from Cronulla, second choice Lussick from Salford.

I’m struggling to see why we signed French, I don’t know where he fits in to the side other than at standoff.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Thu Oct 31, 2019 10:44 am  

post wrote:

We need a proper clear out and get some quality in.

1 - Hardaker
2 - Marshall
3 - Bibby
4 - Gildart
5 - Burgess
6 - French
7 - Hastings
8 - Burgess
9 - Leulaui
10 - Flower
11 - Farrell
12 - McMeekin
13 - O’Loughlin / Smithies

14 - Clarke
15 - Bullock
16 - Isa
17 - Smith / Powell

I’d want Escare, Navarette, Greenwood gone and sign a proper right sided second rower, a big lad with an offload and McMeekin would be perfect along with a proper hooker. My first choice would be Jayden Bradley from Cronulla, second choice Lussick from Salford.

I’m struggling to see why we signed French, I don’t know where he fits in to the side other than at standoff.

I think French could be a 6 playing off Hastings. Or as a FB depending on what we decide to do with Hardaker etc. I'd want him on the ball more than he would be as a winger.
I agree with trying to offload Escare and Navarette, I'd add Sammut, Clubb and Flower to that list. But I honestly would give Greenwood more time; only last season his performance pretty much saw he as the form SR in SL.

Funny how things pan out; last season we seemed to have an abundance of wingers with 4 on the cap (Burgess, Manfredi, Davies and Marshall) back then Burgess an Manfredi looked the best all-rounders, with Davies 3rd with Marshall looking dangerous in attack but having issues in D, but with injures and developments we've seen Davies and Manfredi on long term injuries and Burgess struggle with form...it's a funny old game with twists and turns that are most unexpected.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Fri Nov 01, 2019 12:21 am  

I too would give Greenwood more time. His form against Saints in the Super 8s was fantastic and I’d say it’s about rebuilding his confidence and certainly nothing to do with ability.
I’d get shut of Sammut Navarette and Escare and I’d love us to bring in a top quality hooker. Powell as we all know is a grafter and his form improved out of sight last season but I do still see him as a weak link in our attack.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Fri Nov 01, 2019 6:31 am  

Bigredwarrior wrote:

I too would give Greenwood more time. His form against Saints in the Super 8s was fantastic and I’d say it’s about rebuilding his confidence and certainly nothing to do with ability.
I’d get shut of Sammut Navarette and Escare and I’d love us to bring in a top quality hooker. Powell as we all know is a grafter and his form improved out of sight last season but I do still see him as a weak link in our attack.

Totally agree. What 9 would you realistically like to bring in? I'd love a creative 9 with a scoot who can get us playing off the front foot.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Fri Nov 01, 2019 6:06 pm  

Last Son of Wigan wrote:

Totally agree. What 9 would you realistically like to bring in? I'd love a creative 9 with a scoot who can get us playing off the front foot.

Jayden Bradley but he’s signed for Newcastle Knights, Brad Dwyer would be a good back up/impact hooker.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Fri Nov 01, 2019 6:45 pm  

Kruise Leeming would be my choice but I’m confident we’re well stocked with hooking options if we show some patience. Sam Powell is a good player but the two youngsters in the 19’s could challenge him over the next few years. I like the pair of them and both look capable of breaking through to superleague level.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Fri Nov 01, 2019 8:16 pm  

I would certainly have Leeming over Dwyer any day.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Fri Nov 01, 2019 9:12 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Kruise Leeming would be my choice but I’m confident we’re well stocked with hooking options if we show some patience. Sam Powell is a good player but the two youngsters in the 19’s could challenge him over the next few years. I like the pair of them and both look capable of breaking through to superleague level.

That’s my line of thinking. I don’t think Powell is a world beating hooker and his performances and decisions are called into question sometimes but he’s a decent hooker and more importantly; an experienced one. I’d much prefer to start promoting the 19’s hookers and give them SL experience and gradually phase out Powell that way. It’s not a quick option, probably the lengthiest but ultimately will stand them in better stead.

The only thing that may change my viewpoint on that would be if we signed a seasoned, successful hooker in the mould of Cameron Smith or a James Roby.

Re: First team v Reserves, Strength in Depth : Fri Nov 01, 2019 10:31 pm  

Last Son of Wigan wrote:

Totally agree. What 9 would you realistically like to bring in? I'd love a creative 9 with a scoot who can get us playing off the front foot.

In SL I’d look at Leeming first or Lussick. Both defend well and both have more threat with the ball than Powell.