Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sat Aug 27, 2022 11:20 pm  

Interesting views on props and in particular the number we need. I think the issue for us as a club isn’t the number it is the quality of the props and also their ability to play most weeks. I don’t see Smith signing another prop because Holroyd has a poor injury record or Tetevano and prior have a lot of suspensions. If he signs somebody it is because he either thinks they really improve us, or he sees a chance to develop somebody and likes something he can see in them.
You also have the problem that if Tetevano can improve his discipline and Holroyd can get a decent run of games together we are going to have players missing out. I accept it is an almost impossible balancing act to perform. However, I just can’t see us adding another prop unless it is somebody who is going to come in and immediately improve us and fit in with the way Smith likes to play. To me he isn’t as traditional as a number on here in the thinking that you need 4 props in your 17 and a couple of back ups in your squad, you must have size and make good yardage from your big men etc.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 3:09 am  

I don't think we will know his views on props until we see who else signs and the way we play next season. Right now he's managing the squad he has, which is light on high quality big props thanks to his predecessor.

If we were to sign another prop just to make up the numbers I'd rather a kid with potential in Ruan than someone who hasn't really done a whole lot but is at the peak of their powers like Mulhern.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 7:55 am  

I agree.
I'd rather go for potential than a journey man to make up the numbers.
But we are definitely short on props.
Ruan could come in for the odd game when we have the inevitable injuries and suspensions.
I'd much prefer that than Donaldson going in there.
The problem we have, is that we are getting rolled down the middle every game.
Yeh, we're winning because we're finding a way to win.
We have good attacking threat and structures that is creating plenty of tries.
But we are getting rolled down the middle.
I just don't see how that strategy is sustainable to win a GF.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 9:33 am  

Looking at the recruitment of sangare and interest in Ruan, Smith definitely values having big bodies in the side to make metres. Right from the first few games it looked intentional to conserve energy in defence with limited line speed and focusing on connectedness being the priority. There's still much to do on that front I think and especially around the tight defenders around marker as I'm not sure how sustainable it is allowing the opposition to gain the meters but more importantly momentum in that area.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 9:34 am  

Simmo71 wrote:

I agree.
I'd rather go for potential than a journey man to make up the numbers.
But we are definitely short on props.
Ruan could come in for the odd game when we have the inevitable injuries and suspensions.
I'd much prefer that than Donaldson going in there.
The problem we have, is that we are getting rolled down the middle every game.
Yeh, we're winning because we're finding a way to win.
We have good attacking threat and structures that is creating plenty of tries.
But we are getting rolled down the middle.
I just don't see how that strategy is sustainable to win a GF.

Despite the current excellent run I don't think winning the GF is realistic goal this season. In terms of next year he's already moved to bring in one new prop and a fit Holroyd would feel like another. I think he's moved on Sutcliffe for a reason, and that reason is most likely Nene McDonald. I'm sure he'd like to bring in another overseas prop but you can't play six props every week. His big opportunity will be at the end of 2023, when the likes of Prior and Tetevano are off contract. Until then I think he'll be looking for extra yards on the back of Fusitua, Newman and maybe McDonald. More than one way to skin a cat, as they say.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:05 am  

ArthurClues wrote:

Despite the current excellent run I don't think winning the GF is realistic goal this season. In terms of next year he's already moved to bring in one new prop and a fit Holroyd would feel like another. I think he's moved on Sutcliffe for a reason, and that reason is most likely Nene McDonald. I'm sure he'd like to bring in another overseas prop but you can't play six props every week. His big opportunity will be at the end of 2023, when the likes of Prior and Tetevano are off contract. Until then I think he'll be looking for extra yards on the back of Fusitua, Newman and maybe McDonald. More than one way to skin a cat, as they say.

Can’t play six props a game…

Warrington “hold my beer”

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:37 am  

Barrie’s Glass Eye wrote:

Can’t play six props a game…

Warrington “hold my beer”

Six props is probably a big light for Wire.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 11:55 am  

My only concern amongst our signings and rumoured signings is that none of them are starters.

We need to improve the starting 13 as well as add depth.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 10:06 pm  

batleyrhino wrote:

My only concern amongst our signings and rumoured signings is that none of them are starters.

We need to improve the starting 13 as well as add depth.

I agree but I'm fairly confident Smith will sign a starting centre.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Sun Aug 28, 2022 10:09 pm  

fanstanningley wrote:

I agree but I'm fairly confident Smith will sign a starting centre.

In which case we will have improved (presumably) 1/13th of the starting side. That’s not going to have us bothering the top teams over the course of a season. Improving your coaching is a massive step in the right direction. Improving your squad depth in another step in the right direction. Not improving the starting 13 is a step backwards.