Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 10:18 am  

he's got huge potential. it would be criminal not to wait and see if that potential comes through

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 10:27 am  

SmokeyTA wrote:

id be surprised if most of them, especially the youngsters, arent signed up already. The club seem particularly poor at publicizing the players who are contracted.

Think we might see Walters move on, possibly Hallas. I dont know if McGuire will want to go around again, Burrow seems to be getting less and less game time. JJB is a machine and is still getting through a ton of work but next year he will turn 37, he has played at the top level for 19 years, nigh on 400 games.

Those three would free up a big chunk of SC so it will be interesting to see who comes in.

Just like the salary cap that was freed up after the retirement of Peacock and Leuluai, plus the departure of Sinfield. We waited for Gary to open his cheque book but it never happened. If we lose Burrow, McGuire and JJB at the end of this season I still don't think Gary will spend BIG. A creative half back is essential if we are to build for a future where we are challenging for trophies.

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 11:26 am  

Seth wrote:

Why are people mentioning letting cameron smith go?!

It isn't skill or ability its about application/dedication - the question is does he have necessary desire to capitalise on his undoubted talents?

He should have kicked on far more than he has - his brother was lauded as a really top junior where is he now?

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 11:38 am  

Sal Paradise wrote:

It isn't skill or ability its about application/dedication - the question is does he have necessary desire to capitalise on his undoubted talents?

He should have kicked on far more than he has - his brother was lauded as a really top junior where is he now?

His brother was never regarded in the same bracket as a junior. But that same brother is playing in Super League, having just played a key part in beating Leeds last week and getting the better of the Leeds props but for Garbutt. That is where he is.

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 11:43 am  

By way of clarification, I'm not in favour of letting Smith go but it might depend on what he feels his worth is. What I meant was that I doubt GH will be drawn into a bidding war over a very much unproven youngster.

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 11:55 am  

Gotcha wrote:

His brother was never regarded in the same bracket as a junior. But that same brother is playing in Super League, having just played a key part in beating Leeds last week and getting the better of the Leeds props but for Garbutt. That is where he is.

As soon as Huddersfield get a few injured players back he will struggle to get a start just as he did at Wakefield - that is where he is.

Everyone was talking about Cameron Smith as being a once in a decade junior ala Sinfield - having watched him in the U19s he looking anything but a once in a decade junior. He doesn't look like he has developed physically - he was a monster as a junior now he looks below average for size - what the hell happened last season?

Who would say is more likely to make it Oledzki or Smith? a year ago you wouldn't have even been having that discussion

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 12:10 pm  

Sal Paradise wrote:

As soon as Huddersfield get a few injured players back he will struggle to get a start just as he did at Wakefield - that is where he is.

Everyone was talking about Cameron Smith as being a once in a decade junior ala Sinfield - having watched him in the U19s he looking anything but a once in a decade junior. He doesn't look like he has developed physically - he was a monster as a junior now he looks below average for size - what the hell happened last season?

Who would say is more likely to make it Oledzki or Smith? a year ago you wouldn't have even been having that discussion

I am not sure where you get this view that he was a monster as a junior, he simply wasn't. He was physical yes, but he was of average bigger size of anyone else. His skills were his brain in reading the game, and his passing ability. A lot at junior level were calling on him to be developed as an half, not a forward because of this reason. Leeds were so keen on getting him to first team level, and not wrong IMO, they put him on a fast track weights and build up programme, and went the forward route instead. Immediately on signing his first professional contract, he was informed he would play a maximum amount of games last year while he was on the programme. He went over that by two, because of his England selection. I would like to know which under 19 games you formed your opinion? He wasn't in many because of the restrictions, and in the close season he got injured, and has only been back a month whilst still completing his preseason training.

He will be a top star in the game for many a year. If not here, likely in the NRL, but if other Super League club still a star. Let him recover and complete the programme the club set.

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 12:22 pm  

where is it confirmed that Smith's contract expires this year?

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 12:25 pm  

So on the basis of him not ripping it up yet in the 19s (in your assessment) despite injury and everything gotcha alludes to, and his brother, whos relatively young for a prop and playing SL, youd get rid of him? Riiiiight

Re: 2017 | Out of Contract Players : Mon May 01, 2017 12:50 pm  

Gotcha wrote:

I am not sure where you get this view that he was a monster as a junior, he simply wasn't. He was physical yes, but he was of average bigger size of anyone else. His skills were his brain in reading the game, and his passing ability. A lot at junior level were calling on him to be developed as an half, not a forward because of this reason. Leeds were so keen on getting him to first team level, and not wrong IMO, they put him on a fast track weights and build up programme, and went the forward route instead. Immediately on signing his first professional contract, he was informed he would play a maximum amount of games last year while he was on the programme. He went over that by two, because of his England selection. I would like to know which under 19 games you formed your opinion? He wasn't in many because of the restrictions, and in the close season he got injured, and has only been back a month whilst still completing his preseason training.

He will be a top star in the game for many a year. If not here, likely in the NRL, but if other Super League club still a star. Let him recover and complete the programme the club set.

Size wise he was significant larger than virtually every other kid he played against. When he made his debut at Bradford he looked not out of place physically - now when you see him he looks small when compared to even his peer group. Something has gone seriously wrong with his development.

Time will tell it would be criminal if a junior with his potential didn't realise it.

You look at young Walker and you can see he is class and will be a really top player - a bit like McGuire when he first emerged can you say the same about Smith? I hope you are right.