Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 12:24 pm  

YosemiteSam wrote:

If prioritisng a FB is correct then, Myler as starting 7 for 2024 aside (surely this can't be the case), then Austin must be staying. Unless it's Johnson to 6? With Myler at 7?

if that is Corey Johnson you are referring to then good lord can you imagine how terrible that would be...

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 12:26 pm  

christopher wrote:

Me too but I'm not sure what we can do.

The total lack of halfbacks especially in the NRL will become a bit of a nightmare for a few SL clubs IMO.

Leigh if Lam goes back to the NRL
Hull with Clifford going back
Huddersfield with Faces moving on to Cats
Saints if Dodd goes to the NRL
Salford if Croft goes to the NRL


However the upside might be that some British players get a chance that they might not have had, although there's a lack of decent young halfbacks here too.

Really hope Sinfield makes the grade.


Realistically who could we bring in?

I think that's why releasing Austin when we are releasing Sezer would be a nightmare to replace.

To be fair, I wouldn't be too bothered about Myler at 7 if we had a top class full back and Levi at hooker. Myler's problems in the past have been when he has had Handley at full back or was trying to lead a significantly weakened side around the pitch.

If you stuck Myler at 7 with say Levi at hooker, Austin at 6 and Lawrie at 1 (never seen if he is any good but he is rumoured) then I think he would go ok alongside a strong pack and good outside backs.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 12:28 pm  

christopher wrote:

Me too but I'm not sure what we can do.

The total lack of halfbacks especially in the NRL will become a bit of a nightmare for a few SL clubs IMO.

Leigh if Lam goes back to the NRL
Hull with Clifford going back
Huddersfield with Faces moving on to Cats
Saints if Dodd goes to the NRL
Salford if Croft goes to the NRL


However the upside might be that some British players get a chance that they might not have had, although there's a lack of decent young halfbacks here too.

Really hope Sinfield makes the grade.


Realistically who could we bring in?

Quite startling to read that and pretty much answers the question as to whether Austin should be offered a 2 year extension... for me if you bring in a big name half or one that is up and coming from the NRL the rarely last more than 2 seasons over here with how the game is here. It just doesn't have the long term pull.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 12:52 pm  

Trebor1 wrote:

:shock: if that is Corey Johnson you are referring to then good lord can you imagine how terrible that would be...

Corey, yes, and agreed. Makes the dilly dallying with Austin incomprehensible to me.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:03 pm  

YosemiteSam wrote:

Corey, yes, and agreed. Makes the dilly dallying with Austin incomprehensible to me.

If the plan is (and I really hope it isn't) is to move Myler back to seven and pair him with Austin, I'd say we're getting rid of the wrong half. Sezer may not be the most eye catching player but he's far more efficient and organised. Austin and Myler really struggle to control a game. Levi and the fullback (maybe Lawrie) would have to be MOS standard to get us anywhere near silverware next year. One thing that all this clearly demonstrates is the need to focus on the development of our own young halves. A specialist coach is a must.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:13 pm  

Ugh Myler to 7 fills me with dread but I guess he and Sinfield would be duking it out.

McCormack has been showing up well at 6 in the academy. Not sure if Kai Morgan will make first grade or not.

Surely there must be a good NRL reserve grade half back out there?

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:17 pm  

ArthurClues wrote:

If the plan is (and I really hope it isn't) is to move Myler back to seven and pair him with Austin, I'd say we're getting rid of the wrong half. Sezer may not be the most eye catching player but he's far more efficient and organised. Austin and Myler really struggle to control a game. Levi and the fullback (maybe Lawrie) would have to be MOS standard to get us anywhere near silverware next year. One thing that all this clearly demonstrates is the need to focus on the development of our own young halves. A specialist coach is a must.

I'm working on the basis that Sezer is leaving (we're told) and Austin wants to stay (again, we're told). Myler still isn’t the answer at 7 for me, though I'm really not sure what the answer is. I couldn't agree more on your final point.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:34 pm  

thing is AC, sezer misses to many games. the last 2/3 seasons has been poor appearance wise

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:40 pm  

I am beginning to think they have decided to let Austin go.Unless Gary has a major signing lined up there is something wrong with the relationship with Austin.It does not make sense to tie up MacDonald for 4 years in a position not as important as 6 and have this ongoing situation with Austin.

Re: Transfer Talk / Rumour thread V4 : Thu Jul 13, 2023 1:42 pm  

tad rhino wrote:

thing is AC, sezer misses to many games. the last 2/3 seasons has been poor appearance wise

And is likely to go back to the NRL and be first choice, that says everything about the lack of players in that position