Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 3:24 pm  

Signed new deals, Hand until 2014 and Walker until 2015.

Re: Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 3:29 pm  

Particularly happy with Walker's new deal. Looks a fine prospect.

Just hope he isn't too injury prone...picked up two injuries in two spells in the first team. Although injuries is a systemic problem at the club!

Re: Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 3:31 pm  

Walker and Hand sounds better.

Not seen much of Hand, Walker looked average squad player level in his spell in the team. But depth is good and gives both the chance to establish themselves next season.

Re: Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 4:13 pm  

I thought Walker was outstanding defensively. Really got stuck in and had some aggression about him. Was particularly pleased with his communication in the tackle, really wrapped the man and controlled the pace they where put down, giving our line those extra seconds to get back.

Attacking he was no great shakes, but he was topping our defensive stats, so for a newbie that's pretty impressive going. Just a pity he got injured as he was getting into his stride. Really hope he can take it forward next year and become a regular 4th or 5th prop. If he can put some attack in his game, that will improve his value to us.

Hand not seen a lot of, but you need a % of the squad to be homegrown so no harm in a 1 year deal, allows him time to get his foot in the door, allows Saints to replace if a better youngster crops up next year.

Re: Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 4:14 pm  

I like Walker. He's played well this year. He's physically good for a young lad and holds his own at super league level.

Not seen enough of Hand at super league level to comment.

Re: Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 6:38 pm  

Apparently Hand is due to go out on loan to Whitehaven for the rest of the season, with the proviso we can recall him if we have too many injuries to cope. The Whitehaven coach was happy at this news as they have been impressed by him.

Re: Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 6:50 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

Walker and Hand sounds better.

Not seen much of Hand, Walker looked average squad player level in his spell in the team. But depth is good and gives both the chance to establish themselves next season.

Unfortunately, I agree with your assessment of Walker.

Re: Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 6:54 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

Apparently Hand is due to go out on loan to Whitehaven for the rest of the season, with the proviso we can recall him if we have too many injuries to cope. The Whitehaven coach was happy at this news as they have been impressed by him.

The games he has had so far with Whitehaven he has been getting special attention from the opposition, but he has responded the right way by shirking it off and going into the opposition harder.
Players and coach are impressed with his attitude on and off the pitch.
The revised loan deal should put him into a nice development phase ready for the next season.

Re: Hand and Walker : Mon May 13, 2013 8:00 pm  

all good news

Re: Hand and Walker : Tue May 14, 2013 6:33 am  

Saddened! wrote:

Not seen much of Hand, Walker looked average squad player level in his spell in the team. But depth is good and gives both the chance to establish themselves next season.

His tackle count was outrageous, given his status as a newcomer. There's always room for a guy like that in a salary capped squad.

The longer term loan for Hand is, I think, a good move. I've heard some good reports of his permormances for Whitehaven so it'll be good for him to continue.
I wonder what his week consists of while he's on loan - how much time would he spend back here wil the full timers doing conditioning etc.