Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 7:59 am  

SecondRowSaint wrote:

I thought Hill was superb with George Burgess at the beginning of the game, then when Tom Burgess came on and made 2 errors we seemed to lose it a bit. However it's unfair blaming the shift in the game on him.

I agree. I thought the same thing at the time. Hill and George burgess was going well but when we brought Tom burgess and Lee Mossop on the swing of the game went the Aussies way. I'm not sure if that was to do with them not being good enough or the fact the Aussies blew some cobwebs away in the first 20.

It's a shame Jammer and Gaz Hock wasn't out there, I really think those two could have made a huge difference.

I'm not so sure Tom Burgess is ready at this level against the Aussies and the kiwis just yet. He's grew more into the game as it went on but I think it's a year to early against the Aussies and kiwis.

I also don't think Lee Mossop is good enough at this level. He looked totally out of his depth in this game and Imo he's going to struggle big time in the NRL. I'll be vey surpised if parramatta play him. I think he will play most of his rugby in the reserve grade before coming back to Wigan after one season.

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 12:45 pm  

Saint Simon wrote:

thats the difference between a world class player and a good superleague player

See your point.

Also agree that Mossop was poor, I'd rather have seen him starting the game than off the bench. He's a steady prop with a great engine and tackles like a second rower, but adds no impact off the bench.

Graham will rightly replace him next week.

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 1:55 pm  

Wigg'n wrote:

See your point.

Also agree that Mossop was poor, I'd rather have seen him starting the game than off the bench. He's a steady prop with a great engine and tackles like a second rower, but adds no impact off the bench.

Graham will rightly replace him next week.

I agree with you on Mossop. He's a good solid super league player but ion he lacks something at the top level and I think he will struggle in the NRL.

I can see him being back in a Wigan shirt in the very near future.

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 2:07 pm  

Chris Hill was outstanding, particularly in his first stint.

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 3:41 pm  

Virgin Media viewers http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_136 ... media.html

Virgin Media viewers http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_136 ... media.html

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 8:18 pm  

Looks like you guys have signed yourself a bit of a monster in Mose Masoe

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:36 pm  

Nothus wrote:

Looks like you guys have signed yourself a bit of a monster in Mose Masoe

He did alright tonight didn't he?

He could do with losing few lbs and needs to work on his fitness but he's big, tough, aggressive and pretty mobile. Looks a good signing.

I really enjoyed the kiwi v Samoa match. The atmosphere in the 2nd half was brilliant and really fired Samoa up. All I all it was a good night.

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:36 pm  

How did he play tonight? Not got Premier Sports

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:44 pm  

St. Rughead wrote:

How did he play tonight? Not got Premier Sports

I went the game. He played well. Didn't do many mins but he's certainly a big tough hard running/hitting prop.

If we can get him in better shape and shave few lbs off him he will be a excellent signing.

Re: rugby league world cup : Sun Oct 27, 2013 9:53 pm  

Masoe in some respects reminded me a bit of Vila Matautia in the sense that he is an assassin.
He destroys opposition packs by not only running at them like a train, but also completely killing them in the tackle.
He put on two or three tackles tonight that absolutely smashed the kiwi players, and had the crowd oohing and uttering four letter words of appreciation at the sheer brutality.

On the negative side however is that he isn't the fittest of blokes and can only play for short spells. Like all big blokes he is vulnerable against small fast nippy players. Saints will need to work him hard in the offseason to prevent him ballooning.

One thing that did surprise me was his passing ability. He can spin out a good 20 yard pass, which means he can be used close to the line as a foil, rather than just a plain battering ram. I can see Saints using this to good effect, similar to how we used to use James Graham in that role.

It was taking on occasion 5 Kiwi players to put him down. This is the Kiwi pack which is absolutely massive. I dread to think what Masoe will do to most SL packs.

Im also wondering if we will look to slim him down a bit. If so he could be a bit like Paul Anderson was for us. He was a big bloke who went to Saints, shed a stone or two and became a far better player than the one at Bradford.

I think Masoe will be the type of player that will really get the crowd going. Home fans will get a lift from his big runs and hits, while opposition fans will probably be calling for his head when he cleans one of their forwards out.
One thing is certain our pack will not be bullied while he is on the field.