Mugwump wrote:
If you're saying the only signings we make should be in the mould of Jamie Lyon then I'm afraid you're likely to be disappointed. Let's be honest - Lyon was a lucky break. The circumstances surrounding his availability were highly unusual and it's doubtful we'll see such again. In any case, the exchange rate is against us and even if it drops the top NRL stars are now substantially better off due to the new TV deal. If the cream of the NRL are going anywhere it's likely to be French RU, which is awash with cash and isn't restricted by a salary cap.
No, I'm afraid we're going to have to aim our sights a touch lower at the second or perhaps third tier of Southern Hemisphere talent. Or take a chance on a past-prime NRL star and hope he's got one or two seasons left in him.
I'm not saying we should accept any old journeyman. But there remains plenty of good value among the lesser lights. I suppose in an ideal world we would pin all our faith in the academy, but even with the improvements Saints have made it has proved not to be as reliable as we'd hope. We are still failing dismally at bringing through prop forwards, which, given their rarity in the transfer market, is putting enormous strain on our purse strings.
As for your assessment of Soliola - it's silly to expect a southern hemisphere player to be at peak performance with so few games under his belt. As mentioned earlier, Talau when he initially arrived looked completely out of sorts and continued to be so for the best part of a year. Sia has suffered a lot more injuries than Talau which has taken the wind out of his sails. Let's give him a chance and a decent run in the side before he condemn him as useless.
I don't think we can expect to fill 1- 13 with the Saints academy. I think as a successful team you need balance.
A mixture of youth experience, grown from within and bought, overseas and uk based.
We do have 2 props from our own academy in the team. I know clough started 2nd row, but he is more and more a prop.
I think 2 props, 2 hookers, 3/4 half backs, 1 full back, 1 winger who can play 1st grade. Is pretty decent IMO.
There are also a series of players who can play 2nd row behind these. Saints are not far off being able to field a full Saints 13. I doubt they ever will and I doubt it would be our best team. But it's not a million miles away.
Lets not forget Emmit was quite a decent prospect too, but you can't keep em all.
Wellens
Foster Wheeler Makinson Kyle
Lomax Gaskell
Graham Roby CLough
Dixon Megenis
Moore
Given injuries or an 'easy' cup tie. That team could easily turn out for Saints.
Granted it's unlikely but apart from Makinson and Megenis I would have no problem with any of the above taking a starting position at Saints. Lets face it with Meli out, 8 or 9 of them could start next week against hull kr.
