Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:29 am  

Dux wrote:

Incidentally, Laffranchi is interviewed on the latest Saints podcast. He reckons we play really expansive football and can score from anywhere, but need to learn to be a little more patient.

Perhaps we should only offer him a contract if he promises to lay off the acid.

We do pass the ball wide , sadly just trying to ship the ball as fast as possible (apart from Lance who passes slower than a North West counties prop) doesnt work at amateur level never mind Superleague

I think we should wait a little before throwing money at Laffranchi, see how his form and fitness is this year.

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:18 pm  

roader wrote:

I don't see how you can class Laffranchi as a second rate player.

The "second class" was in inverted commas for a reason, meaning that is what used to be commonly said at the start of the SL era.

However, there is an element of truth in this now.
You cannot compare Laffranchi and Perry and especially Flanders with some of the great Aussie players we have had in the last decade. I believe the standard of Aus players prepared to come over to the UK has gone down and will continue to do so as the NRL SC increases.

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Wed Dec 19, 2012 10:25 pm  

He's no prop. He made absolutely no impact last season and if he's going to be playing prop going forward, it's another lazy recruitment decision.

As a backrower he might do better, he wouldn't be bullied as much as he is at prop.

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Wed Dec 19, 2012 11:56 pm  

Saddened! wrote:

He's no prop. He made absolutely no impact last season and if he's going to be playing prop going forward, it's another lazy recruitment decision.

As a backrower he might do better, he wouldn't be bullied as much as he is at prop.

Why?
If he can't hack it at prop he isn't going to get any tougher by changing his number.

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Thu Dec 20, 2012 12:39 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Why?
If he can't hack it at prop he isn't going to get any tougher by changing his number.

I think the point saddened is making is the fact Laffranchi can be dominated by big physical packs, if he was in the backrow, he'd be running wide.

Laffranchi had played his career in the backrow and IMO he's not a out and out prop but a solid hard working prop.

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Thu Dec 20, 2012 2:57 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Why?
If he can't hack it at prop he isn't going to get any tougher by changing his number.

Doh! He'd be running at centres, halves and backrowers for the main part and wouldn't be taking the 'hard yard' balls that go to the props by default.

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Thu Dec 20, 2012 11:00 pm  

Gerry Mander wrote:

Could have had Mason and Sidlow for his money plus freeing a quota spot.

In those terms not good value.

That said they have gone , there are a lots of other exits at the end of 2013 and the reserves
keep tuning out Mike Bennett clones with a lack of physique.

Under these circumstances then a 1 year extension looks pragmatic

I could have had a ford and a Peugeot for the price of my Mercedes so what's your point?

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Fri Dec 21, 2012 3:19 pm  

St pete wrote:

Laffranchi had played his career in the backrow and IMO he's not a out and out prop but a solid hard working prop.

And correct me if Im wrong but didnt Laffranchi get selected for Australia as a backrower???

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Fri Dec 21, 2012 7:58 pm  

foz_13 wrote:

And correct me if Im wrong but didnt Laffranchi get selected for Australia as a backrower???

He sure did

Re: Laffranchi new Contract : Fri Dec 28, 2012 8:00 am  

we need that lazy git of a player Perry playing rugby, with 2 big props playing well laffranchi in the team works

NB started playing smaller pack at hudd even playing Gilly at prop, but we still need that impact from LMS and perry. with TP, manu and sia filling up the pack it could work with good size and speed.

this falls down with a poor 6/7 and 'not the fastest' 3/4 line to convert the speed of the pack, i can see much of the 2013 season falling at the feet of roby....again

give laffranchi an extra year, he played well last year, i believe he does add to the team and with him not being on our overseas quota, what do we have to lose with 'no props on the market'