Re: Luke Walsh : Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:51 pm  

One thing that we need to bear in mind when talking about this, of course, is that the story was first spotted in Nosey Parker's column in League Express.

How reliable is that source ...?

Re: Luke Walsh : Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:53 pm  

If you search Luke Walsh highlights on YouTube you'll see a brilliant bit of skill by him.

Re: Luke Walsh : Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:58 pm  

SaintsFan wrote:

One thing that we need to bear in mind when talking about this, of course, is that the story was first spotted in Nosey Parker's column in League Express.

How reliable is that source ...?

Oh very reliable, I'm still expecting the signing of Petero Civoniceva to be announced very soon.

Re: Luke Walsh : Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:27 pm  

Some cheeky person has updated Wikipedia to say he has signed a four year contract with us.

No doubt some people will read this as gospel. Hope it gets edited out shortly.

As for signing him. He is the level of player we would be able to sign eg journeyman NRL pro.

Not saying he is the right man for Saints, however on paper he fits the bill, as an experienced half with a good kicking game and a decent organiser. You dont play over 100 first grade games as a halfback in the NRL by being a bum.

The last thing we want is a young inexperienced nrl halfback as we have players of similar ability in our academy waiting for the opportunity.

Something to be aware of is that Scott Dureau, Blake Green and Michael Dobson all had far shorter NRL careers. Walsh has played more NRL games than all these three combined. Now thats no guarantee of success, but he at least should be able to offer a SL side something.

Re: Luke Walsh : Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:00 pm  

Gerry Mander wrote:

What was the first reaction when you read the name.

Yes please or I just hope he's not another Hohaia?

He is not another Hohaia because Walsh is a halfback, not a hooker, not a full back but your bog standard NRL half back. This may not seem like a good thing but Dobson and Dureau were not even that and are now the best two number 7's in the league.

I would hope more that he was not a Seymour or Sherwin or Tim Smith who were also better in the NRL but failed in Super League. In the end, the style of play is different in the NRL, so you cannot be sure he will be a success but he is a pretty good bet.

Re: Luke Walsh : Mon Apr 29, 2013 10:04 pm  

The Chair Maker wrote:

You dont play over 100 first grade games as a halfback in the NRL by being a bum.

True but it is not the absolute barometer of success in the uk.
Some very big names have come and have stunk very badly.

Also there is no comparison between a young fringe NRL SHs to raw academy players over here.
Physically they are better equipped. Say .Jacob Miller to Danny Yates. Two years plus progression difference.

Its a gamble whichever road you take.

Re: Luke Walsh : Mon Apr 29, 2013 11:49 pm  

He was awful at times last year, looking like the proverbial headless chicken, but does have the odd good game. When he's on form and confident he really moves the team around well. When he's not he looks completely lost.

Re: Luke Walsh : Tue Apr 30, 2013 12:37 am  

Watched a fair bit of Walsh and in all honesty, he is a good journeyman, nothing outstanding, but has a good kicking game. He plays on the right (Penrith split their half backs) so for me, doesn't have his hands on the ball as much as if like for a 7. In terms of dictating play, he would do a job and is clearly better than what we have, but I've got a nagging feeling that he's failed to live up to his potential at a club where he has been for 6 years. They've made a big money signing in Soward to replace him. With the NRL flush with money, it speaks volumes that a 7 isn't in demand. I just hope if we sign him, its 2 year contract maximum.

Re: Luke Walsh : Tue Apr 30, 2013 9:35 am  

The Chief wrote:

Watched a fair bit of Walsh and in all honesty, he is a good journeyman, nothing outstanding, but has a good kicking game. He plays on the right (Penrith split their half backs) so for me, doesn't have his hands on the ball as much as if like for a 7. In terms of dictating play, he would do a job and is clearly better than what we have, but I've got a nagging feeling that he's failed to live up to his potential at a club where he has been for 6 years. They've made a big money signing in Soward to replace him. With the NRL flush with money, it speaks volumes that a 7 isn't in demand. I just hope if we sign him, its 2 year contract maximum.

It sounds like a disaster of a signing. Would he offer anything that Brierley at Leigh or the likes of Moore couldn't? Would he be better than Dobson, who must be available given Hull KRs financial plight or Rangi Chase who is in a similar position at Cas?

Re: Luke Walsh : Tue Apr 30, 2013 9:37 am  

ATEOTD, if only pig's ears are available, you cannot expect a raft of silk purses.