Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:02 pm  

FearTheVee wrote:

No pressure on the lad then

You know what I mean - when a young Joynty signed from Oldham, we also signed Tommy Martyn & IIRC, Jarrod McCracken at the same time.

Nobody really looked twice and Joynty at first, but we all know what he went on to become.

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:04 pm  

The Chief wrote:

:) You know what I mean - when a young Joynty signed from Oldham, we also signed Tommy Martyn & IIRC, Jarrod McCracken at the same time.

Nobody really looked twice and Joynty at first, but we all know what he went on to become.

I know exactly what you mean.

A young, British 80 minute back row with bags of potential is a decent squad signing in my book. He won't be on megabucks but will be given every opportunity at a big club.

Sturdier and more aggressive that Ashurst/Dixon from what I've seen of him (which admittedly is very limited).

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:21 pm  

Already gave my views on him in the rumors thread a couple of day's ago. viewtopic.php?p=16276948#p16276948 The only disadvantage to him, that doesn't looked to have changed since his switch to the NRL. Is the fact that he's only lightweight, he's certainly no blockbusting backrower. One things for certain though, he's far better than Ashurst and Dixon. Which is a plus. Still he ain't no Liam Farrel.

Already gave my views on him in the rumors thread a couple of day's ago. viewtopic.php?p=16276948#p16276948 The only disadvantage to him, that doesn't looked to have changed since his switch to the NRL. Is the fact that he's only lightweight, he's certainly no blockbusting backrower. One things for certain though, he's far better than Ashurst and Dixon. Which is a plus. Still he ain't no Liam Farrel.

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 1:55 pm  

Much depends on Laffranchi at prop, and how well that works. If it's a success then we've got a pretty mean pack together. I've certainly got no qualms about TP or Clough in the front row. It looks like Royce is angling for a more mobile pack, which might be a good thing the way the game is being played at the moment.

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:02 pm  

Dux wrote:

Much depends on Laffranchi at prop, and how well that works. If it's a success then we've got a pretty mean pack together. I've certainly got no qualms about TP or Clough in the front row. It looks like Royce is angling for a more mobile pack, which might be a good thing the way the game is being played at the moment.

If everyone's fit, I feel Laffranchi will be somewhat a quasi-prop from 13.

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:43 pm  

As i said on C&W, I think hes going to be a very good signing for you. Hes still only a prospect, but he'll certainly tighten your defence up and close the gaps. He works hard and runs some good lines in attack but dont expect a blockbusting backrower, hes more of a 70 tackles a game, Dallas Johnson type. Still, jealous hes gone to Saints rather than come back to us. Hope he goes well.

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:47 pm  

Kernel wrote:

As i said on C&W, I think hes going to be a very good signing for you. Hes still only a prospect, but he'll certainly tighten your defence up and close the gaps. He works hard and runs some good lines in attack but dont expect a blockbusting backrower, hes more of a 70 tackles a game, Dallas Johnson type. Still, jealous hes gone to Saints rather than come back to us. Hope he goes well.

Think he's in the squad for Wests this weekend against the Roosters, will give him a look.

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 2:54 pm  

I like him, he put in a tremendous defensive stint at KR a couple of years back and he started off pretty well at Wests too. He showed more in the back end of 2009 than either Ashurst or Dixon have shown before or since and I'd be surprised if we didn't release at least one of them now.

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 4:18 pm  

A few on the Wigan board are playing down his signing, personally I feel he will be an excellent addition to the pack. One slight concern is with him packing down in the same team as Wilkin you have very lightweight players in the same area, but Flannigan is a workaholic and a very intelligent player, runs cracking angles and great support.

Think he will go on to be held in higher regard than Wilkin for the defence and work he brings, he is also obviously the natural successor to his role in the team which gives excellent long term continuation.

Personally would not be shocked to see him get rep honours next year, in what is already a very competitive area for England.

Re: Flanagan Confirmed : Tue Jul 19, 2011 4:56 pm  

He looked pretty good in that final season before he moved down under, certainly better than Ashurst and Dixon who have stalled a bit this year.