1984saints wrote:
Royce did but gaskell was Royce first choice six. So seemed a stupid move to sign him
I agree although at the time he was signed we had only just realised we would be without Pryce and Eastmond in 2012 so I think there was an element of panic.
However, as I have stated many times on here, when the statement was made about Hohaia it was McManus who was looking to bring over a halfback and not Simmons. Simmons just provided McManus with the names of players who might do a job there while acknowledging that (and I quote) 'there isn't much out there at present' (as indeed Wigan found last season when they tried looking to import a halfback).
Simmons didn't choose Hohaia; McManus did. Simmons recommended some names at McManus's request. That's what the interview said in the local rag back at the time the signing was made.
It was clear from 2011 (when sometimes Simmons opted for Lomaskell ahead of both Eastmond and Pryce) and from early 2012 (when Simmons opted for Gaskell at six over Hohaia, even when Hohaia wasn't covering for an injured Wello) that Simmons wanted Gaskell and Lomax in the halves. Maybe that was one reason why he got the boot? Maybe not, either.
However, regardless of all that, we now have Brown in charge and I just hope he has the balls to go with what he thinks is best and/or the freedom from managerial interference to go with what he thinks best, and I hope that such a decision involves giving Gaskell the season he should have had last year.