I notice the club hasn't allowed comments on the article. Can I just put it on record here, it's absolute sentimental folly and as a rugby decision it's one of the most retarded I've seen in years and that's saying something given McManus' horrendous record with recruitment and squad building over recent years.
Saints website wrote:
THREE of St.Helens' top players have signed new contracts with the Club.
Have they. Who? Do tell.
Saints website wrote:
"It's great to go into the Play Offs with three key signings for next year settled," Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus said. "Paul Wellens is playing as well as ever and is the ultimate ambassador for the Club.
I don't doubt he is. If I ever want to show my kids a beaten player impersonating an ostrich and swearing at the referee until he's purple I'll show him Wello. If I want to show my kids how to sprint at jogging pace whilst a player scores 12 feet away from you, before turning to moan at someone else, I show them Wello. If I want to show the kids how to be a black hole in attacking, I'll show them Wello. If I want to show them how to be shown up by lumbering props, I will show them Wello. He's inspirational. If we want to be all gushy and sentimental for once (When it wasn't needed for other ageing players like Gilly and Leon) give him an ambassadorial role, a community role or a coaching role. Why waste salary cap money on a player that is holding us back?
Saints website wrote:
"Likewise, Francis Meli is on top of his game and provides real experience in an otherwise youthful backline. Since making his debut in 2006 against Harlequins RL, he has been one of the Club's go-to players and is capable of switching to the centre and adding ‘grunt' when clearing his lines.
Wellens, Gardner, Meli. Youthful Eamon? Really? He offers an unbreakable record for Grand Final losing gaffes more like. I don't mind him staying to be honest, we're unlikely to be in any Grand Finals for him to lose, and he's pretty good generally in the other matches.
Saints website wrote:
"Wellens, 32, has made 433 appearances for the Club and is on track for one of his most successful seasons to date. With 23 tries in 2012 he is Saints' top try-scorer as well as being ever-dependable in defence.
In terms of tries he's been successful. Defensively and in the role a fullback should play in attack he's been poor and is holding the club back massively. Why not just admit that?
Saints website wrote:
The news is a real boost as Saints head into the Play Offs this Saturday.
Is it? Is it really? It's given the fans of other sides a good giggle, but that's about it.
