St pete wrote:
I think Laffranchi had a ok first season. I'm not so sure he's a top rate prop and struggled against the likes of Wigan and Warrington who have big aggressive forwards.
I'd like to see how he goes this year and maybe talk about new contract around June/July. That way we can see if he's worthy of a new deal.
I'd also like to see what else is a available as we could do with two real props to replace perry and Laffranchi.
If he shows up now until July then I'd give him new deal.
I'd like to see him used in the back row. Then I think we'd really get the best out of him. But even at prop he's worth a contract IMO. As you say, he doesn't make a massive impact against the best packs, but on the whole he's steady, experienced and is a leader.
Rumours currently circulating suggest that the challenge being raised by players over wages in Aus could see the NRL salary cap rise to $7m, with a minimum wage increase of 40%. If that happens we're not going to get anyone, of any standard, to up sticks and come over from the NRL. I don't see too many SL props of Boof's standard knocking about, and given that we're already going to have to find one to replace Perry, we'd need to find two if we let Laffranchi go. If he wants to stay let's get him signed up.
