Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 6:22 pm  

Captain Hook wrote:

Strange that when local lads aren’t being selected it’s bad and when we look to advance old players that is bad as well.

When has advancing old players happened though? I didnt think Darryl Clark was advanced due to age (Brad Dwyer is 2 months younger)

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 7:55 pm  

Wires71 wrote:

When has advancing old players happened though? I didnt think Darryl Clark was advanced due to age (Brad Dwyer is 2 months younger)

Clark was showing wear and a downward trajectory, missing games for the daftest of twinges, Dwyer seemingly hasn’t.

I’d rather have a 70%er 100% of the time, than a 100%er 70% of the time.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:01 pm  

Wires71 wrote:

When has advancing old players happened though? I didnt think Darryl Clark was advanced due to age (Brad Dwyer is 2 months younger)

Advanced in the sense of going on to coaching staff.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:02 pm  

Douglas Black wrote:

Jon Clarke - one of our most underrated players of the Super League era. Along with Sally's favourite, Chris Riley.

Very true. I think he was steady or 'solid' at hooker but had some of his best games at loose forward.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:52 pm  

His very best game was at stand off (or scrum half?). We beat Bradford away!

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:00 am  

rubber duckie wrote:

Clark was showing wear and a downward trajectory, missing games for the daftest of twinges, Dwyer seemingly hasn’t.

I’d rather have a 70%er 100% of the time, than a 100%er 70% of the time.

I worry that a revitalised Clark is going to be devastating for Saints.

[Uncle Rico]

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:17 am  

Wires71 wrote:

I worry that a revitalised Clark is going to be devastating for Saints.

I think that you are right to worry and that he will plug their post Roby gap at the top level for the next couple of years.

However I'd balance that with the comfort that we've had his best years and if we'd have kept him he more than likely not improved upon his previous years here. Which is fine in one respect as I still think he's a top player and never let us down.

Time will tell but the main thing is we should hope that we've spent his salary wisely as i don't think hooker will be our post Clark problem

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:26 am  

Clark undoubtedly still has a lot to offer but would we be happy if we had given him a 3 year contract? I suspect not.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:45 am  

Been a very good player for us. Without knowing the the actual finances & how fit Clark's body looks from those that see him everyday we are a bit in the dark on the decision not to keep him. Personally I'd guess his body will struggle to compete at the top for another 3 years ... but who knows.

Re: Recruitment rumours and links : Wed Nov 29, 2023 10:01 am  

Smiffy27 wrote:

Been a very good player for us. Without knowing the the actual finances & how fit Clark's body looks from those that see him everyday we are a bit in the dark on the decision not to keep him. Personally I'd guess his body will struggle to compete at the top for another 3 years ... but who knows.

Absolutely. Hence why it’s better to let them go a season too early than a season too late.