Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 2:50 pm  

Hicks Is A God wrote:

Robert "Rocky" Turner

Remember back in the days of the Granada live games he started sub after playing for one of the GB sides v France the night before.

Not in the same league as the original Rocky Turner who played loose forward for Oldham and Wakefield when there were a number of loose forwards better than anything around today. Johnny Whiteley and Vinty Karalius spring immediately to mind. Mind you, in the modern game, most teams do not play with the same tactics where the loose forward along with the half backs, was part of the midfield triumvirate which was the heartbeat of the side.

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 2:54 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

Billy Boston, along with Alex Murphy the best two allround players I have ever seen.

Salford v Wigan and Salford have a drop out which Boston collects around his own "25". He beats two players on the outside then cuts in around the halfway line where he beats another two. He then goes off his left foot and into what seems like the entire Salford pack. Somehow he comes out of all that sidesteps the fullback and puts the ball down under the posts. Such was the magnificence of the try that the Salford players actually applauded him and the Salford fans clapped him all the way as he walked back to take up his position for the kick off.

I saw Boston play fullback, wing, centre, standoff, and in his later years a few games as second row and loose forward.

A few weeks ago we were out for a meal with Alex and Alice Murphy and Alex reckons that Boston in todays game would be the best fullback in the world.

My favourite Wigan player of the era was Brian McTigue. IMO one of the all time great prop forwards

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 3:00 pm  

Fantastic Mr Catpiss wrote:

you and i have very different memories of jon Roper.

check out the word under-achievement in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of jon roper. with a little bracket saying (severe)

I figure you didn't watch the game v Hull Sharks where he got MOM and kicked the goals off the touchline?

I'm not saying that it was prolonged top quality but I have to give credit where due and he did win the fans affection with many a rendition of Su...per super Jon.

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 7:21 pm  

Asotasi

Not the usual criticism of him. Just watched the saints match again, and I think it's the first time I've seen him pointing, talking and smiling during a game this season. Who knows, maybe something has clicked.

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 7:22 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

There were a few of us who got "stranded" in Pattaya Thailand on the way back from the 2008 World Cup in Australia and we meet up every three or four months for a meal and a good rugby chat/discussion/argument.

haha.... HANSUM MAN

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 8:03 pm  

Fantastic Mr Catpiss wrote:

you and i have very different memories of jon Roper.

check out the word under-achievement in the dictionary, you'll see a picture of jon roper. with a little bracket saying (severe)

Jon Roper was, frankly, a totally unprofessional idiot and the personification of why shirking arrogance always overcomes talent. He could have been as good as Paul Newlove, maybe even better, but he lacked the work ethic to go with his talent and the intelligence to realise he was throwing away a talent his peers could never attain.

Some of us have waxed lyrical about how so-and-so would have been world beaters in a full time environment; Roper wouldn't. He wouldn't have lasted five minutes in an organisation where how you conduct yourself 24//7 is as important as how you can time a pass.

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 8:26 pm  

overall your both right about jon roper but he did have a spell, short lived of what he did was bordering on class. I can't remember how long it lasted but it did happen and he did get the title of super jonny roper.

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 8:27 pm  

I can't honestly say I remember the awful Jon Roper you talk about.

I wasn't as into RL back then but I don't remember him being particularly bad. Maybe you guys know more than me.

I do remember Rowland Phillips being a crowd favourite but the number of balls he dropped in the tackle..... unbelievable. Not a great player.

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 8:47 pm  

fez1 wrote:

I can't honestly say I remember the awful Jon Roper you talk about.

I wasn't as into RL back then but I don't remember him being particularly bad. Maybe you guys know more than me.

I do remember Rowland Phillips being a crowd favourite but the number of balls he dropped in the tackle..... unbelievable. Not a great player.

Nobody is questioning Roper's ability, which was considerable, but his attitude stank. He played when he felt like, was lazy and arrogant. He summed up the culture that was the curse of the club in those days.

Re: Talk about a Player, any Player. : Wed Sep 10, 2014 8:48 pm  

Which players in the current squad would be mentioned in a similar thread in say 20-30 years time? The Monas brothers, Chris Hill if he continues his current form for a few more years, Westwood. Any more?