Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 11:36 am  

Zig wrote:

https://www.totalrl.com/st-helens-super-league-star-on-the-radar-of-every-nrl-team-following-rugby-league-world-cup/

Did they watch the same Welsby that I did?

Bit of a daft headline to be honest. I thought he was pretty anonymous for most of the WC but his league form was outstanding. However, they will destroy him in the NRL

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 12:05 pm  

Welsby’s showing at the World Cup was great news for Saints really. I’m sure plenty had him on their lists to scout and other than the first game, he had a really quiet time of it. If he’d kept that first games form up, I think enquiries would’ve been flooding in but they’ll be wary now and will want to see a bit more.

Looking at the World Cup overall and then with his comments since, you could see somebody going in for Williams again.

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 12:58 pm  

Wests want Williams and Bateman

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 1:06 pm  

Zig wrote:

https://www.totalrl.com/st-helens-super-league-star-on-the-radar-of-every-nrl-team-following-rugby-league-world-cup/

Did they watch the same Welsby that I did?

He was good up until the SF.

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 1:51 pm  

[Gareth] wrote:

Bit of a daft headline to be honest. I thought he was pretty anonymous for most of the WC but his league form was outstanding. However, they will destroy him in the NRL

He's 21.

I think he'd do brilliantly over there. I know for a fact that he was seriously impressive in England training to the point where England staff made comments to the effect of he was even better than they thought he was. Radley has already said he's the one player he'd love to tale back to the Roosters from the whole squad.

Granted he was poor in the SF but then so too were lots of others.

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 3:08 pm  

[Gareth] wrote:

Bit of a daft headline to be honest. I thought he was pretty anonymous for most of the WC but his league form was outstanding. However, they will destroy him in the NRL

That's harsh. Had one poor game over the WC. Will only get better as he gets older and no doubt be a pain for Wigan to deal with for as long as he stays at Saints. He'll do well in the NRL if and when that time comes.

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 3:23 pm  

Stu M wrote:

He's 21.

I think he'd do brilliantly over there. I know for a fact that he was seriously impressive in England training to the point where England staff made comments to the effect of he was even better than they thought he was. Radley has already said he's the one player he'd love to tale back to the Roosters from the whole squad.

Granted he was poor in the SF but then so too were lots of others.

There is a mistake in Welsby in every game but he will create and or complete chances multiple times in a game. He's a bit of maverick which for me isn't a problem as long as he continues to deliver. I'd have preferred him FB for the World Cup but that was never going to happen with Tomkins fit and in the squad.

Unfortunately he will have to go to the nrl to maximise his potential. I don't think it is a certainty that he will succeed but barring injuries, i'd be very surprised if he didn't prove to be a hit in the nrl as he has that bit of magic about him where he can make the game to look so simple.

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 3:30 pm  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

There is a mistake in Welsby in every game but he will create and or complete chances multiple times in a game. He's a bit of maverick which for me isn't a problem as long as he continues to deliver. I'd have preferred him FB for the World Cup but that was never going to happen with Tomkins fit and in the squad.

Unfortunately he will have to go to the nrl to maximise his potential. I don't think it is a certainty that he will succeed but barring injuries, i'd be very surprised if he didn't prove to be a hit in the nrl as he has that bit of magic about him where he can make the game to look so simple.

Can't disagree with any of that to be fair.

I'd like him to go and test himself at the end of his current contract. He would be 24 then and a great age. Although we would lose a great player I'd love to see him do well over there. However from what I hear he is a real homebird and doesn't seem interested. Clearly a lot can change though especially if the money is thrown at him.

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 3:35 pm  

Stu M wrote:

He's 21.

I think he'd do brilliantly over there. I know for a fact that he was seriously impressive in England training to the point where England staff made comments to the effect of he was even better than they thought he was. Radley has already said he's the one player he'd love to tale back to the Roosters from the whole squad.

Granted he was poor in the SF but then so too were lots of others.

And the QF. The lad has got talent let's see if he can cut it in the NRL if, and when, he gets an opportunity. It is a massive step-up.

Re: England 19-man squad for RLWC Semi Final : Fri Nov 18, 2022 3:51 pm  

Stu M wrote:

Can't disagree with any of that to be fair.

I'd like him to go and test himself at the end of his current contract. He would be 24 then and a great age. Although we would lose a great player I'd love to see him do well over there. However from what I hear he is a real homebird and doesn't seem interested. Clearly a lot can change though especially if the money is thrown at him.

Going to the nrl didn't do Roby any harm but if he had gone I'm quite sure that he would have been an even better player.
I think that the same would apply if Welsby doesn't go.
It's a bit of a cliche but to be the very best you have to compete with the very best.
Maybe Welsby doesn't think that he has to "prove" himself? As you say he is only a young guy and with time on his side so no need to jump too soon particularly if he is enjoying himself at Saints.