Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:09 am  

As there are very few players of any real quality knocking about I'm quite happy with the signings of Lauaki, Dudson and Flower. Two of them already decent, young, British players with a bright future, and Lauaki who is a big guy with somewhat of a point to prove after his poor showing at Hull. I'd rather that than us throw a lot of money at a 30-odd year old mediocre Australian.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 9:11 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

I didnt see much of the welsh game but I believe Dudson played well and I've read people say Flower was ordinary. I decided to check the stats and as much as they don't show everything they showed that with the ball the 2 of them made the same amount of carriers and Didson made just 2 metres more then Flower. Also in defence I seem to remember Flower made more tackles but then that's probably expected due to longer minutes.

Like I say stats never tell the full story but it would seem Flower did a reasonable job with room for improvement.

He certainly didnt play badly and maybe my attentions were concentrated more on Dudson and his usefullness as a prop which we are lacking. If Lauaki has been signed as a direct replacement for Hoffman in the second row I dont see the need for another back rower in Flower. He certainly isnt any better Farrell or Tuson and with Hock, Hansen, and Lockers at loose, I dont see a place for him. Even if Lockers misses the start of the season as expected, Farrell has played some of his best rugby for us when covering at 13. A pointless signing for me, but as many say, In Wane we trust and I will support any signing under the current regime.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 10:04 am  

Jake the Peg wrote:Waste of a shirt. I hope wigan announce a few more signings of this calibre

saint's no1 fan: Well if you believe the rumour mill they have signed Dudson and Flower ...

a reply on the hull board from saint's no1 fan maybe he doesn't have a tv??

Dudson should be a massive hit at wigan he has everything the engine, core body strength and is good defensive prop

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 11:01 am  

I'm happy with Lauaki and Dudson. IL said Wane specifically asked him to get Lauaki as he see's unused potential. He's big, strong and already looks fitter than Feka ever was. Dudson is young and played very well against 2 of the most experienced props in the world last week in Peacock and Morley. He sure didn't look intimidated by either. As others say, in Wane we trust.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 11:07 am  

The press release said that Lauaki was a prop. So that is where SW must be looking to play him. He may well be the replacement for Coley. It appears SW is going with quite a few props with Fielden, Lima, Prescott, Mossop, Lauaki and no doubt Dudson.
Most people put our losing the LL Shield to the defeat at Wire following the C Cup final. For a number of us the points we dropped away at Catalans and Castleford were just as crucial if not more so. Those two games we went with three props. To me SW is looking to ensure that in no game do we go with three props again and every fixture we have a full complement of props with one or two in reserve. Good planning IMO.

Hoffman will be replaced by Hock who is a left sided 2nd row. We have H, Farrell, Tuson, Hughes and probably Flower. Should we not have any injuries or suspension to our props then Mossop and Lauaki could play in the 2nd row.

We have plenty cover in the pack, now to bolster the backs and half backs.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 2:55 pm  

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 575151.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 575151.stm

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 3:27 pm  

Still need a half back partner for Finch. Either we are dropping Leuluai to 7 (bad idea), moving Tomkins back to 6 and bringing in Amos (maybe the best of a bad few ideas), or bringing in Joe Mellor from the U21's straight to the #7 jersey.

I still think we really need a scrum half and a centre. I dont see the need for more forwards if Dudson is confirmed, lets not forget Dom Crosby ripped it up at Widnes last year also.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:20 pm  

Kernel wrote:

Still need a half back partner for Finch. Either we are dropping Leuluai to 7 (bad idea), moving Tomkins back to 6 and bringing in Amos (maybe the best of a bad few ideas), or bringing in Joe Mellor from the U21's straight to the #7 jersey.

I still think we really need a scrum half and a centre. I dont see the need for more forwards if Dudson is confirmed, lets not forget Dom Crosby ripped it up at Widnes last year also.

I think that we'll perhaps see all 3 at some point. People say its too soon to give Mellor the 7 shirt, and it probably is, but if we bring in someone like Logan at the same time it gives us the option to switch Tommy between 7 + 9.

Finch
Mellor
+
Tommy/McIllorum

Finch
Tommy
+
McIllorum/Tomkins

Both only have to incorporate 1 total rookie into the side, and if injuries occur we then have the option to move Tomkins up in into the halves or even Lockers if needs be. I just think we'll have a lot more faith in the youngster this year.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:54 pm  

inside_man wrote:

I think that we'll perhaps see all 3 at some point. People say its too soon to give Mellor the 7 shirt, and it probably is, but if we bring in someone like Logan at the same time it gives us the option to switch Tommy between 7 + 9.

Finch
Mellor
+
Tommy/McIllorum

Finch
Tommy
+
McIllorum/Tomkins

Both only have to incorporate 1 total rookie into the side, and if injuries occur we then have the option to move Tomkins up in into the halves or even Lockers if needs be. I just think we'll have a lot more faith in the youngster this year.

I don't think Tomkins mark 3 will make it at Wigan, although its too early to definitively say. I'm sure he'll get his chance though.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Thu Nov 03, 2011 7:59 pm  

BackrowSaint wrote:

Expect another announcement in the not too distant future.

It'll be after Four Nations I guess