"Games as big as a grand finals define individuals and clubs. Remember we are only renting these shirts, I had my time in Pat Richards shirt. Ellery and Faz had there time in Sean's, Hampo and Radders in Sam's. You have to make a mark in these shirts that's still there the day you hand it over to someone else. So be aware for 80 minutes you are not only playing but also writing history and creating a legacy. How many people get to actually write history, not many. A big stage demands big players, be inspired. You play for Wigan, now go do it. Good luck." - Martin Offiah, 2010.
Very important to remember that IMO. We can all get carried away sometimes with signings but you’ve perfectly summed up why we do what we do
Exactly and look what happens at other clubs when they get a run of injuries. Daryl Powell has done nothing but cry for 2 seasons. We just pick the next one off the production line. They won't all make it (a point some of us were trying to make on the KPP thread) but we are in a better position than most in that respect.
I'd love to have some of those signings back, but I don't think they were wrong in terms of that stopping GB players progressing. Around that time GB were playing Pryce and Johnson out of position on the wings and various loose forwards at half back whilst all the best SL teams had antipodeans in those positions for the most part.
Yeah that's right. I guess my point is more of a be careful what you wish for. Undoubtedly there's more British born players playing in SL, but the standard is lower and I'd argue the national side is probably worse too.
It's not a direct correlation btw, more that some of those quality players played a part, along with some generational GB talents, in making the British game better.
... and we could all leave our doors unlocked . I was just joining in with the current trend on here of responding to every development with 'well it was better in the olden days'. No problem with a bit of nostalgia, I preferred the game when I started watching too, but it shouldn't stop me enjoying (and letting others enjoy) it today. We could sign Papali to replace Burgess and it would turn into a conversation about how props aren't props anymore and how much better Kelvin Skerett was.
Thanks for not taking my post as a personal dig as it was never the intention.
I try not to look back too much because it's what we do today is what really matters. I have pride in the history but not the expense of everything else.
For me rugby is simple. You run harder and tackle better than opposition. If you fail or make a mistake then a teammate covers for you. A genuine team game where individual displays are a prerequisite. The game moves on or "fashions" come and go but deep down its still the same game.
Im looking forward to the new season and hopefully I can park my arris in the South stand rather than my son's living room. I don't think that we will replace Burgess but IL has pulled some fantastic surprises of late and maybe just maybe he has got one more to deliver in 2021.
Thanks for not taking my post as a personal dig as it was never the intention.
I try not to look back too much because it's what we do today is what really matters. I have pride in the history but not the expense of everything else.
For me rugby is simple. You run harder and tackle better than opposition. If you fail or make a mistake then a teammate covers for you. A genuine team game where individual displays are a prerequisite. The game moves on or "fashions" come and go but deep down its still the same game.
Im looking forward to the new season and hopefully I can park my arris in the South stand rather than my son's living room. I don't think that we will replace Burgess but IL has pulled some fantastic surprises of late and maybe just maybe he has got one more to deliver in 2021.
Exactly. I would just add, the forwards get you to the right end of the field and the backs finish it off (in most cases anyway). Being a team player is the most important quality a player can bring to a team.
The signing of Offiah and where we were going wrong is highlighted in the Up & Under documentary.
Maurice is told we have no money and the stand has overspent etc. 30 seconds later he phones Widnes and offers a world record fee for Offiah.
The whole entire setup was geared around winning the cup and when we lost to Salford it all fell apart. Scary to think what could have happened had we lost one of those near misses in that run like Hull away or the Saints game that we drew.
As fans it was great to see those players (I was a kid at the time so Wembley every year and league title wins was the norm) but it was a very risky game and we could have lost more than just Central Park.
Maurice tried the same thing when he came back but we always fell short in finals and his conplete lack of cap management set the club back again in 05-06 and is why it took IL 3 years to rectify.
IL is slated for not signing the top names or having 25 internationals, but the club is secure and competitive. There have been times these last few seasons where we have been missing 7 or 8 first team players but have still been competitive. No other side can do that IMO.
I dont think many can criticise IL for that over the last couple of years with the signings of Hastings, Burgess and Bateman. Even prior to that there have been big names (albeit less frequently) with Tomkins, Frank Paul and the Melbourne trio.
Exactly. I would just add, the forwards get you to the right end of the field and the backs finish it off (in most cases anyway). Being a team player is the most important quality a player can bring to a team.
I agree, although a top class field kicker is also worth his weight in gold. If you can find one that:
Puts high bombs up that are difficult for the opposition to catch. Turn the full back/wingers around on fifth and last. Can regularly make 40-20's. Puts in little grubber kicks behind the try line to force drop outs.
As we all know RL is a game of possession and territory. Imagine having a field kicker with that much talent. Not many can do all four, I think most in SL can only do 1-2.
I dont think many can criticise IL for that over the last couple of years with the signings of Hastings, Burgess and Bateman. Even prior to that there have been big names (albeit less frequently) with Tomkins, Frank Paul and the Melbourne trio.
. I was just joining in with the current trend on here of responding to every development with 'well it was better in the olden days'. No problem with a bit of nostalgia, I preferred the game when I started watching too, but it shouldn't stop me enjoying (and letting others enjoy) it today. We could sign Papali to replace Burgess and it would turn into a conversation about how props aren't props anymore and how much better Kelvin Skerett was.
