Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat Mar 13, 2021 2:06 pm  

I don’t think anybody would ever have any issues with a guy being at home with his family due to personal reasons. Fingers crossed for the lad that everything works out ok.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat Mar 13, 2021 2:42 pm  

NSW wrote: Good interview with Hastings on the behind the athlete podcast. Talks about French maybe missed a couple of rounds due to a serious family issue, him playing loose/hooker to get all our playmakers on the field, doesn’t sound like Harry Smiths going on loan and Umalya Hanley “superstar of the future” On Spotify Link here. Well worth a listen. https://anchor.fm/behindtheathlete/epis ... ess-escteu

NSW wrote: Good interview with Hastings on the behind the athlete podcast. Talks about French maybe missed a couple of rounds due to a serious family issue, him playing loose/hooker to get all our playmakers on the field, doesn’t sound like Harry Smiths going on loan and Umalya Hanley “superstar of the future” On Spotify Link here. Well worth a listen. https://anchor.fm/behindtheathlete/epis ... ess-escteu

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat Mar 13, 2021 5:38 pm  

Good listen

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Mar 24, 2021 10:37 am  

No rumour just pure speculation/musing on my part but noticed Anthony Milford is being linked with a move away from the Broncos for 2022.

He has been shocking in the first 2 rounds of the NRL season and I’d say fairly average for the last couple of years, however I’m a big believer in players being suited to a certain type of rugby.

For example Williams, there were a few doubters about his ability to play in the NRL because of his sometimes inconsistent form for Wigan but I always thought he would go well because he likes the physicality. The hooker/halves always tend to go well in the NRL.

SL is a very different comp to the NRL and whilst he has his defensive frailties I think Milford would be fantastic in SL playing off an organising “general” half back like Smith.

I know the season is yet to get underway but it’s more than likely we will be looking for a new half for ‘22 and I’m sure the club are aware of that and making enquiries.

There is probably a decent list of 4 or 5 possibles hopefully Milford is on it.

Probably one that will divide opinion but it may get this stalled thread going again!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Mar 24, 2021 11:20 am  

jonh wrote:

No rumour just pure speculation/musing on my part but noticed Anthony Milford is being linked with a move away from the Broncos for 2022.

He has been shocking in the first 2 rounds of the NRL season and I’d say fairly average for the last couple of years, however I’m a big believer in players being suited to a certain type of rugby.

For example Williams, there were a few doubters about his ability to play in the NRL because of his sometimes inconsistent form for Wigan but I always thought he would go well because he likes the physicality. The hooker/halves always tend to go well in the NRL.

SL is a very different comp to the NRL and whilst he has his defensive frailties I think Milford would be fantastic in SL playing off an organising “general” half back like Smith.

I know the season is yet to get underway but it’s more than likely we will be looking for a new half for ‘22 and I’m sure the club are aware of that and making enquiries.

There is probably a decent list of 4 or 5 possibles hopefully Milford is on it.

Probably one that will divide opinion but it may get this stalled thread going again!

Watched more NRL during lockdown than I've ever done previously. Milford has been awful during that time - looks completely devoid of confidence or direction. Brisbane had to shift his defensive position at the weekend as he couldn't handle Fifita. If it wasn't for his big name rep and journalists raving about his past performances Id be wondering how he's playing NRL.

Know what you mean though about possibly being a better fit for SL - he's a bit of a maverick who will likely rack up some line breaks. Just depends whether clubs are willing to accept his downsides.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Mar 24, 2021 6:43 pm  

MadDogg wrote:

Watched more NRL during lockdown than I've ever done previously. Milford has been awful during that time - looks completely devoid of confidence or direction. Brisbane had to shift his defensive position at the weekend as he couldn't handle Fifita. If it wasn't for his big name rep and journalists raving about his past performances Id be wondering how he's playing NRL.

Know what you mean though about possibly being a better fit for SL - he's a bit of a maverick who will likely rack up some line breaks. Just depends whether clubs are willing to accept his downsides.

I agree with all that, I would just add that there are a lot of defenders in the NRL who cannot handle Fifita.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Mar 24, 2021 8:13 pm  

The lad looks like he’ll need rebuilding somewhere and I’m not sure Wigan is a club for a lad needing that. It’s a harsh environment in many ways, with a fan base who demands success and whilst it may not be NRL level of scrutiny, he won’t get time here to put in a few months worth of poor performances, searching for confidence.

He’d be down my list of options to replace Hastings or French on that basis but who knows, he may just feel freed up by any move over here.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Mar 24, 2021 10:51 pm  

Milford has been poor ever since moving to 6. He's an out and out full back, and always has been.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Mar 25, 2021 1:33 am  

Jack Burton wrote:

Milford has been poor ever since moving to 6. He's an out and out full back, and always has been.

Good point. Replacement for French?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Mar 25, 2021 8:41 am  

Wigan Today reporting West Tigers trying to do a deal immediately for Hastings. Given what he said in an interview a few weeks ago I imagine he’d jump at the chance to go back https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ly-3177843

Wigan Today reporting West Tigers trying to do a deal immediately for Hastings. Given what he said in an interview a few weeks ago I imagine he’d jump at the chance to go back https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... ly-3177843