: Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:55 am  

If we replace Sam with Hodgson we will lose hundreds of season ticket holders, simple as that. Hodgson was past it at Warrington 2 years ago never mind now. Fair enough he can kick goals but I would literally rather sign Jamie Foster.

Re: : Sun Sep 08, 2013 10:36 am  

FIOS wrote:

If we replace Sam with Hodgson we will lose hundreds of season ticket holders, simple as that. Hodgson was past it at Warrington 2 years ago never mind now. Fair enough he can kick goals but I would literally rather sign Jamie Foster.

I see where you are coming from but we are in a position where we supply have to sign someone. Although I believe Tierney and more so Hampshire have the potential to be to class players neither are ready for regular first team rugby. I honestly believe that if either was given the #1 next year it could ruin them. Minichello or Bowen would have been great but if neither will come I'd rather sign BH than risk ruining one of our youngsters.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 08, 2013 11:05 am  

Tricky Dicky wrote:

They said he was retiring from the game, not from the NRL in the Aus press

From Sep 6th "Only days after club stalwart Matt Bowen announced his retirement from the NRL"
From Aug 30 "Matt Bowen announce NRL retirement" The Australian
From Aug 30 Brisbane Times "Yet the 31-year-old Bowen still has some big decisions ahead of him after 'a couple' of English Super League clubs left the door open for the electric No.1 to join their ranks"

Appears the Australian, Brisbane Times and others have a slightly different view from yours.

It could be that some media will truncate the statement to just "retires", however until we get a statement stating "retires from RL", then the statement made on Aug 30th will remain the most accurate and current.

I would expect a new statement about his future only after both his current and future Clubs have completed their play-ff campaigns.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 08, 2013 12:15 pm  

ShortArse wrote: From Sep 6th "Only days after club stalwart Matt Bowen announced his retirement from the NRL" From Aug 30 "Matt Bowen announce NRL retirement" The Australian From Aug 30 Brisbane Times "Yet the 31-year-old Bowen still has some big decisions ahead of him after 'a couple' of English Super League clubs left the door open for the electric No.1 to join their ranks" Appears the Australian, Brisbane Times and others have a slightly different view from yours. It could be that some media will truncate the statement to just "retires", however until we get a statement stating "retires from RL", then the statement made on Aug 30th will remain the most accurate and current. I would expect a new statement about his future only after both his current and future Clubs have completed their play-ff campaigns. http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl- ... 6714357076 "Just as importantly, though, champion Cowboy Matt Bowen got a deserving send-off in his final hit-out in front of his faithful ahead of his retirement at the end of the finals campaign."

ShortArse wrote: From Sep 6th "Only days after club stalwart Matt Bowen announced his retirement from the NRL" From Aug 30 "Matt Bowen announce NRL retirement" The Australian From Aug 30 Brisbane Times "Yet the 31-year-old Bowen still has some big decisions ahead of him after 'a couple' of English Super League clubs left the door open for the electric No.1 to join their ranks" Appears the Australian, Brisbane Times and others have a slightly different view from yours. It could be that some media will truncate the statement to just "retires", however until we get a statement stating "retires from RL", then the statement made on Aug 30th will remain the most accurate and current. I would expect a new statement about his future only after both his current and future Clubs have completed their play-ff campaigns. http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl- ... 6714357076 "Just as importantly, though, champion Cowboy Matt Bowen got a deserving send-off in his final hit-out in front of his faithful ahead of his retirement at the end of the finals campaign."

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 08, 2013 12:50 pm  

Tricky Dicky wrote:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys-star-matt-bowen-scores-double-in-dream-farewell-win-over-wests-tigers/story-fn2mcuj6-1226714357076

"Just as importantly, though, champion Cowboy Matt Bowen got a deserving send-off in his final hit-out in front of his faithful ahead of his retirement at the end of the finals campaign."

As I said Tricky, I think some of the commentators have just truncated "retirement from the NRL" to "retirement". After all, a lot of when will genuinely beloive that playing in SL is the equivalent of retirement anyway !
Its sloppy journalism that's to blame, as he has not made any statements that contradict what he said on Aug 30th.

I believe he said something along the lines of "hes playing better now that his future is all decided" a few days after saying he had a few offers from the UK. Sounds to me like the deal is done, but he cant say who to yet. If we was going to have retired fully, I'm sure he would have said so.

: Sun Sep 08, 2013 7:47 pm  

Reading in between the lines I think we have signed Tom Briscoe. He has been announced as leaving Hull but no one has announced signing him, only we would wait to announce this as our 'good news' to soften the blow of Sam leaving.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 08, 2013 7:50 pm  

There's a few rumours, you lot, Leeds and the dreaded other code

Re: : Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:07 pm  

FIOS wrote:

Reading in between the lines I think we have signed Tom Briscoe. He has been announced as leaving Hull but no one has announced signing him, only we would wait to announce this as our 'good news' to soften the blow of Sam leaving.

As much as I'd love to see Burgess make the step up, Briscoe would be a brilliant signing. Hopefully we can keep those two and Charnley. Maybe one of them could end up at centre? All 3 have played there at some point

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:16 pm  

Can Briscoe play fullback?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 08, 2013 10:02 pm  

If I remember correctly he played at FB Vs Widnes earlier this year in a live sky game and had a shocker!