Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:27 am  

Ruddy Duck wrote:

Your comments only show how little you and a few other sceptics on here have seen of his potential at all levels of the game. Like for example, never saw him rip the touring Australialian Schoolboys (Academy) to bits in a game at Leigh as just one example. Having watched him play since his age of fourteen, I can assure you that he is a far better player than what he was seen at Wigan last season.

Why do you think that Farge until he got injured and his replacement Dodd have looked so good at St Helens.

Anything to do with playing behind a good pack led by a outstanding pack leader in Walmsley!

There have been many examples of academy players ripping things up but then not translating it into the first team / super league.

Hampshire was the most hyped player ever on these forums. The reality is he’s just a Wakefield utility player.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:32 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

Wire had a cash bid turned down

His injuries could be a slight concern granted but I wouldn’t be overly concerned with an academy final against a totally dominant Wigan side 5 years ago.

After busting onto the scene after the Academy Final, he has faded and been overshadowed by better up and coming young half backs.

Possibly because of the injuries!

Another Nigel Wright perhaps!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 10:03 am  

Ruddy Duck wrote:

After busting onto the scene after the Academy Final, he has faded and been overshadowed by better up and coming young half backs.

Possibly because of the injuries!

Another Nigel Wright perhaps!

He’s played about 21/22 games on average per season since he broke in to the first team, so he’s not quite at Nigel Wrights level just yet.

I’m actually with you on him being a bit over rated and I’ve said it in the past but I do think there’s talent there and he’s still very young and you’d hope would get better. Let’s put it this way, I’d snap their hands off of Cas offered a swap for Hardaker. It’s extremely unlikely though.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 10:13 am  

Tricky Dicky wrote:

Have you all forgot we need to run a reserve side next year.

Who is the reserve team 7 going to be

Not Richardson.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 10:23 am  

Tricky Dicky wrote:

Have you all forgot we need to run a reserve side next year.

Who is the reserve team 7 going to be

Logan Astley.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 11:09 am  

For me, a big part of the issue with Zak (even when happy and playing well) after French signed his new contract was that we were very likely spending too much of our cap space on two players fighting for one shirt. Alright, they can both contribute in different positions to a decent level, but they will be being paid at the level of a Wigan starting full-back when we can only play one.

In that sense, assuming that the likes of Connor & Trueman are total non-starters, I'd be happy enough to take a player not quite up to the same level as Zak at his best in a swap deal, with their lower wages & more room under the cap being a step towards getting the squad looking more balanced. Not Richardson I should add!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 12:05 pm  

Cherry_&_White wrote:

For me, a big part of the issue with Zak (even when happy and playing well) after French signed his new contract was that we were very likely spending too much of our cap space on two players fighting for one shirt. Alright, they can both contribute in different positions to a decent level, but they will be being paid at the level of a Wigan starting full-back when we can only play one.

In that sense, assuming that the likes of Connor & Trueman are total non-starters, I'd be happy enough to take a player not quite up to the same level as Zak at his best in a swap deal, with their lower wages & more room under the cap being a step towards getting the squad looking more balanced. Not Richardson I should add!

Like who?

Although I do not think Hardaker is excellent at Centre, I would say he is good, he did get the fans player of season in that position for 2020 didn't he?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 12:39 pm  

nathan_rugby wrote:

Like who?

Although I do not think Hardaker is excellent at Centre, I would say he is good, he did get the fans player of season in that position for 2020 didn't he?

I'd play hardball with Hardaker until we get what we want. I do want rid of him now though, he is a dormant volcano but he has started rumbling. It looks like we aren't getting a half in so If cas want him back I would swap him for that young winger. Can't spell his name but the sky sports commentators call him 'Gary Gary' he looks like he has tonnes of potential and we need a back up winger. Then get a good robust prop in. Concentrate on the front row this season and the backs next season. We can't do it all in one hit, too much damage has been done.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 12:52 pm  

Mitch Clark has left the club, we have had to pay him off which will count against the cap but it frees up a quota spot (which I believe has already been taken?).

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Oct 13, 2021 2:27 pm  

CobraCraig wrote:

Mitch Clark has left the club, we have had to pay him off which will count against the cap but it frees up a quota spot (which I believe has already been taken?).

Being destructive to the wage bill is his only legacy.