Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:02 am  

Who is realistically available to put some size into the pack? Not a wish list, just who is likely to become available that we could sign in the real world?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:03 am  

Egg Chasing wrote:

He solves the 13 issue and the GK issue which in turn moves both Shorrocks and Smithies to full time SR. He could probably do somewhat of a job at 6 if needed albeit not as a runner.

If his salary being off the cap means we can then sign an extra prop for example it could work. I just wonder what his salary would be to move over from Union UNLESS he simply wants to finish his career here before heading back in a coaching role.

The thought of Shorrocks being a full time second row at Wigan fills me sheer dread. No matter what position, he will never be anything other than a squad player who can fill in somewhere if we get injuries.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:09 am  

TonyM19 wrote:

Who is realistically available to put some size into the pack? Not a wish list, just who is likely to become available that we could sign in the real world?

Thompson & Dupree I can see happening at prop.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:13 am  

Egg Chasing wrote:

He solves the 13 issue and the GK issue which in turn moves both Shorrocks and Smithies to full time SR. He could probably do somewhat of a job at 6 if needed albeit not as a runner.

If his salary being off the cap means we can then sign an extra prop for example it could work. I just wonder what his salary would be to move over from Union UNLESS he simply wants to finish his career here before heading back in a coaching role.

Does he?

How is his defence? How is he going to deal with forwards running at him all game?

Its a complete and absolute unknown. Not only is the tackling technique different in union, he doesn't defend in the middle and they also don't deal with forwards in the same way.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:14 am  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

I still think we'll see Owen Farrell at Wigan in 2024. He would cost nothing on the salary cap in year one and I think only 25% in year two.

I agree with you that OF will come to us before he retires.
My main worry would be fitness levels. In RU he doesn’t make many tackles and his yardage is very low.
Offsetting fitness he brings a natural talent and a rugby pedigree that surpasses any other rugby player in the world.
Maybe when Danson takes over is when we will eventually sign him.
Can you imagine the atmosphere if he does sign when he makes his first derby game against Saints?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:18 am  

Bigredwarrior wrote:

The thought of Shorrocks being a full time second row at Wigan fills me sheer dread. No matter what position, he will never be anything other than a squad player who can fill in somewhere if we get injuries.

Absolutely spot on.

How many of these squad / utility players can we continue to carry? Thornley, Hampshire, Shorrocks...

Last year Isa was a squad player who couldn't even get into the 17 for a while, now it appears we are completely dependent on him.

I get we have had injuries, but it feels like our squad is getting weaker, its imbalanced, its inexperienced.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:37 am  

TonyM19 wrote:

Who is realistically available to put some size into the pack? Not a wish list, just who is likely to become available that we could sign in the real world?

Martin Taupau, Matthew Lodge, Jordan Grant, Tepai Moeroa all look like big solid gadjies

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:55 am  

In a salary capped sport, you need squad players that can cover multiple positions and usually on low wages.

I'm not saying give Shorrocks the 11 or 12 shirt, but he would be used to primarily cover that position (or not used at all) rather than having to play SR, LF, Centre, Hooker and Stand Off as he has the last few seasons.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 12:04 pm  

He’ll always be a utility for me and wouldn’t make the 17 when everyone is fit. I’d be 50/50 on him playing on Sunday tbh and would probably start Nsemba right side second row and have Shorrocks either on the bench or not in the 17.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jun 16, 2023 12:36 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

I still think we'll see Owen Farrell at Wigan in 2024. He would cost nothing on the salary cap in year one and I think only 25% in year two.

Rogues before the season you spoke about some major transfer news that (to my knowledge) never came to fruition. Was this it or was there something else that fell through?