Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 12:20 pm  

MadDogg wrote:

I don't disagree with any of that - it just feels too risky to me. If he was in his mid or even late 20s it might feel different but at 32 years old he has less time to adjust, more risk of injury and alongside the financial outlay - I dont think it's worth it.

I understand the point however I get the feeling that the wealth that is now coming into the club will make for a very exciting period for fans.

IFL has done a great job but he has tended to be quite prudent, I think our shareholder who looks to be taking over had wealth that we haven't seen the like of before and I think he may throw some money at the team.

He wouldn’t count on the cap in year 1 and even in year 2 would be low risk due to only counting half cap salary value.

I think a 2 year deal with the added financial clout the club has could be very possible.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 1:06 pm  

jonh wrote:

Best long kicking and goal kicking player in the league and a quality link play.

Would go very nicely as a 13 in my opinion.

The publicity would also be fantastic for the club and the code much more than a 5 minute novelty.

He is arguably one of if not the most recognised rugby player on the planet.

I just don't see it. The last line is the reason he wouldn't have any interest in moving to Wigan or RL.

What would be in it for him? Certainly not money, or a 'challenge'. He is captain of his country and will be focused on the RWC, 6N in Feb, NZ tour in July and then Lions in 2025 before probably moving into RU coaching guided by his dad.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 1:53 pm  

I don’t follow much junior RL, but great to see the starting props and loose forward for England academy this week are Wigan players.

Ryan Brown, Kian McDermott and Taylor Kerr.

Also a half back/hooker who’s made the bench Tom Ratchford. Forgive my ignorance but is that Stef Ratchfords son?


Anyone any more information on them, Ratchford and Brown seem to be 18/19 so could be in the first team squad next year ?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 2:21 pm  

NSW wrote:

I don’t follow much junior RL, but great to see the starting props and loose forward for England academy this week are Wigan players.

Ryan Brown, Kian McDermott and Taylor Kerr.

Also a half back/hooker who’s made the bench Tom Ratchford. Forgive my ignorance but is that Stef Ratchfords son?


Anyone any more information on them, Ratchford and Brown seem to be 18/19 so could be in the first team squad next year ?

He's a Wigan lad but no relation to Ratchford. Taylor Kerr is probably the pick of the ones you mention

I'm surprised that NK hasn't been on criticising Saints. We even have drop outs of the squad at Academy level

Noah Stephens (prop) has dropped out injured. He would've been a definite starter- ask Rogues Gallery what he is like! To be fair we do have 5 starters so they haven't all dropped out!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 2:33 pm  

Stu M wrote:

He's a Wigan lad but no relation to Ratchford. Taylor Kerr is probably the pick of the ones you mention

I'm surprised that NK hasn't been on criticising Saints. We even have drop outs of the squad at Academy level

Noah Stephens (prop) has dropped out injured. He would've been a definite starter- ask Rogues Gallery what he is like! To be fair we do have 5 starters so they haven't all dropped out!

Ah thanks for that, saw his profile on the Wigan site it mentioned he was from Wigan and his dad was his rugby inspiration so i just guessed.

Wigan Saints dominating the team, the rich get richer!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 2:39 pm  

NSW wrote:

Ah thanks for that, saw his profile on the Wigan site it mentioned he was from Wigan and his dad was his rugby inspiration so i just guessed.

Wigan Saints dominating the team, the rich get richer!

Farrimond can't have been far away but Sinfield has played 1st team so probably just ahead of him at this stage.

Its the same teams isn't it, constantly producing the players. Wigan, Saints and Leeds.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:17 pm  

NSW wrote:

I don’t follow much junior RL, but great to see the starting props and loose forward for England academy this week are Wigan players.

Ryan Brown, Kian McDermott and Taylor Kerr.

Also a half back/hooker who’s made the bench Tom Ratchford. Forgive my ignorance but is that Stef Ratchfords son?


Anyone any more information on them, Ratchford and Brown seem to be 18/19 so could be in the first team squad next year ?

Ryan was in my son's year and I know his dad pretty well. He was part of the all conquering rylands junior team from a few years back. Saints signed about 11 of them, but bizarrely decided not to take Ryan. Warrington, in typical fashion ignored the entire team!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 6:30 pm  

Moe syslak wrote:

Ryan was in my son's year and I know his dad pretty well. He was part of the all conquering rylands junior team from a few years back. Saints signed about 11 of them, but bizarrely decided not to take Ryan. Warrington, in typical fashion ignored the entire team!

You don't need any of them to be fair though Moe. Powell told Peet that Warrington's academy was coming along just fine when you signed Nicholson (Who i predict, will be back at Wigan in the next couple of years)

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 6:38 pm  

Sky saying King going back to wire next season

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Jul 07, 2023 7:28 pm  

[quote="Stranger"]Sky saying King going back to wire next season[/quote]

As much as I love his work rate, I'm far from devastated about it.