Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 2:14 pm  

Says in the "serious" article that he is tempted to go to the Roosters for less money where he would join up with Holbrook his previous Saints coach. I do think this is a re-hash by uk journos and he will stay in Austin.

With his recent injury record I'm surprised we are even interested in him.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 2:34 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Luke Thompson has a 4 year deal on the table from Wigan and is seriously considering taking it according to Matthew Shaw just now.

Heard this in Dave’s Convenience Store Tunstall Lane in Pem so it must be true!!
Sounds like too much of a risk to me injury wise so a no from me.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:00 pm  

Irrespective of anyone else coming in, Smithies leaving would be a huge blow. He's turning into a machine.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:45 pm  

As a Wire fan if you lost Smithies and signed Thompson I’d be very pleased. Thompson is a Warringtonesque signing, big name on a huge downward curve. I’m glad we’re not touching him.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:48 pm  

Smithies isn’t going

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:10 pm  

Posted this on Redvee a while back and all of it still applies.

Not sure what to think about the prospect of it were it to happen, the old mother in law driving off a cliff in your brand new car scenario:

His family is minted and I would hope his next move isn't just about money. That said he is on a relative fortune and it's only natural to be reluctant to take a drop, or to accept the best financial offer made to him. I'm sure he would command a better salary over there but he must also have looked at our success since he left with more than a little envy.

Frankly I find it difficult to make a judgement on his ability any more as he's been out so long. Between Bulldogs and internationals he's not even played 50 first grade games since he left. He could get back fit and get back to his best again and he's got plenty of time on his side but it would be a risky investment assuming his high wage demands. Cap relief makes it a bit more manageable for us but not the owners in terms of the overall package and I could see McManus balking at his demands.

All things considered I'd definitely be making him an offer but not be held to ransom, and not be expecting him to accept when he weighs up his options.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:10 pm  

I can't believe there's any Wigan fan anywhere who wouldn't want to see Luke Thompson in cherry and white.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:16 pm  

Cruncher wrote:

I can't believe there's any Wigan fan anywhere who wouldn't want to see Luke Thompson in cherry and white.

Luke Thompson of four years ago definitely, the current model, massive question marks.
I keep looking back to the last World Cup, he barely featured for Wane and if Walmsley had been fit I doubt he'd have been picked at all.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:33 pm  

apollosghost wrote:

Luke Thompson of four years ago definitely, the current model, massive question marks.
I keep looking back to the last World Cup, he barely featured for Wane and if Walmsley had been fit I doubt he'd have been picked at all.

He's still only 28. It's not like he's a guy at the very end of his career.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Sep 24, 2023 5:45 pm  

Thompson is very much a risk v reward prospect. Does his injury history, particularly concussions make it too risky?

The reward is potentially huge if, and a big if, he can play at the level we know he is capable of.

For next season we have Cooper, Havard, Byrne, Ellis, Dupree and Mago as front line props with Hill who will need to either go out on loan or get some decent game time. I’m not sure the investment and risk is needed.