Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Apr 23, 2014 8:19 am  

dubairl wrote:

Really? Every time i watch him i think he is overrated, mades good meters but then ruins it by making a mistake. There are a lot more 2nd rows in the NRL that i would pay big money to before Mannering. I would like to see Ikahihifo but that would never happen as he is the biggest junior to come through.

If Joel Tomkins is returning to super league he will becoming back to Wigan as we hold first refusal or a set contract i believe. Wonder how long it would take to get back up to speed.

If the examples of Lee Smith, Karl Pryce and Iestyn Harris are anything to go by, his entire career.

[Pemps]

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Apr 23, 2014 11:29 am  

Cruncher wrote:

If the examples of Lee Smith, Karl Pryce and Iestyn Harris are anything to go by, his entire career.

Lee Smith is a strange one. He was a good player and still young when he went to union. He came back 12 months later and was completely different. Iestyn was past his best when he returned and it's arguable that Pryce didn't have the heart before, during or after his union stint. Rogers, Tuquiri and Sailer didn't do too badly on their return though even though they were getting on in years.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Apr 23, 2014 12:33 pm  

WARRIORCRAIG wrote:

He's got all the physical attributes, he's a decent defender and he runs very good lines in attack, but his basic ball skills need to improve. He always looks like he's got an error in him and he often makes the wrong decision whether to pass or keep hold if he makes a break.

A top quality 2nd rower is definitely a priority for next season. Can't see Joel coming back anytime soon although that would be ideal.

I had a look through off contract NRL backrowers for next year and Hoffman's deal at Melbourne is up. A pipe dream I suppose but he's exactly the type of second row we could do with. Looking at the superleague list I've been impressed with Weller Hauraki this year and Jason Chan is another good player. Both are out if contract at the end of this season according to the site I went on.

There certainly looks to be some decent options about.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Apr 23, 2014 12:35 pm  

Kevin Locke joining Salford imminantly according to some over on their forum

: Wed Apr 23, 2014 12:46 pm  

Hampshire is good at fullback but he is even better at 6 IMO. I'd rather Hampshire replace green and keep Bowen for another year.

Re: : Wed Apr 23, 2014 1:18 pm  

FIOS wrote:

Hampshire is good at fullback but he is even better at 6 IMO. I'd rather Hampshire replace green and keep Bowen for another year.

I will second that.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Apr 23, 2014 1:20 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

I had a look through off contract NRL backrowers for next year and Hoffman's deal at Melbourne is up. A pipe dream I suppose but he's exactly the type of second row we could do with. Looking at the superleague list I've been impressed with Weller Hauraki this year and Jason Chan is another good player. Both are out if contract at the end of this season according to the site I went on.

There certainly looks to be some decent options about.

I wonder whether we'll rekindle our interest in Larne Patrick for next season and use him in the back row. Players like Kirmond and Whitehead would also be worth a look to add competition to our back row.

Hoffman for another couple of seasons would be a brilliant option, unlikely as you say but he'd definitely be welcomed back with open arms!

Re: : Wed Apr 23, 2014 1:24 pm  

FIOS wrote:

Hampshire is good at fullback but he is even better at 6 IMO. I'd rather Hampshire replace green and keep Bowen for another year.

I disagree, I think when you have a top quality playmaker with as much pace as Hampshire has then they're much more suited to playing at fullback, a la Tomkins. They're effectively a SO anyway, just able to hit the line with more time and space. Hampshire isn't the biggest either and would probably benefit from not having to defend in the line, needs to work on the high ball though.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:19 pm  

It's on the other board that Saints are looking at Hampshire and Williams with a view to making them an offer as they are OOC end of the year.
I can imagine any club with money looking at those two as they are the best half back pairing of their age group. We have plenty money too and need to invest in talent such as those two and more besides.
They could play hb for us for over a decade if they were handled right.
We have some incredible talent at that age group and I do hope IL/SW are in negotiations with them and their agent/s.
With Logan now at Salford for the season and able to play cup ties for them then he isn't coming back anytime soon. It looks like the bench backs place will be between Powell and Williams. Hampshire will no doubt get plenty game time against the table's lower end clubs with Bowen playing the bigger games.
These younger guys need signing up now and long term. We shouldn't be allowing our rivals to get anywhere near our best talent.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:11 pm  

A Saints fan started that rumour on here a while back. I can't see them going anywhere even if it is true tbh. They're both being involved in things more heavily here now and are really progressing. New 5 year deals for the pair are a must and I think we'll make it happen.

On a side note I read a rumour on the Saints board that Walsh will only be doing this year then heading home. That is a massive blow to their rebuilding plans if true. He's an outstanding talent but it does seem unusual to see a player of that quality and more importantly age over here.