Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Aug 17, 2012 1:32 pm  

Cherry.Pie wrote:

I'd also like to see a hooker signed to provide cover for McIlorum. If he's injured we're a bit short on numbers. Smith can cover hooker but I think there's still no young hooker coming through the academy that is good enough.

If we could get an experienced player like Matt Diskin for relatively cheap then I'd be happy with signing someone like that, otherwise Danny Addy or Adam O'Brien from Bradford perhaps.

Rumours a few weeks back that we'd enquired/ made an approach for Rob Burrow for next season. If true I wonder whether that was as a halfback or as a bench impact hooker like he's utilised at Leeds.
I would love to see him come off the bench for Mike McIlorum. McIlorum does all the rough stuff in the opening half hour and when he begins to fatigue we bring on a lightning fast Rob Burrow to wreak havoc at dummy half. He could also cover at halfback as well. I'd be happy with Diskin too for a couple of seasons.

I agree with your main point that we have cover at centre for next season and while (presuming Green has signed) prop remains the number one priority I would also like to see us sign someone to cover for Mike McIlorum at hooker because as you say if he gets injured next season we're short on options!

Re: Blake green HKR Stand off : Fri Aug 17, 2012 1:34 pm  

Wollyhood wrote:

It was an honest question.

I thought so and an honest answer would probably be yes. I think we've shed more then enough players and cap space to afford top draw replacements but in a couple of cases we've gone for more sensible options due to us either having upgraded other players contracts or that we're looking to do that.

Look at the talent that's left or will be leaving Wigan and you see guys like Hoffman, Joel Tomkins, Coley, Deacon, Finch, Carmont, Leuluai, Lima and Amos Roberts and in their place to date guys like Thornley, Smith, Lauaki, Flower, Dudson, Gelling and now Green have come in.

That says to me our salary caps going on upgrades to other players contracts or we're not spending up to the limit.

I'd be dissapointed if it wasnt the first option and we'll hopefully announce plenty of contract extensions in due course.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Aug 17, 2012 2:08 pm  

Given the apparent injury to Prescott surely this emphasises the urgent need for a new prop for 2013?

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Aug 17, 2012 2:59 pm  

cadoo wrote:

I would also like to see us sign someone to cover for Mike McIlorum at hooker because as you say if he gets injured next season we're short on options!

Logan and Liam Carberry are 2 good young hookers (Carberry the better in my opinion) Tuson Can also play hooker. I don't see any sense in bringing in young untried hookers from Bradford etc when we are already paying 3.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:10 pm  

Had a look at the stats of some props who might be available from a couple of clubs who might be looking to offload players -

Craig Kopczak - 92m per game - 24 tackles - 1.4 missed tackles
Manase Manuokafoa - 91m per game - 21 tackles - 0.4 missed tackles
Bryn Hargreaves - 90m per game - 26 tackles - 1 missed tackle
Lee Jewitt - 91m per game - 29 tackles - 1.1 missed tackles
Antonio Kaufusi - 75m per game - 21 tackles - 1 missed tackle

That would suggest, although not necessarily prove, that Kaufusi isn't quite as good as some think he is. I've heard Kaufusi's name mentioned a lot but the other four props look to have a higher work rate.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:16 pm  

Kaufusi is pretty much leading the London pack alone though this season, in a much worse team than Bradford/Salford. I would definitely sign him for the right deal.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:25 pm  

Mark Bryant is the other senior prop at London and he seems to compare quite favourably compared to Kaufusi.

Mark Bryant - 94m per game - 22 tackles - 1.4 missed tackles

Again, it doesn't necessarily prove anything, but to me it gives a reasonable indication that Kaufusi probably wouldn't be the best replacement for Jeff Lima.

Another possible option could be to try to sign Tony Clubb and convert him into a prop. Coaches seem to be keen on forwards who are pretty fast too (like LMS and Larne Patrick). Clubb is a good metre maker on his day and a good hard runner. The only issue is he's prone to a few missed tackles.

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:38 pm  

We certainly don't need any project props at Wigan. I'm always open to signing a promising up and coming prop like Taylor or Patrick tho.

What we really need is a good player who is already in his prime.

We don't need future potential we need the impact to start in 2013

Re: Blake green HKR Stand off : Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:13 pm  

Wollyhood wrote:

It was an honest question.

My apologies

Re: Rumours and signings v8 : Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:24 pm  

if you want us to sign an enforcer,we should be looking at fui fui moi moi,he's out of contract at parramatta and good for a season or two