Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 8:23 am  

We definitely need an experienced second rower IMO. I don’t think Shorrocks offers enough there, Walters may or may not play there and Nsemba is too young to rely on week to week. If it wasn’t for the injuries this season, I wouldn’t be against keeping Isa on but with those niggles and him taking a quota spot, I think it’d probably be better used elsewhere.

Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 8:47 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

We definitely need an experienced second rower IMO. I don’t think Shorrocks offers enough there, Walters may or may not play there and Nsemba is too young to rely on week to week. If it wasn’t for the injuries this season, I wouldn’t be against keeping Isa on but with those niggles and him taking a quota spot, I think it’d probably be better used elsewhere.

It is a difficult one, as i agree another experienced second row would be great. I was surprised we didn't go for Lachlan Fitzgibbon from Newcastle Knights. If we were after another Second Row he would have been ideal and exactly what we needed in my opinion. I may have missed it, but i don't think we even got linked with signing him.

Our must buy for next season for me is a recognised Stand Off, i would not feel comfortable going into next season saying French is our number 6 off what we have seen so far. I am only expecting us to make 1 more signing at most for next season looking at who we currently have signed, and i feel that needs to be a Stand Off.

For me, due to team balance and how i see him currently, Walters has to be Second Row, Shorrocks is back up and Nsemba behind him.

Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 8:55 am  

BoredWiganer wrote:

It is a difficult one, as i agree another experienced second row would be great. I was surprised we didn't go for Lachlan Fitzgibbon from Newcastle Knights. If we were after another Second Row he would have been ideal and exactly what we needed in my opinion. I may have missed it, but i don't think we even got linked with signing him.

Our must buy for next season for me is a recognised Stand Off, i would not feel comfortable going into next season saying French is our number 6 off what we have seen so far. I am only expecting us to make 1 more signing at most for next season looking at who we currently have signed, and i feel that needs to be a Stand Off.

For me, due to team balance and how i see him currently, Walters has to be Second Row, Shorrocks is back up and Nsemba behind him.

I wonder, if the rumours of Olam to Wire are true, if we might end up with King after all. Kerighan to 6 perhaps?

Can't say I'd be over the moon with it as it's still an inexperienced 6 out there. I can't help feel that, with an experienced head at 6, we'd do some serious challenging next year. Alas it won't happen, not like us to have a balanced squad is it.

Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 9:21 am  

sergeant pepper wrote:

I wonder if the rumours of Olam to Wire are true, if we might end up with King after all. Kerighan to 6 perhaps?

Can't say I'd be over the moon with it as it's still an inexperienced 6 out there. I can't help feel that, with an experienced head at 6, we'd do some serious challenging next year. Alas it won't happen, not like us to have a balanced squad is it.

Would be a brilliant signing for Wire if so. I blow hot and cold on King to be honest. His carries out of our half are great and his offloads create chances but he is prone to throwing them at the worst of times adding unnecessary pressure and often forcing us to scramble for the ball.

I am ecstatic with the signings we have made so far and comfortable with how our team is shaping up for next season, especially if Cooper returns. But the one big hole i keep coming back to is that number 6 jersey and the uncertainty around who is going to be taking up that role and at what level they will play it at. I don't know if i have mentioned it on here but i know i have with my mates, i would even take Blake Austin on a short deal (maybe 1-2 years) just for the stability of somebody who has experience in that position. I also think he was starting to find some good form for Leeds.

Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 9:32 am  

Austin is a Mago style con artist. He’s played well when he’s been chasing new contracts and in addition to that, he’s trouble. He isn’t a player I’d expect we’d go near. I do agree though that a 6 is needed. I can’t sit here and say Keighran would be the answer but keeping King and having that option would be nice.

Maybe French at 6 works if we get the pack flying. If Walters, Dupree and whoever are busting holes in teams, French then has more broken field to play in. Until he starts showing a willingness to take the line on more though, it just won’t work.

Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 10:18 am  

BoredWiganer wrote:

Farrell
Walters
Shorrocks
Nsemba

Don't really follow our youngsters anymore so not sure if there is anybody else ready to step up to a 5th choice? Should hopefully be enough if so.

I’d forgotten about Shorrocks, which to be fair kind of says it all about him.

Don’t get me wrong I do think he brings value as a squad player and I see him very much as a utility rather than a secondrow. I predominantly see him as cover at 13.

If we want a top team I think we need 3 front line secondrow forwards wit 1 youngster supporting that.

Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 4:42 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Clearly he will move full time to prop at some point but to get to JP levels, you need an incredible desire, attitude and will to win. He’s probably more naturally talented than an early days JP but Peacock was a freak in terms of the drive he displayed, that took him so far. The game really looks to be losing those type of Peacock, James Graham, Gaz Ellis characters, the ones who push themselves way past their levels of natural ability.

I agree and don`t for one minute think he is on a par with JP playing wise.
Peacock started life as a second rower and eventually moved to prop something I think Walters might do.
If you can get half of JP`s desire out of Walters you won`t be disappointed.
I for one and I`m sure many others wish he had stayed.
Seems Bentley might stay though after Catalans had a change of heart.

Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 4:55 pm  

jonh wrote:

I’d forgotten about Shorrocks, which to be fair kind of says it all about him.

Don’t get me wrong I do think he brings value as a squad player and I see him very much as a utility rather than a secondrow. I predominantly see him as cover at 13.

If we want a top team I think we need 3 front line secondrow forwards wit 1 youngster supporting that.

I think that if Isa doesn't resign we will see further recruitment.

Re: Sam Walters : Fri Aug 25, 2023 4:57 pm  

chapylad wrote:

I agree and don`t for one minute think he is on a par with JP playing wise.
Peacock started life as a second rower and eventually moved to prop something I think Walters might do.
If you can get half of JP`s desire out of Walters you won`t be disappointed.
I for one and I`m sure many others wish he had stayed.
Seems Bentley might stay though after Catalans had a change of heart.

That's rubbing salt into the wound!