Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:13 am  

Jeff the God of Biscuits wrote:

The point he was making is that Catalans seem to prefer to bring in the big name Aussies, rather than bring on their own talent. Wigan produce so much talent that they simply don't have room for them all. Hence why we are the unofficial feeder club for every club in RL.

Catalans have plenty of their own talent, I think they fielded only one overseas player and 14/17 from the club's academy on a couple of occasions this season, admittedly due to injuries. They probably produce more players and have more home-grown players in their squad than any club in the league apart from Wigan. As far as Escare goes, he was forced out because the coach prefers Gigot who is more of a ball-player at fullback and if you leave quality players on the sidelines for too long they inevitably get vexed off and want to leave.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 6:11 am  

Onky 1 player we need to target for next season for the backs and thats ratchford

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:27 am  

[Gareth] wrote:

Onky 1 player we need to target for next season for the backs and thats ratchford

I'd take him as a utility option to replace Sarginson but I can't help feel the lad is vastly over-rated. He's a solid enough player but he's never one you really worry about and you don't have any sense of fear when he gets the ball.

As I say I still think he would be a good option for us (especially due to his goalkicking)but it would have to be on sensible money and I doubt we'll get him away from Wire for that.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:36 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

I'd take him as a utility option to replace Sarginson but I can't help feel the lad is vastly over-rated. He's a solid enough player but he's never one you really worry about and you don't have any sense of fear when he gets the ball.

As I say I still think he would be a good option for us (especially due to his goalkicking)but it would have to be on sensible money and I doubt we'll get him away from Wire for that.

All fair points

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 7:44 am  

JWarriors wrote:

The other thing is, will he even get a game for Leigh? Can't see him getting in the halves unless there's an injury. He won't be fullback ahead of McNally/Smith. And Leigh are well covered on the wings. I just can't see him getting a game there either.

I'm pretty sure he would get a game for us. We currently only have ten backs signed up for next season. Only two of those are centres, and one of those is Willie Tonga, who seems to spend much more time in the treatment room than on the pitch. Ok Ryan isn't a centre, but we seem to be being linked with a few full backs - Escare, Evalds, and even Hardaker, which suggests we may be in the market to improve on McNally/Smith. Also, whilst Drinkwater and Ridyard may well be first choice at half back, it only takes an injury to mess that up.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 8:19 am  

I see Kevin Naiquima of West Tigers is looking to come over and experience Super League before finishing his career in the NRL. He would be a great option as a utility back for a year.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:07 pm  

Only 1 player can cover our wing/kicking needs for next season(if smith leaves) and thats Mantellatto if smith stays sign ken sio

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:15 pm  

DP_wwrlfc wrote:

I see Kevin Naiquima of West Tigers is looking to come over and experience Super League before finishing his career in the NRL. He would be a great option as a utility back for a year.

I saw that last night and have asked a friend in Aus if he can kick goals, he would bea very good signing if we could pull it off.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:44 pm  

warrior1872 wrote:

Only 1 player can cover our wing/kicking needs for next season(if smith leaves) and thats Mantellatto if smith stays sign ken sio

Noooo, please can people stop suggesting this. He is awful, and his kicking success rate is worse than Matty Smith!

Ken Sio wouldn't be too bad as he could cover Full back/wing, but I guess wouldn't be a first choice everyone being fit.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Oct 11, 2016 12:52 pm  

Aye, Mantellato has probably been relegated to a level fitting his talent now.

He's about as fast and agile as Barry Ward and his famed goal kicking is actually not all that.