Re: Gareth Thomas : Wed Mar 10, 2010 10:45 pm  

http://www.rugbynetwork.net/main/south- ... l/s680.htm

http://www.rugbynetwork.net/main/south- ... l/s680.htm

Re: Gareth Thomas : Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:50 pm  

leyther wrote:

waste of time and money and it just shows the ambition of the crusaders by signing over the hill union rejects

Over the hill.?

really .?

the ospreys wanted him.!

Re: Gareth Thomas : Wed Mar 10, 2010 11:58 pm  

Mugwump wrote:

And maybe he hasn't been asked to return a punt a dozen times per eighty minutes. And maybe he hasn't been forced to defend his position ten to fifteen times per match - and then get straight up to defend it again, or act as the short side marker (when was the last time you saw a Union winger have to make up to twenty tackles per game?). And maybe hasn't been asked to go into the rough stuff toward the end of each forty when his forwards need some backup. And maybe he hasn't been carpet-bombed repeatedly because he's the suspect leak.

I mean, do you close your eyes when you watch either sport? Thomas was a great Union player in his day. But the moment he steps into SL proper it's a whole different game. Which is why the likes of Quinnell and Scott Gibbs (who is as good a judge of either code as you'll find) think he's living in la la land.

mmmm... by your statments you have clearly never seen alfie play rugby.!
Hes been used as a ball carrying player for years. And has played in the Centre a lot of his club career where there are plenty of tackles goin on.

And Jonathan Davies says he will do well>!

Re: Gareth Thomas : Thu Mar 11, 2010 12:04 am  

Mugwump wrote:

There's nothing "extreme" about it. There is a bag full of historical evidence which says Union players find it hard going in league (as well as the reverse). Yes, there have been some notable successes (Davies, Offiah, Tait, Gibbs etc.), but all were pretty much at the peak of their powers when they arrived in league and only Offiah truly hit the ground running from game one. The rest took at least a season before they found their feet.

Thomas is long shy of his best and even if his fitness and body is up to it (which I doubt) you're looking at 12-18 months of substantial game time before he can be considered a true league player. By that time he could be 37. How many 37 year olds are tearing up SL at this moment? How many 37 year olds are even playing?? I can't think of any, but my memory is not what is used to be.

LOL... people harp on about davies , tait , gibbs etc.? but they where amateur players.?
Alf is a full blown pro rugby.!

Who has looked after his body very well, hasnt had any serious injuries. And looks in great physical and fit shape.

He has also played in arguably the most brutal rugby competition in the world of either code being the french league where he was a first team regular.

Alfie is the kind of person that doesnt take things lightle. He would nt of done this if he didnt think he will do ok.

I WOULD LOVE ALF TO RIP IT UP AND SHOVE IT DOWN YOUR THROAT.... GIVE THE MAN A CHANCE.

COME ON ALF ITS DOWN TO YOU MATE.... I WANT TO SEE A LOAD OF AYOTALLAHS.!!!!

Re: Gareth Thomas : Thu Mar 11, 2010 1:29 am  

garethtaylor15 wrote:

He has also played in arguably the most brutal rugby competition in the world of either code being the french league where he was a first team regular.

You really, really need to watch the NRL or State of Origin before constantly coming out with stuff like this. It just makes people think you don't know what you are talking about, which is a shame because the rest of your post was spot on.

Re: Gareth Thomas : Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:12 am  

headhunter wrote:

No, the Scorpions don't have a game this week and they can't just play any Crusaders players anyway, they are not a reserve side.

Doncaster away

Re: Gareth Thomas : Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:18 am  

chubbs1981 wrote:

Doncaster away

Yeah, of course. I was getting mixed up with last weekend

Re: Gareth Thomas : Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:06 am  

headhunter wrote:

No, the Scorpions don't have a game this week and they can't just play any Crusaders players anyway, they are not a reserve side.

They took the three lads last time on dual regs in under 48 hours, surely it would be easy to dual reg him too?

Re: Gareth Thomas : Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:49 am  

marvwoodburn wrote:

They took the three lads last time on dual regs in under 48 hours, surely it would be easy to dual reg him too?

The 3 that went have gone on loan not duel registration. For duel registration you have to be under its either 21 or 22 not 100% on that but you must also be on less than £25k a year. And some how i dont think he fits the bill on either account.

Re: Gareth Thomas : Thu Mar 11, 2010 10:20 am  

Andy Greg wrote:

The 3 that went have gone on loan not duel registration. For duel registration you have to be under its either 21 or 22 not 100% on that but you must also be on less than £25k a year. And some how i dont think he fits the bill on either account.

I believe loydd white is on a duel contract. He is under 21 i think too. Jordan James was sent there for a conditioning stint. I think the clubs have something between them regarding the rules to allow players up and down.