I like Evalds but, unless we change one of our half backs for a Sezer type player, we need our full back to play as an extra half back whilst taking on more in play kicking responsibilities than a regular full back would. I don't think Evalds would have fitted in whilst we have Lomax and Fages in the halves. At Cas with players like Trueman and Richardson doing the organising and kicking Evalds can just be a running threat.
Forwards win games. The backs decide by how much.
NEVER WRITE OFF THE SAINTS
For me it reads the opposite and reads Fages will stay but we’ll lose others.
Actual quote ‘That is not specifically related to Theo – but what it does mean is that we are going to lose some players due to the salary cap’
Maybe it’s still all up in the air.
Hopefully he’s not referring to Bentley.
If we lose Bentley out of all those I’ll be most disappointed. We have had him on loan I think longer than playing for us and might lose him with that still being the case. Not only that but as good as he is now, he has the potential to be a real world class player in a few years.
LMS, Amor not to sound harsh but if they go then so be it. Amor I’ve honest never rated and his challenge cup performance last week was a shocker.
Coote going would be a shame, but he is the wrong side of 30 and given the financial struggle I think we need to prioritise our potential longer term/younger players. If he can in anyway be kept that does not cost us a young good player then he is an absolute must keep.
Agree with others about Dodd needing more time. He should be playing in the games against the weaker sides at least so he can really get a decent feel for the first grade. I’m not sure of the age difference between him and Harry Smith at Wigan but they have blooded him in straight away and he looks like he will be a good player for them.
Reads to me Fages to stay, which I’m not disappointed in. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Coote reluctantly go due to homesickness given comments he made. I think Naiqama will go, he’s become a Dad recently I believe. I’m most worried about Bentley, he’s a must keep. Looking what’s out there off contract at the end of the year, I think we might have Amor or LMS go round one last time, though not both.
St Helens Rugby League Football Club
Not a member of the Fages fan club, so this is not the best news to hear.
Regards to Amor and LMS, one of those in Amor looks physically tough enough to go another season as a 100% middles prop, for me LMS is taking a lot of knocks now and is probably feeling the physical effects of "father time". Luckily we have Matty Lees who is a similar style to take over as a prominent prop.
Woolf sounds very much like he’s playing a game of chicken. Fages wants more than what Saints are offering, and Woolf is effectively saying “we won’t blink first” you can either take the offer on the table, or we’re willing to walk away. If Dodd has to step up next year, that sounds like what we’re willing to do
I do think a centre to replace Naiqama and a top prop to replace LMS/ Amor are our priorities above the spine where Welsby/ Dodd look likely to be able to step up
That's his job. It Saints' job to manage the cap. They either find a compromise or they don't. If they do he stays if they don't he goes.
Same can be said for Craig Harrison aka ShowMe who is Bentley's agent. He has touted Bentley to Leeds.
The interesting thing for me is how much of the cap has been taken up on Lomax and Walmsley.
Given a 15M drop in the TV deal , did they both get in early or have their salaries matched the new financial landscape.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport...mpression=true
This suggests Huddersfield are front runners to sign Fages.
Originally Posted by Despondent Dave
It says Fages as a player is one whose targeted by mid table teams rather than by the NRL.
So money or part of a winning team is Fages choice... if he goes we have Dodd next year. Be interesting to see where we go...
That potentially leaves us
Welbsy
Makinson King Percival Grace
Lomax Dodd
Walmsley Roby* Lees
Mata’utia Bentley*
Knowles
Smith Thompson Paasi Amor/<new prop>
*assuming signing new contracts