So Bell and Wingfield are probably the only two that you would say are important off that list that i didn't cover. You would assume both would want to re-sign.
If I remember correctly there is an agreement to make Ritsons deal permanent so that again is in the clubs favour.
I could agree with you but then we would both be wrong.
Haa! Knew it was going to happen. Thought Hiku had a good World Cup with New Zealand and looked a decent threat. Yes hes 31, but hes the only "in prime" centre that seems to be available is Gildart (and hes never going to be the answer). Further hes a year younger than Hurrell or Hopoate, and a 2 year contract, with the expectation that Bruines steps up in that time seems sensible.
As I said though, the names were just examples, you can replace him with whomever you deem reasonable as it was just a scoping example. P Mata'utia, Brad Parker, Averillo, Hurrell or Hopoate all fit a similar shape - the joy of playing fantasy manager is you get to decide who fits. Sadly the dream of Farnworth was over before it began (and would never happen)
Wingfield is top of the list for me. A player who could be one of the 1st names on the team sheet for the next decade takes priority. If we didn't have Knowles then Wingfield would already be in that position. Hopefully sirinon and matatiua don't have there heads turned by another shot in the nrl( looks likely were losing sione) but if we lose both an extension for bell wouldn't be bad option.
It's a big few months ahead for the likes of royle and especially Dan Norman. He is 25 now and should be pushing for a spot in the 17 every week. Been in saints set up for 3 years now so no excuses. If he doesn't step up this season the likes of deleaney and Baxter will take that 4th prop spot from him. You would think with Roby retiring we would be swamped with rumours of a big number 9 signing but very quiet on that front. Surely if Pemberton is the answer we tie him down on along deal and not 12 month extensions. He needs game time this season even if at expense of lussick to see if he is the best option.
I think Hurrell will sign a new deal with us. He seems really happy here, he's playing well so why would we get rid?
Originally Posted by Despondent Dave
Watching the game with a couple of mates who are Leeds fans and they are so frustrated about how successful Hurrell has been with us. Said it’s an indication of where the 2 clubs are at that we could get the best out of him and Leeds let him go to shit.
Forwards win games. The backs decide by how much.
I like Bell he has served his purpose well. Can he step up next season and replace an outgoing sione and /or sirinon week in week out is the question. If saints don't see that in him but offer a 12 month deal to be a back up squad player would he want to stay when he would be a starter for any of the bottom half clubs in the league.
Would love to see Norman make that step up, I think it would of happened by now if he was capable of it.walmsley paasi Lees and even lms at this stage of his career have the ability to change a game and have an impact off the bench, Norman has yet to show that hence his limited appearances.
Not necessarily Saints related but I believe there will be a big departure to Aus from a Superleague club at the end of the season. The player concerned has had a massive offer and I can't see him refusing it. Where it may effect Saints and maybe Wigan is that club the player is leaving from won't be afraid to "flash the cash" to get a replacement!!
I assume this would be Warrington and George Williams? I know he did his stock with NRL clubs a lot of good over the World Cup.
Honestly isn’t anyone in SL whom I fear poaching at this point. I can’t see Wigan or Saints agreeing any fee with Warrington for any of their important players in contract, and they may poach more players like Nicholson but until they have their own development they’ll continue to repeat the same cycle.
Norman’s contract is up so it really is make or break. If he can’t step up and at least force his way ahead of 56 year old LMS then there is possibly no hope for him.
For Bell he’s certainly a useful squad player, that may be all he ever is for us though so depends whether he’s happy with that at this stage of his career. I’m sure he’ll get plenty of decent offers from other super league clubs and I’m sure no-one would blame him for taking one.
Forwards win games. The backs decide by how much.
I think within your coment you have hit on the truth of sport at its most basic. Hiku was poor at Wire ( taking your word for that as didn't see much of him there), very much up and down at NZ Wariors but very good for NQ Cowboys. So much about how well a player goes is outside the basic ability of said player.
For me, Norman’s main issue is lack of aggression. He just doesn’t seem to run hard enough for such a big man. Even LMS runs much more aggressively.
Thought Norman was reasonably good last year but absolutely needs to kick on again to be worth another contract. He's got some great players to learn off and barely got going yet so plenty of potential for a long career.
I think its incredible harsh to compare Walmsley (now) with Norman. Walmsley (2015) had many dodgy aspects of his game and didn't really hit his straps until 2016/2017 when he got his international call up. One thing Walmsley did have at this point is a guaranteed starters spot, which helped improve his game massively.
I think Norman still has all the potential of a late bloomer, but is facing increased competition from the likes of Baxter and Delaney. I would absolutely want Norman to stay as 5th prop in the squad next season, but without regular game time I don't think he will. As good as Delaney's rep is I don't think hes ready for a 10+ week stint if one of the first choice props get injured. We don't ever seem to hear much about Baxter but hes out of contract this year too.
It would be unfair to compare him to present day Walmsley, but you don't really need to - compare him to LMS or Wingfield and you can see a difference in competitiveness and aggression. The trouble is that's not really something you can coach, IMO — you either have it in you or you don't. When Walmsley joined he clearly had a lot of things in his game that needed sorting out but he was already a real handful and it was clear he was a competitor.
To my mind Norman has got this year to prove that he can impose himself on a game, and I really hope he does — we'd have a player on our hands if so — but I'm not too optimistic about it at this stage.
In terms of Norman, one of his old coaches used to call him the handbrake which I think sums it up. I'd keep him around on very cheap wages as a 6th/7th choice prop but that's it.
On NRL 360 this morning they said Mitch Moses has been ringing Sironen trying to get him to leave Saints immediately to go to Parra.
I can't see him going now but is it his last year, yeah? Could be off at the end.
He does love it here from what I can gather, though. So maybe all hope is not lost.