I’m not saying he’s rubbish, more that it shouldn’t be too difficult to find someone who can perform at his level as he’s nothing special.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Simm is an upgrade on him when he comes in - he looks like he could be a top centre. Same goes for Welsby.
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Kev like a few others who are coming to the end of their contracts, have been very good players for us and have served us well but they are starting to become less and less effective as time goes on
It is time to let some of these players go as if we give them renewals they will be on big money and their legs will be all but gone, I really think both he and coote will be all but finished in 18 months time let alone 24 months
Been a good player for us in successful team but should be easy enough to replace if we are being honest
I like Naiqama, but I do think he has been massively disappointing this season. Defensively seems at sea more often than not.
I think our defensive set up puts a lot of pressure on our centres. We play a very compressed defensive line and our three-quarters rush up and in when teams go wide to try and stop them getting around us. Naiqama tended to get it right last year but has got those reads wrong a few times this year.
Hopoate plays at 1 for Tonga under Woolf and has played almost as many NRL games there as he has at centre, so if there's any doubt about Welsby at 1 then he can slot in there with Welsby effectively replacing Naiqama.
NEVER WRITE OFF THE SAINTS
Welsby has played a lot at Stand Off in the Academy.
KN is a big game player for me and seems at his best when it counts the most. In that respect he reminds me very much of Kevin Iro when he was at Saint's.
I think KN has looked more effective when he has had to play on the wing this season tbh.
I agree, I think he’s been a great signing for us overall and will be missed when he leaves.
I posted this on the Welsby thread;
Naiqama has took some stick this season and sometimes rightly so.
He’s a big game player though and I thought he had a really good game yesterday. Hard to judge at this stage but I think he offers more than Will Hopoate will in the centre position. Naiqama passes more and Hopoate is pretty slow.
Welsby for me has to be in the spine at 6 or 1, I think we’ll see him at fullback.
Naiqama has been a good signing for Saints. Just looked at his stats... I'm not sure on his assists record, but he is averaging just over a try every other game over his three years with the club.
Hopoate put on a nice pass today, to put his winger away for a try against Souths- https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/07/18/...hs-v-bulldogs/ His record in terms of tries playing at either centre, full back or wing over his career in the NRL isn't great, but they are different competitions of course- https://www.bulldogs.com.au/teams/te...992.1626640128 Therefore if Saints do sign him, having strike around him may well be important.
*Not to be confused with Mike Stephenson, MBE
Exactly this. A big game player. I said this ages ago.
He was our best player in the 2019 CC final loss to Wire
He was second only to Thompson in the 2019 GF.
A bit shaky in the 2020 GF against Wigan but made that half break in the last set, gaining valuable metres. And worked his tail off.
His defence was phenomenal yesterday. Big effort from him and of course, putting Makinson in after receiving the pass from Welsby.
The guy is an ultimate professional. He is a pure athlete. Clearly looks after himself.
Been a terrific signing. I'll be sad to see him go but sure Hopoate will do a good job.
Naiqima is the second best 'spotter' in the game the best I ever seen and all the golden oldies will remember this fella 'Sid Hynes' the Leeds centre back in the day , and he could look after his self as well .
roy litherland it's happened i told you it would