Why is signing a risk/ luxury signing ridiculous? We should still have plenty of space for a prop and between Hopoate, Lussick and Sironen we have plenty of halfback cover? Either he gets fit and is a game changer (which we need) or doesn’t play - that’s surely better than depending on Hurrell, or struggling for options.
It does make the Bell rumours completely superfluous
Why would we need him? I'd rather we put his salary - which, even though not a marquee, would still be substantial - to getting a top prop like Taukeiaho.
And none of those 'cover at halfback' options are halfbacks (although I suppose Hopoate to FB, Welsby to halfback works)
To be honest I think Hurrell is sh*te. Fat and unfit, blowing out his arse after a couple of carries, poor in defence.
Another versatile player.
Started his career as a stand off so he could always go back there in the event of injuries. But his day job will be a skillful backrower that can run and pass.
I am happy with this signing.
I could agree with you but then we would both be wrong.
So;
a) I see no reason why we couldn’t sign Taukeiaho, Sironen and Hurrell. You will have absolutely no disagreement from me that we need another top line prop, and would be disappointed if we finish our recruitment planning to just go with LMS/Norman (who would be great as 5th/6th but not as 4th/5th).
b) I know he’s had a poor year, so it’s easy to forget, but Hurrell has made back to back dream teams. He is very capable at being a magnet for defenders and creating space outside him - he made Ash Handley look good! That is something we desperately lack and IF (big if) he can get fit enough to fit into our defensive structure thats a major asset we haven’t had since Taia.
c) Hopoate to fullback, Welsby to halfback will be choice 1, but Lussick has played a lot of time in the past at halfback as well, as has Sironen. The alternate is signing someone of the ilk of Jordan Lilley as backup and that just never feels like a good answer (the route the club took during the Cunningham era).
Kevin Ward had a run in with him and AN Other when he went over to Manley for the Grand Final, in his book he says Sironen and another hit him on his first carry and gave him a working over on the floor with a welcome to Aus message Wardy got up laughed and asked if that was their best shot and had a blinder.
On the Back foot looking for the front one.
We are not signing Taukeiaho.
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Last edited by fishy3005; 3rd September 2021 at 06:45.
screaming in the family corner, scaring the kiddies
If we signed him as 18th/19th man, back up for Percival and Hopoate, also provides cover if the back line needs shifting around. Eg. Lomax gets injured, Hopoate or Welsby to 6, the other at 1 and Hurrell at centre. I wouldn’t have a problem with this. I don’t get the talk of him being at second row when we have Matautia, Sironen, Batchelor, Wingfield and apparently James Bell.
I’ve never been convinced Simm has the ability for the top, he looks like a Matty Fleming kind of player. That said reserves are back plus he has the option of going out on loan so he will still get game time if we did go for Hurrell.
Looking on Manly’s Facebook and insta pages the fans are sad to see Sironen go. Looks like they really rate him, he’s just been unlucky with injuries.
Hopefully he can have a good pre season and stay injury free.