https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... t-22724331 Looks lean now, his fitness has gone to another level, Are Saints are a more professional club which he needs?

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... t-22724331 Looks lean now, his fitness has gone to another level, Are Saints are a more professional club which he needs?

IIRC he looked the same before last season.

However, It’s also no secret that we haven’t had the best conditioning set up for a few years which is why the club have brought in arguably the best in the business in thst department.

I think the key is what happens when he picks up an injury or the pre-season lens isn't on him.

The point above is correct that, alongside conditioning, it is his defence and handling that are issues. As far as defence goes, if he can't improve under Woolf he won't improve anywhere. Condititioning can help with both defence and handling too as tired players make more errors.

It willl be really interesting to see how he goes but at the end of the day he's there as back up to the first choice centres so anything positive is a bonus. I can't see him being a particularly important player if we are healthy in the backs.

If he stays fit he's a good signing for you imo. Will cause a bit of havoc off the bench and still has ability to score key try's.

Konnie can be one of the most damaging players in the game on his day, but I don't think the errors he brings will magically disappear at this stage in his career (although you can always improve).

It's not like they won't have identified and worked on these things during his time in the best resourced RL competition in the world. NRL has the best coaches and facilities, and you're playing with higher-standard players every day... it's just how it is.

Anyway good luck to him, really likeable guy although his decision making on and off the field is questionable at times. Be interesting to see what happens if/when he lines up against Leeds this season.

Him playing in a side that dominates and will be able to continually put him into space is a scary thought. At times because we have no organisation we were playing him like a prop.

Agreed. I think he'll go well for Saints.

Ironically I think he would have been a lot better for us this year with the new set up but obviously wasn’t to be.

I don’t think Saints fans will be as forgiving when Newman skips round him when he’s out of position in defence though.



Joking aside I too think he’ll go well for saints then sign for the Dolphins in 2023

Had we got rid of Thompson we might have kept Hurrell.
Him and Newman as centres with decent halfbacks would have seen the best of him.

Saints have great backs but front foot quick ball created by the forwards especially walmsley and a quick intelligent transition from Roby creates the platform for them to perform in attack. I agree Hurrell could go well this year especially in attack.

They do have all that but its the first 2 carries from the likes of Grace and Makinson that provide that momentum for Walmsley and Roby etc.

What’s he done off the field? Are you referring to diet?

Yes mate, much as I like him I've never been happy with modern-day professional players presenting out of condition. For me if it's a job you're getting paid £200k-300k a year for you owe it to your employer and fans to be in the best possible condition. (Even if you're being paid 1/10th that it's still up to you to have a committed and professional attitude).

I wasn't delighted about Merrin either, which I know is contentious here. Absolutely sank without trace on his return to the NRL after us.

Never questioned his effort on the field but it's not just about 2 hours in a week is it?

You also have to think about the message that sends across the whole squad. I'm sure that's why his renewal contract wasn't offered at anything like the same level.

Anyway it's done now and I hope he goes well because he's a great entertainer and the sport needs those.

Yeah I agree on conditioning. Is such an important part of the equation. Should be one professional sportsmen have no problems with too.
I agree Merrin was not in good shape either and I wasn’t actually disappointed when he left.
Konnie was a tricky one, as could still be devastating on a good day. But as you said we are moving forwards and so is he….