Widdop is better than Pearce & Maloney. Any half will look good behind the Roosters' pack. See Origin to see a real reflection of Pearce's abilities when things are evenly matched up front. Aussie forums were all saying that Widdop would get an NSW spot if he wasn't English. He's better than Hodgkinson and Mbye too, though Mbye will probably overtake him in the next couple of years, and at least on a level with Milford, Josh Reynolds and Keary. Others like Morgan, Hunt and Adam Reynolds are also probably in his range - but it's hard to tell because they play in dominant teams and Widdop doesn't. Thurston and Johnson are a couple of levels above, but he's a quality player

See it's all a matter of opinion - mine is that of the list of 13 players above, right now I'd only pick Widdop over Josh Reynolds and Luke Keary, the rest would be ahead of him in the pecking order for mine - and if Keary continues his progression, he'll be a better player long term.

Like I say, Widdop is a decent player - he's just not as good as some over here like to think. Some believe in the hype just because he's in the NRL - but in reality, he played the 'safe and steady' role Melbourne have asked plenty of average players in the past to play, and although he's had some good games at the Dragons, he's hardly set the world alight - he's been steady away with a few very good performances and a few anonymous ones, but mainly just a steady Eddie!!!

Would he be a good addition to our team, yes..... Would he be 'marquee' or 'world class' - not in my book!

I don't see him as a leader - so as Sinfields replacement what would we get - better running game and much quicker, decent defense, but nowhere near the same level of kicking game (out of hand or place kicking), and nowhere near the game management skills.... Bit unfair to compare him to Sinfield though I suppose as we'll need to adapt to life without him...

If the Dogs had Widdopp he'd be first pick halfback today. I'd say he'd be on a par with Maloney, and a far better defender, so could easily get a pick there, and he's better than Keary, who's been very disappointing this year IMO. Anyone would look good playing outside Thurston - he's different to Morgan, but I wouldn't say Morgan's better either.

I've no idea if Leeds will sign Widdopp, I think its unlikely due to the cost though. He'd be a good fit in the Leeds team in in terms of the way he plays though - the most Sinfield-esque stand off in the NRL.

All I do know is that the halfback pairing at St George isn't working, but the biggest problem is that they have a powder puff pack and poor outside backs, in part because their halfbacks are on very big money. The main reason they'd look to get rid of one of them would be to free up cap space. If they were doing that, in all likelihood it would be Marshall they'd try to get rid of due to his age.

Again that is a matter of opinion your view he is the 5th best half back in the NRL isn't the general view of most experts.

He is a good player and would do well in the slower less quality SL. He is not the world beater you think he is in my opinion.

And I respect your opinion.

Where did I say he was the 5th best?

Where did I say he's a world beater?

If you are saying that there is only two sides in which he would not be a starter that suggests only 4 players ahead or better than him?

If he is the 5th best half back in the best league in the world that would suggest he is a world class performer. I personally don't think he is that good but its a board of opinions. I think he is a safe if unspectacular performer that really suited Bellamy's style of play and the make up of the Melbourne squad

Nope, never said this at all?

Perhaps you misread or misunderstood something I posted. Please highlight what triggered your asumption and I would be happy to better explain myself.

I read that Manly have released 14 players from their contracts. Are there any that Leeds might be interested in signing ?

ask the mole on twitter

Feleti Mateo, anyone?

The Warriors are still down to pay a chunk of his 2016 salary to Manly, so if Manly do move him on and a club could secure some input from them as well he might be a decent value pick-up for someone.

There's always Burgess the Lesser

To be fair to Tommy Burgess, I think he's been better than George in the few games I've seen him this season. He'd be great signing for any team.

Quote: sgtwilko "I've heard a little different, that the Warriors were paying this year. Next year manly have to pay his full wage which is supposed to be $500 k a year. You would think a few will be looking for clubs.'" This would seem to say different, on both counts. www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/nrl ... 7452512216

Quote: sgtwilko "I've heard a little different, that the Warriors were paying this year. Next year manly have to pay his full wage which is supposed to be $500 k a year. You would think a few will be looking for clubs.'" This would seem to say different, on both counts. www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/nrl ... 7452512216

Mateo could be good - offload game, covers a number of positions etc. Seems out of shape though and I think he's overpriced. And, again, we've got enough Aussies I think so any deal should be contingent on releasing Achurch. But he'd be an upgrade on Achurch.

Luke Burgess is ok, Tom is poor from what I've seen of the NRL this year. George hasn't had a great season but is still streets ahead of his twin.

Of the Manly players, Ballin the hooker used to be a good player but not sure how he's been lately.