Quote: tank123 "Since IL took over tell me how many have we won compared to you. 4-1. You do have a good youth structure but to bring in a player from the NRL to cover one of the most important role in a side now is not that great planning considering most knows that Lomax will not play that many games. Lomax is an exceptional player that now looks like his career is in trouble. No side will pay a wage for a player injured for so long and keep him. But you do have to admit Wigan and especialy IL planning works through either luck or judgement we got Sam back sooner than i thought.
When Masoe leaves and there is now allegedly interest in the NRL for him will you promote someone of get someone in. I was not happy we did not get Burns when we knew that Green was leaving but again good planning seems that Williams is settling down in that role.
You seem to think i was disrespecting Saints but i was not i was merely pointing out that again in a key position you have to go and get a player in not promote. Apart from Roby now not one of you 6 7 and 1 now has come through the club. I do wish Lomax luck and hope i am wrong that it could be the end for him at Saints.
Not having a go but who could play and full back from your present squad if you did not get McDonnell.'"
Are you for real ?
Our first two choice full backs are Lomax and Wellens. Both Saints products and both injured. Our third full back is Makinson, another product. However, Dawson's injury means we can't lose Makinson from the wing, although funnily enough we've played Fleming and Bailey, two youth products, there in the meantime. Both Makinson and Swift, both products of our youth can play full back but we need them on the wings, hence McDonnell was brought in.
Masoe is being replaced by Tasi, as is our right. With Richards, Savelio and Thompson all playing prop and all developments from our youth, I find it amusing that you suggest we don't focus on it here, especially when your props include Clubb, Tautai, Patrick and Flower. All brought in.
Our recent half back development includes Eastmond, an England RU international, Smith, another England international although God knows how, Gaskell, another talent and Lomax, now at full back. Since that slowed we've brought in Walsh and Burns, who will no doubt be looked to be replaced from within. Remember, how you did the same when you had Finch and Leuluai, then Green, who you tried to replace with Burns ? It's called 'great planning'
Outside this we've brought through the likes of Roby, Graham, Greenwood and Percival - all present or future internationals.
If you want to moan about youth development, I suggest you go and do it with someone that doesn't excel beyond pretty much everybody at doing so.