As my previous post was 'locked', on the face of it to avoid justified criticism of your new 'illustrious' signing, I address my comments to the hilariously funny and original 'Lefty Goldblatt' and the trolling, banjo-playing, 'Rubber Dickie'. First, yes Goldblatt, I have polished my shoes, I always do, I have manners, do you whitewash your trainers? Secondly, my banjo-wielding friend, yes I did watch the match but I base my comments on the fact that Widdop clearly ain't now good enough to play NRL and is hoping for a last pay-day with the team with the best track-record of signing over-rated has-beens.

No. I don't whitewash my trainers. Just a simple clean with baby wipes. Just like your mummy does, with your botty.

I await the inevitable thread lock.

Couple of questions after your sparkling wit and insightful comments - do you watch the NRL? Who do you support?

Saints, but not the Australian one!

Why come on and create another thread with another account?... some people are so obsessed with warrington.... Bless

probably lives here... one of those salty ones.

Looking beyond the trolling of the OP, I think it's wise to temper expectations about Widdop. He has had injury problems and is in his 30s and you never know whether these will be persistent. The nagging fear I have had since we signed him, is that he will be one of those players who plays a few game, then gets injured for a while, then comes back for a bit and gets injured again, and never gets in a proper rhythm. Meanwhile we are all waiting "once Widdop gets back fit we will be much better" and it never happens.

The upside of Widdop is that he could be a real difference maker as he has background as one of the best players in the NRL for a while, and he should be able to come in and be comfortably our best player. Also no character issues or signs that he's a big time charlie. He should be a Morley/Hodgson type presence in the dressing room. They were here at similar age as well.

When we signed him I think people expected that we would be at least close to GF winners in 2019 and Widdop would be the missing piece that took us to be favourites in 2020. I think we can see now that we have a lot of issues to fix so GF win seems a stretch. But if he stays fit the whole season he should be able to elevate us a fair bit ahead of where we were in 2019.

If we can keep him fit, then he will be a huge asset... he will take control of the team and lead us around the pitch..... He is exactly what we need in that respect... and he will compliment Austin massively.

However, if he gets injured alot.... its back to Austin and Patton... and like Sally says, we will spend all season saying 'when widdop is back'.

Its a bit of a risk, but you cant fault the club for taking it.

I no longer get excited about any signings.

Our signings are the RL equivalent of VAR, don't celebrate too early!

As long as he can hoof the ball vertically on the last tackle then he'll be alright.

Our marquee signing is looking decidedly average.

I really feel for Simon Moran. He's put his heart, soul and money into this club.
We've had some rewards and seen some great footy in the past but look an awful long way from winning the big one.

I’m not too alarmed. He’s a fantastic player, and hopefully will be given a licence to play attacking rugby.

I wouldn’t judge anyone on their value based on this tour, it’s shambolic.

And on a positive note - at least Bennett's team selection hasn't already destroyed our anticipation regarding a successful Widdop and Austin half back combination.

You could say that about every player on this tour though. We know what each individual is capable of, we just need Steve Price to take a step back and actually consider what he needs to let the players do to allow some attacking options. I'm not blaming Widdop for this or a lack of attack next season. Let's see what Price has up his sleeve now he's reviewed 2019.

Agree with this but I really just think we will rue not appointing another coach but the time we are half way through next season. Widdop will be asked to do the same in a wire shirt that he has been asked to do in a GB shirt. Don't expect anything better even if he is far more talented than what has been on show.