Sorry Or Thane .... somehow missed your post.

Looks like you had a similar view on Westerman to me. I always thought there was a bit of Emperors New Clothes about him. Sometimes with these players who have talent, but seem to be prone to being distracted off the field, a narrative can develop that overrates their talent...."if only he applied himself he could be the next Sculthorpe..." If Westerman had the perfect attitude how good would he have been? I'd be surprised if he was better than Ben Harrison.

Then confirmation bias kicks in as people look for reasons to justify their prior opinion. If a player has a half decent game, it is seen as vindication. Look at how RD fawns over Patton if he has an average game. It has happened with Ben Currie now for some fans who are desperate to convince themselves that he is back to being the player he was. Like you say, our fans used to do that with Westerman.

He had some good games, but he was never like a Zak Hardaker or Chris Sandow where you would see the glimpses of genius to support the tragic "if only he had his head screwed on" narrative. I think Westerman benefited from having good seasons early on when he first emerged, which meant he established hype around himself which probably secured him some big moves later on when clubs held out hope they were getting more than he could deliver.

One of the things I enjoy about Roy Keane's punditry in football is he sees straight through these false narratives about players who people claim are flawed genuises (Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere). Keane likes rugby league so I wonder what he'd have to say about Westerman...

Genuine question, if Widdop is struggling to find a team and doesn't get one for next season, can we honestly see him just plodding on here until something comes up?
If his mind is elsewhere and wants to leave would that just be a complete waste?

Correct. Don't know what happened but the Westerman who so impressed in early days at Cas was clearly NOT the same Westerman who played for Hull, or for Wire.

No I don’t think that’s a reflection of his character. ie. whilst contracted to Wire, he wouldn’t be drawn on any chat but his focus on St GI when still their player and skipper.

Josh Reynolds Is headed to Hull FC which frees up 500k on our Salary cap at the Tigers, we need a new half at the and may very well make a play for Widdop.
If so that would free up a Quota spot and a wedge of money for us here, i think Karl said they have a back up plan if Widdop leaves but unless we can grab Sezer i genuinely can't figure out who we would make a play for in the halves?

I’d be amazed if Giants allow Sezer to go with Watson as their new coach. Could see us reverting to an Austin Ratchford combo.
I’m desperate for some feel good factor. When Inglis announcement was made I was genuinely excited, all the positivity seems to have drained away (although fair play to Smiffy who is trying his level best!)

Wouldn't you play Inglis at 6 and Austin at 7?

Yeah i can't see Huddersfield letting Sezer go i think they'd be stupid if they did.


God no that would be awful.

If Widdop goes, and we don't replace him with a halfback, we have some ready made attack lines to use to criticise Price next season

- Why move Ratchford, who has been one of the best fullbacks in Super League, into the halves?
- Why bring an Aussie fullback/centre out of retirement, to play in the halves?
- If Patton is the answer, we're asking the wrong question

Obviously the attack lines don't work if we are winning. I was primed and ready to slag TS off for playing Vinnie Anderson in the halves at Wembley but we won so I never got to have my moan about that.

That post has reminded my of Paul Rauhihi, a prop who didn't deliver to his ability when in the P&B. The precedent for Asotasi, Latu and Akauola.

Hughes! At stand off?! You’re having a larf!!!

Patton