What has happened to the Monaghan of old who was charging at defenders around the ruck and causing havoc? Have the knees had it?

He's still a good player but he's more steady than dynamic. Guess we should be thankful for the rejuvenated Micky Higham.

I might just be picking up too much on Sky's commentary team who were pointing out Ratchford moving into acting half to effectively scoot for Monas.

Contract is up at the end of this year. Assume we want to renew and/or he will want to call it quits?

Unfortunately, MM is a shadow of what he was a couple of years ago.
He's still a good player, but we've got to realise that his best days are behind him.

So, come the end of the season, when he goes back to Aus, I don't expect him to have another contract in his suitcase, but HOPEFULLY, a GF winner's ring in his possession.

Thanks for the good times MM. He'll still put a great shift in, 'til the season ends. Great player.

Mick Monnas defence was great. I can recall him putting some great tackles in at the play the ball on first receiver over the years. It's a shame really as he has still got it on the mind but his knees are shot to bits. B

I guess injuries have caught up with him. The mind is quick as ever but the body is not what it was so he is still decent but not the player of old.

2 to 3 years ago he was the best player in the league and I still think he's the best Aussie we've signed since I've been a fan (late 1980s). He is the most threatening player to the opposition I've seen in a p & b shirt.

Whilst its been a shame that MM has declined, have to say the form of Micky Higham has been great to see. He has played the best rugby of his career in these last couple of years. In his early days he was just a fast runner from dummy half who was limited in other ways but he has really come on.

On the Monaghan decline, its happened to a few of our other players.
2 to 3 years ago MM was the best hooker / best player in the league, he is not now.
2 to 3 years ago Morley was the best prop in the league, he is not now.
1 to 2 years ago Westwood was the best second rower in the league, he is not now.
1 to 2 years ago Hodgson was the best fullback in the league, he is not now.
For the last 7 years Briers has been the best halfback in the league, jury is out on that now, but if he recovers fitness probably still is.
2 years ago we were the best team in the league, we are not now.

I read an interview with MM recently and he said if he had any doubts about his ability to perform at his best he wouldn't continue after this year - he wasn't prepared to pick up a pay cheque when he was no longer up to it.

So, I think he knows, as do we, that injuries, niggles, wear and tear and old father time have caught up and it's time to bow out and leave us with lots of great memories..

What I would say though is that Higham has been exceptional. If Clarke & Dyer are the future, Higham is well worth another year based on this years performances.

I remember a couple of years ago we were a far better team with Monas on the pitch. The intensity and go forward would drop when he was off the pitch and Higham (or Clarke) were on. I don't know if it was just me but the whole atmosphere would change, and the opposition would usually enjoy a period in control. Seems to be the opposite now. The only time we look dominant during games is when Higham is on top of his game.

Agree with your points. I think that unfortunately for this current team the ship may have already sailed in terms of a GF win.

We will definitely be into a transition period after this season.

The best team doesn't always win though. It's a self defeating argument, we didn't win it when we were the best team, so a team that were not the best team must have won it. Therefore, now we're not the best team, the best team may not win it again, and us not being the best team may beat the best team and win it despite not being the best team.

See?

Simples

I agree with Sally.....the word legend will be used to describe this bloke when we are old and grey. But I think he might have a few more BIG games up his sleeve. Hope so! He deserves a GF ring.

Hicks, King and Monas have been 3 outstanding signings, will we ever recruit 3 Oz or Kiwi's like this again?

I don't think so, not in my lifetime anyway. TS described Monas as "world class", and in his pomp he was absolutely outstanding. I find it depressing to watch him now, because it is a continual reminder of how good he was.

Still, we have Benji to look forward to in 2015.

oh dear....for Michael Monaghan 2013 a suitable comparison is Benji Marshall 2013.... at least Monas hasnt been droppped yet.

Sign him quick while he's unsettled and under performing, sure he'd tear SL apart.

Give him another year so we can keep the song going.