Willie Isa has signed a 1 year extension at the club, I’m quite surprised by that given his recent injury record but he’s a consummate professional by all reports, a liked member of the squad and still a solid player, would presume he’s not on big wages either.

We have a relatively young squad and the loss of Cooper's leadership will be felt. It makes sense to keep Isa around the place for another year. Nsemba has mentioned many times that he regards him as a mentor and, as you say, he'll be on a very modest contract.

The Club must be satisfied that he will overcome his injury. I have faith in their judgment.

On the basis Isa was leaving, it felt like we needed another second rower to add to the squad. One happy to be a squad player and back up the starting pair of Nsemba and Farrell and one who probably offered more of a 'workhorse' style and Isa provides all that, so it seems a no brainer to let him finish on his terms. As pointed out, we lose some experience in the forwards in Cooper, so it doesn't hurt us keeping Isa on.

Good business IMO.

Agree, he had all the attributes you would want of a very good rotation secondrow with the added bonus of his knowledge and leadership in the group.

I did post on here not long ago that I wondered if this might happen, the retirement of Cooper probably made it more certain. Good call - experienced cover and leadership are not things to be sniffed at, seems like a genuine team player as well so no problem with this at all, especially as brining someone in is always a risk.

The most disappointing thing for me with this news is that the OP didn't go with the thread title of 'Willie Extends' an open goal missed.

Sensible (re)signing

With the rules coming in in 2025 regarding players "minutes on the field" particularly young forwards e.g. Nsemba it probably makes sense.

At the end of 2025 I would be looking to put Isa into some sort of community relations role for the club. I'm sure he would thrive in that sort of environment.

He'll be useful as a more experienced head when we rotate the younger squad players in too.

Good business imo. With the new rules he’s not quota and will provide good experience and be a mentor to the likes of Nsemba. I’d imagine the contract is on reduced terms too.

I see the 'experience' argument, but realistically how many games is he going to play?

I'd rather see Walters get more game time...

Depends on Isa's role. In my mind, he's 4th choice and good, solid back up for the 3 above him, which includes Walters. In that case it doesn't really matter how many games he plays and in a way it's the fewer the better, as the first 3 will be fit and playing well. As we all know though, it's unlikely all those second row options stay fit all season though and 3 second rowers isn't enough in any squad, especially when we don't have a prop or loose forward who has any real history of playing in that second row.

There are always 'rotation games' such as London this year. Who better than Isa to come in and guide the younger squad players in those circumstances? Realistically the choice would be Isa or a project type player as we're simply not going to get someone of Isa's quality on a budget. Let's not forget he improved our first team, particularly in defence, prior to his injury.

I saw him at the Hull KR game as I was in hospitality and he came in pre game to speak to us. He looked in great shape and is clearly well thought of at the club so as long as he comes back injury free I genuinely don't see how we could have got better 'bang for buck'.

As you say, it's almost irrelevant how many first team games he plays.

As fans we don't see the day to day stuff but I doubt there's a better character to have around a group of players at any club across the league from what you hear. An ideal guy for Nsemba and Walters to learn from and we also have Mason coming in to the full time environment as well, so there are 3 young backrowers for him to work with and mentor.