I just personally see Ratchford going somewhere else as a 'first choice half', quite possibly somewhere like Hull KR if the Dobson rumours are true.

It depends how you view him I guess, either a development prospect/competition for places player or a player who is going to be signed as a first choice halfback for a club. If it's the former on the right deal then I could go for him, if it's the latter type deal then I still don't feel he's currently good enough for us and would be happier with a finch type for 2 years while we develop.

Just my own views.

You must have read my mind. Whist Ratchford is a decent young prospect I think he will go somewhere where he can get a regular starting spot, and a decent salary, rather than having to hang around waiting for his chance. I don't think he would get a starting spot guaranteed at Wigan.

If Ratchford does then so be it, but there is no harm in asking a few questions about him and having a couple of chats with Salford & his agent (if he has one) to find out if there is any chance of a deal.

Perhaps the chance to play for his hometown club might change things? I still think we can offer him a decent salary at Wigan.

he plays for hull doesnt he

What are the Dobbo rumours?

Ratchford for Pryce and some cash would be a superb deal, come on IL make it happen

Edited, cheers.

Quote: thepriestman85 "What are the Dobbo rumours?'" The Dobbo rumours are that he want's back to the NRL and Canberra and his agent is over here this week or next talking to him about his future options. www.canberratimes.com.au/news/lo ... 15779.aspx Obviously he mentions being under contract, but it's telling I think that instead of saying he's happy where he is, he says: ''I haven't heard anything from back home, but I'd definitely look at the option if it was to pop up,'' Dobson said. ''I'm contracted over here, so obviously it all depends on the club here as well. ''I would love to come home at some stage. It's just a matter of the timing really. ''It really depends on the situation here and whether I get an opportunity from a club back home.''

Quote: thepriestman85 "What are the Dobbo rumours?'" The Dobbo rumours are that he want's back to the NRL and Canberra and his agent is over here this week or next talking to him about his future options. www.canberratimes.com.au/news/lo ... 15779.aspx Obviously he mentions being under contract, but it's telling I think that instead of saying he's happy where he is, he says: ''I haven't heard anything from back home, but I'd definitely look at the option if it was to pop up,'' Dobson said. ''I'm contracted over here, so obviously it all depends on the club here as well. ''I would love to come home at some stage. It's just a matter of the timing really. ''It really depends on the situation here and whether I get an opportunity from a club back home.''

Indeed, he's a decent young player, and one who I feel at 21 (and after having seen his mate Richie Myler move on) in a struggling team, will be seriously thinking about securing a starting halfback spot for a Super League club. And to me the following clubs are either a) desperate for a starting halfback, or b) could be by the time the season is out

Wakey
Cas
Hull KR
Hull FC

I've got mixed opinions on Finch and i'm not entirely convinced. He's certainly no Thurston, but he's handy at stand off or scrum half, has a lot of experience (3 grand finals) and can organise a team. I'd certainly have him for 2 years on the right money while we developed Mellor, but probably wouldn't go for longer or if it was too much cash. I do however expect him to get picked up by another NRL club tbh, maybe somebody like Newcastle or Canberra (depending on the dobbo story) so it could all be a moot point.

Correct there's never any harm in asking and making some little enquires, I was merely not wanting people to forget about Mellor in the mix when they were thinking about a Sam+Stefan 10 year partnership, as we have an extremely talented young player in Mellor who i'm certain would have had some first team outings this year if it wasn't for the injury. Of course it remains to be seen if Joe will meet his potential and develop, I do hope he will as he's got some class.

if we had Stefan then we could call our half backs S.A.S!

Now that is a reason to get him signed!!!!!!!!!

Hopfully it would work out better than the T.N.T we has a few years back

Perhaps though the lure of playing in a title-winning side could bring him to Wigan? Okay, we haven't won anything yet, but you can be sure we have more of a chance of winning something than the above teams. He says he has ambitions to play for England - where would that be better fulfilled? Plus he is a Wigan lad who I believe is local to the Wigan area. Does he really want to go to Hull or Yorkshire?

I really don't see the point of signing Ratchford, we need a 7 to complement Sam at 6. I think Cronk may have been an outside option if Thurston wasn't p1$$1ng about with his 'will he won't he' move, and what an option he would have been. If we were to get sign Finch i'd be more than happy.

In regards to Dobson, I don't know why we don't make an enquiry, a very good player with a great kicking game and still young enough to do a few more years and then head back to Oz.

If Riddell was to go then we need to look at a hooker who can control a game as it is clear that this is an aspect that both Tommy and Mickey Mac struggle with, in a perfect world we'd get Cameron Smith, being more realistic - Hinchcliffe (who was excellent in WCC).

I do wonder whether we'll end up with the trio of Finch, Hinchcliffe (if Piggy leaves) and Lima? I feel that they would each add strength and depth to the team.

Cronk is superb, and personally i'd have him over Thurston (better value for money and can also play hooker, not to mention Thurston's increasing shoulder problems) of course it's a pipe dream like with Cam Smith, especially when tbh I think Cronk has a shot of securing the 7 shirt for Aus in the near future.

Regards to Dobbo, I like him as a player, but it seems it's the NRL he longs for and being back home (understandable, he's had a lot of years away for a young guy).

Combine it with a higher cap in Aus, and the strength of the dollar, then it's a tough ask to sign the right quality from the NRL

Melbourne Storm/NRL fans opinions of Brett Finch. www.thebaistand.com/index.php?op ... pic=7504.0 www.totalrl.com/index.php?showtopic=201924

Melbourne Storm/NRL fans opinions of Brett Finch. www.thebaistand.com/index.php?op ... pic=7504.0 www.totalrl.com/index.php?showtopic=201924