FORUMS > Wigan Warriors > Wigan v Sts discussion - THIS THREAD ONLY PLEASE |
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| Quote: [Gareth] ""They are a funny lot over there
Not one Wigan player good enough to get into their team but they are throwing names around like Jared O'Connor and Joe Burgess as signings they would like
Great read Redvee, it has me in stitches all the time.
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| Quote: [Gareth] ""They are a funny lot over there
Not one Wigan player good enough to get into their team but they are throwing names around like Jared O'Connor and Joe Burgess as signings they would like
To be fair our left wing position is a real issue for most fans. The fact Wellens didn't stick with Bennison or Ritson for any length of time and even picked Hopoate over them both on a few occasions, shows that we have never really replaced Grace.
Joe Burgess wouldn't be my choice but he would be an improvement on either Bennison or Ritson in my opinion. I think if we don't sign someone in that position it will be an underwhelming prospect for next year. Clark I am confident will be a good signing and Matt Whitley will be solid for us and allow Matautia to play in the middle to replace LMS and potentially Paasi. So those two signings are fine but we need more, specifically in the backs.
If we can find a left winger with some size and pace then suddenly the balance of the side looks much better but at the moment it's glaringly obvious to me that that's our weak spot.
O'Connor I think was mentioned as a hypothetical signing if Dodd was to leave and Mbye play at 7. I know we made a move for Ackers so either they think Dodd won't be around much longer or they aren't overly impressed with Mbye at 9.
Croft/Ackers as a duo is streets ahead of Dodd/Mbye so I can understand the frustrations at the minute when the likes of Leeds are making those moves and we seem to be extremely quiet. That's probably why lots of names are getting thrown about by supporters as there's very little speculation in the media and perhaps one or two of us are getting a bit desperate for some movement.
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| Quote: The Yellow Giraffe "To be fair our left wing position is a real issue for most fans. The fact Wellens didn't stick with Bennison or Ritson for any length of time and even picked Hopoate over them both on a few occasions, shows that we have never really replaced Grace.
Joe Burgess wouldn't be my choice but he would be an improvement on either Bennison or Ritson in my opinion. I think if we don't sign someone in that position it will be an underwhelming prospect for next year. Clark I am confident will be a good signing and Matt Whitley will be solid for us and allow Matautia to play in the middle to replace LMS and potentially Paasi. So those two signings are fine but we need more, specifically in the backs.
If we can find a left winger with some size and pace then suddenly the balance of the side looks much better but at the moment it's glaringly obvious to me that that's our weak spot.
O'Connor I think was mentioned as a hypothetical signing if Dodd was to leave and Mbye play at 7. I know we made a move for Ackers so either they think Dodd won't be around much longer or they aren't overly impressed with Mbye at 9.
Croft/Ackers as a duo is streets ahead of Dodd/Mbye so I can understand the frustrations at the minute when the likes of Leeds are making those moves and we seem to be extremely quiet. That's probably why lots of names are getting thrown about by supporters as there's very little speculation in the media and perhaps one or two of us are getting a bit desperate for some movement.'"
You need to factor in that the core players such as Makinson, Lomax, Percival, Walmsley are on the wane. The rest of the squad will need to improve in order to offset their dip in standards. To be fair they have all set the bar high but age and injuries are not going to be their friends.
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| Quote: Zig "You need to factor in that the core players such as Makinson, Lomax, Percival, Walmsley are on the wane. The rest of the squad will need to improve in order to offset their dip in standards. To be fair they have all set the bar high but age and injuries are not going to be their friends.'"
Agreed, we are coming to the end of this era of players over the next couple of years and we will need to manage that transition really carefully. Those 4 players are all still producing quality performances though and especially in the case of Makinson and Lomax they're still highly dependable in terms of how many games they play. (Lomax was an ever present with 33 and Makinson 27). Obviously Walmsley has had issues over the last 2 years but has still played 23 games a year on average and Percival played 23 this year too.SO whilst I agree they're all approaching their final years; they've not dropped a cliff just yet.
Having said that I'm not naive to think this can go on forever. I believe we have some highly rated lads who are maybe a year or 2 off so we may get lucky and they fall into place. I believe Dagnall, Vaughan, Robertson and Stephens are best placed to replace those 4 positionally plus one or two others as well. There's another half back I can't remember the name of. But again, it would be naive to think it will be that straightforward and we may need some short term signings to bridge the gap (see Daryl Clark for example).
Rugby League and sport in general has always been about cycles and we've just had a magnificent one that has come to an end this year. We will no longer be favourites in 2024 which will be the first time for 5 years we haven't been; but I'm confident we won't fade away into an "also ran" like we have seen with Leeds and Warrington at times. We'll be there or thereabouts for the foreseeable I'm sure.
Wigan now appear to have the strongest squad on paper going in to next year but this notion that Saints are a team of old men on their way out is wishful thinking. (That isn't aimed at you by the way).
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| Quote: The Yellow Giraffe "Agreed, we are coming to the end of this era of players over the next couple of years and we will need to manage that transition really carefully. Those 4 players are all still producing quality performances though and especially in the case of Makinson and Lomax they're still highly dependable in terms of how many games they play. (Lomax was an ever present with 33 and Makinson 27). Obviously Walmsley has had issues over the last 2 years but has still played 23 games a year on average and Percival played 23 this year too.SO whilst I agree they're all approaching their final years; they've not dropped a cliff just yet.
Having said that I'm not naive to think this can go on forever. I believe we have some highly rated lads who are maybe a year or 2 off so we may get lucky and they fall into place. I believe Dagnall, Vaughan, Robertson and Stephens are best placed to replace those 4 positionally plus one or two others as well. There's another half back I can't remember the name of. But again, it would be naive to think it will be that straightforward and we may need some short term signings to bridge the gap (see Daryl Clark for example).
Rugby League and sport in general has always been about cycles and we've just had a magnificent one that has come to an end this year. We will no longer be favourites in 2024 which will be the first time for 5 years we haven't been; but I'm confident we won't fade away into an "also ran" like we have seen with Leeds and Warrington at times. We'll be there or thereabouts for the foreseeable I'm sure.
Wigan now appear to have the strongest squad on paper going in to next year but this notion that Saints are a team of old men on their way out is wishful thinking. (That isn't aimed at you by the way).'"
Whitby is the half mate. Very good player and tough as old boots. Was doing great on dual reg too playing against men then suffered a knee injury
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27542_1296773722.jpg RICHARDS IS SUPERMAN!!!!
Wire_91 wrote:its your first final in about 8 years and now you ravin and rantin about it F**k off, and ill be going old trafford tomoz cheering on the saints and ill be writing on this forum givin you loads of shi* when your drying you eyes and the wire fan will be here handing out the tissues in the thousands, thats if you do take that many fans cause now it looks like its your fans who have jumped on the band wagon now your in a final, this time last year there was only 1000 people in the jjb and now its fillin up cause youve won the league hahaha proper true supporters you are:d7dc4b20b2c2dd7b76ac6eac29d5604e_27542.jpg |
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| Saddened is now begging Jackson Hastings on twitter for Saints rumours hahahah
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| Quote: The Yellow Giraffe "Agreed, we are coming to the end of this era of players over the next couple of years and we will need to manage that transition really carefully. Those 4 players are all still producing quality performances though and especially in the case of Makinson and Lomax they're still highly dependable in terms of how many games they play. (Lomax was an ever present with 33 and Makinson 27). Obviously Walmsley has had issues over the last 2 years but has still played 23 games a year on average and Percival played 23 this year too.SO whilst I agree they're all approaching their final years; they've not dropped a cliff just yet.
Having said that I'm not naive to think this can go on forever. I believe we have some highly rated lads who are maybe a year or 2 off so we may get lucky and they fall into place. I believe Dagnall, Vaughan, Robertson and Stephens are best placed to replace those 4 positionally plus one or two others as well. There's another half back I can't remember the name of. But again, it would be naive to think it will be that straightforward and we may need some short term signings to bridge the gap (see Daryl Clark for example).
Rugby League and sport in general has always been about cycles and we've just had a magnificent one that has come to an end this year. We will no longer be favourites in 2024 which will be the first time for 5 years we haven't been; but I'm confident we won't fade away into an "also ran" like we have seen with Leeds and Warrington at times. We'll be there or thereabouts for the foreseeable I'm sure.
Wigan now appear to have the strongest squad on paper going in to next year but this notion that Saints are a team of old men on their way out is wishful thinking. (That isn't aimed at you by the way).'"
I agree you do have some lads coming through the system, whether they make it or not we will have to see. Trying to fill the gaps left by the four players previously named is a different matter altogether, it’s a massive challenge and the Saints faithful may need to be patient.
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| Quote: NSW "Saddened is now begging Jackson Hastings on twitter for Saints rumours hahahah'"
I think Saddened may be Mike Rush in disguise. Only joking Mike if you listened to him you would be playing in League 1.
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10919_1322084665.jpg :d7dc4b20b2c2dd7b76ac6eac29d5604e_10919.jpg |
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| Quote: The Yellow Giraffe "Agreed, we are coming to the end of this era of players over the next couple of years and we will need to manage that transition really carefully. Those 4 players are all still producing quality performances though and especially in the case of Makinson and Lomax they're still highly dependable in terms of how many games they play. (Lomax was an ever present with 33 and Makinson 27). Obviously Walmsley has had issues over the last 2 years but has still played 23 games a year on average and Percival played 23 this year too.SO whilst I agree they're all approaching their final years; they've not dropped a cliff just yet.
Having said that I'm not naive to think this can go on forever. I believe we have some highly rated lads who are maybe a year or 2 off so we may get lucky and they fall into place. I believe Dagnall, Vaughan, Robertson and Stephens are best placed to replace those 4 positionally plus one or two others as well. There's another half back I can't remember the name of. But again, it would be naive to think it will be that straightforward and we may need some short term signings to bridge the gap (see Daryl Clark for example).
Rugby League and sport in general has always been about cycles and we've just had a magnificent one that has come to an end this year. We will no longer be favourites in 2024 which will be the first time for 5 years we haven't been; but I'm confident we won't fade away into an "also ran" like we have seen with Leeds and Warrington at times. We'll be there or thereabouts for the foreseeable I'm sure.
Wigan now appear to have the strongest squad on paper going in to next year but this notion that Saints are a team of old men on their way out is wishful thinking. (That isn't aimed at you by the way).'"
I’d be very surprised if it isn’t Wigan and Saints battling it out at the top again next year. I can’t see Catalans having a season like this again, minus some really influential players and nobody jumps out a mile in terms of making a stonewall prediction that a team will finish in that top 2. If somebody held a gun to my head, I’d probably go with HKR or Wire to run Wigan/Saints the closest.
I don’t think any Wiganer would write Saints off in the slightest. Yes, people are having some fun but it’s been a long 4 years. Wigan are there to be shot at now and have that WCC disruption to deal with, just as Saints did this year. We’ve got plenty of new players to bed in and you never know how that will go. I’m sick of hearing people outside of the club and outside of the Wigan fanbase talking up some sort of new dynasty incoming. It ain’t that easy and the mentality to go again is not one all teams have, so we’ll have plenty to prove.
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| Quote: NickyKiss "I’d be very surprised if it isn’t Wigan and Saints battling it out at the top again next year. I can’t see Catalans having a season like this again, minus some really influential players and nobody jumps out a mile in terms of making a stonewall prediction that a team will finish in that top 2. If somebody held a gun to my head, I’d probably go with HKR or Wire to run Wigan/Saints the closest.
I don’t think any Wiganer would write Saints off in the slightest. Yes, people are having some fun but it’s been a long 4 years. Wigan are there to be shot at now and have that WCC disruption to deal with, just as Saints did this year. We’ve got plenty of new players to bed in and you never know how that will go. I’m sick of hearing people outside of the club and outside of the Wigan fanbase talking up some sort of new dynasty incoming. It ain’t that easy and the mentality to go again is not one all teams have, so we’ll have plenty to prove.'"
We need both teams to be competitive otherwise SL could take a downturn. Much will, yet again, depend on injuries (given the relative small squads SL teams have) and who copes best. I don’t see Saints fading away and it would be folly to assume they will/might. I, like you NK, cannot see who the main protagonists will be.
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| Smithies leaving has now given me more optimism for next season. He’s been outstanding this season, cut out the grubbiness and concentrated on his game.
With him, KPP and King going I’m not so sure their replacements are stronger.
King > Keighran
KPP > Walters
Now granted 2019 Thompson is an upgrade on Smithies but NRL Thompson isn’t so it’s still a risk.
I’d also be worried about Havard and his hamstring issues. I know he’s not all about pace but sometimes players just can’t shake them off. Michael Owen in football being a prime example. For England’s sake I hope he comes back fully fit and not susceptible to continually pull his hamstring.
There’s no doubt Wigan will start favourites and will be the team to beat but Smithies leaving has just brought them back to the pack a bit.
The WCC will be a huge distraction too regardless of where it’s played. Back in 2017 they never even made the play offs after beating Cronulla. Clearly that’s not going to happen this time but it’s a distraction nevertheless.
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10919_1322084665.jpg :d7dc4b20b2c2dd7b76ac6eac29d5604e_10919.jpg |
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| Quote: Stu M "Smithies leaving has now given me more optimism for next season. He’s been outstanding this season, cut out the grubbiness and concentrated on his game.
With him, KPP and King going I’m not so sure their replacements are stronger.
King > Keighran
KPP > Walters
Now granted 2019 Thompson is an upgrade on Smithies but NRL Thompson isn’t so it’s still a risk.
I’d also be worried about Havard and his hamstring issues. I know he’s not all about pace but sometimes players just can’t shake them off. Michael Owen in football being a prime example. For England’s sake I hope he comes back fully fit and not susceptible to continually pull his hamstring.
There’s no doubt Wigan will start favourites and will be the team to beat but Smithies leaving has just brought them back to the pack a bit.
The WCC will be a huge distraction too regardless of where it’s played. Back in 2017 they never even made the play offs after beating Cronulla. Clearly that’s not going to happen this time but it’s a distraction nevertheless.'"
I agree with all that bar this myth that Smithies has only just sorted his discipline out (heard a few people say it now as though it’s recent, not just you). He gave away less penalties in 2022, than he did in 2023 and received no yellow or red cards in 2022, compared to a single yellow in 2023. His discipline was fine this year, absolutely outstanding in 2022 and a bit over egged before that. He loves being in a battle and giving and taking verbals and it rubs opposition fans and players up the wrong way and has lead to him being thrown in with loons like James Bentley, when that’s simply not the case.
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icons077e_files/5454-3678dentheman-msnicons.jpg Fans Forum 28.08.08 Fan from Haydock
"I've got one word for you Mr Chairman - Penalty Count"
[quote="The Daddy"]I've got one word for you all......Steve Hanley[/quote]
Some Salford fan said to me and I quote "You are by far and away the most Handsome & Knowledgeable Rugby League Fan in England!"
I thanked him and went on my Merry way!
RIVERCAVE DWELLER OF THE YEAR 2015!
"The club used you last night and didn't tell the truth."
Officially one of the 119 Mugs used by the club:icons077e_files/5454-3678dentheman-msnicons.jpg |
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| Quote: NickyKiss "I agree with all that bar this myth that Smithies has only just sorted his discipline out (heard a few people say it now as though it’s recent, not just you). He gave away less penalties in 2022, than he did in 2023 and received no yellow or red cards in 2022, compared to a single yellow in 2023. His discipline was fine this year, absolutely outstanding in 2022 and a bit over egged before that. He loves being in a battle and giving and taking verbals and it rubs opposition fans and players up the wrong way and has lead to him being thrown in with loons like James Bentley, when that’s simply not the case.'"
When you live in an echo chamber of Bile what do you expect
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| Quote: Stu M "Smithies leaving has now given me more optimism for next season. He’s been outstanding this season, cut out the grubbiness and concentrated on his game.
With him, KPP and King going I’m not so sure their replacements are stronger.
King > Keighran
KPP > Walters
Now granted 2019 Thompson is an upgrade on Smithies but NRL Thompson isn’t so it’s still a risk.
I’d also be worried about Havard and his hamstring issues. I know he’s not all about pace but sometimes players just can’t shake them off. Michael Owen in football being a prime example. For England’s sake I hope he comes back fully fit and not susceptible to continually pull his hamstring.
There’s no doubt Wigan will start favourites and will be the team to beat but Smithies leaving has just brought them back to the pack a bit.
The WCC will be a huge distraction too regardless of where it’s played. Back in 2017 they never even made the play offs after beating Cronulla. Clearly that’s not going to happen this time but it’s a distraction nevertheless.'"
Smithies is like O’Neill they are the guys who do the grunt and allow others to play. I am pretty relaxed about our replacements, I think there is plenty of improvement in them. What is obvious though is that we will have to adapt our game to accommodate them and play to their strengths. If I remember rightly, many experts ridiculed Wigan signing King but it didn’t turn out bad. KPP was very poor at the start of the season but the coaches managed to get him to another level, I expect the same result with Walters and Nsembe. Keighran brings something different than King. Toby is a workhorse, Keighran less so but he is technically a better centre, I look forward to seeing how he progresses. Regarding Thompson, I am sure we have done due diligence on him and if we can get him fully fit he will be a great signing for us. I have got to say that I am grateful that he didn’t go back to Saints, that would have made me really nervous. Leeming is the one I am least sold on but I have to admit that he will offer us something different. Also, our recruitment is not over yet.
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| Quote: Zig "Smithies is like O’Neill they are the guys who do the grunt and allow others to play. I am pretty relaxed about our replacements, I think there is plenty of improvement in them. What is obvious though is that we will have to adapt our game to accommodate them and play to their strengths. If I remember rightly, many experts ridiculed Wigan signing King but it didn’t turn out bad. KPP was very poor at the start of the season but the coaches managed to get him to another level, I expect the same result with Walters and Nsembe. Keighran brings something different than King. Toby is a workhorse, Keighran less so but he is technically a better centre, I look forward to seeing how he progresses. Regarding Thompson, I am sure we have done due diligence on him and if we can get him fully fit he will be a great signing for us. I have got to say that I am grateful that he didn’t go back to Saints, that would have made me really nervous. Leeming is the one I am least sold on but I have to admit that he will offer us something different. Also, our recruitment is not over yet.'"
I just hope we don't lose fluidity in our attack with Smithies gone. His pivot play was hugely underrated particularly this season...not many 13's doing that anymore to the level he has been.
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