What is the definition of Marquee Signing, the phrase that seems to be such a bone of contention with a couple of posters?

I take it to mean a top class player that people will come to see, an exciting signing that will prove to be a crowd pleaser and put revenue into the club.

I may be wrong with my definition and I would like to be corrected if I am.

If my definition is correct the reaction on here would confirm he is a marquee signing.

I've been wondering for a few days now how people can't say Bowen is a marquee signing?

He's been arguably the inform player in the whole of the NRL fpr a good few weeks ago. The season before that he was the runner up in their MOS competition!

He's got a pedigree that 2nd to none that's been built up by season upon season of sensational performances.

If Asotasi is a marquee signing then Bowen is definitely in his bracket. Same goes for other marquee signings like Hoffman, Barrett or Lam in years gone by.

Then again it won't fit in with the agenda some people on here like to push.

A transparent and mean-spirited attempt to save face.

But at least it's half a step away from the "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" attitude that certain other posters seem completely unaware they embody.

The thought of Matt Bowen having to struggle with the realisation that he is being so victimised - 'My God, he told them I was a 'marquee signing' and whatever else I am, I could NEVER be that!" - is quite tragic.

Gosh you are like one of those little yappy dogs that won't go away when kicked aren't u?

Save face?

On an internet forum?

Oh dear.....


As I always have done, I will post what I feel. If you don't like it, no-one is forcing you to read it.

For several seasons it was assumed that Bowen was 'past it' then he disproved that nonsense with his talent. This season being the best example that Bowen is far from past it.
Turns out the playing with injury thing has been mistaken for a decline in his ability due to aging.

For mine the Bowen situation is this simple , If fit he is truly a great player still ( no brainer really )

When Injured he plays like a tradesman Fullback , not a weak link , but a tradesman hanging in there for eighty minutes ( like every other great player on the planet )

When fit he is a dangerman and dominant player in the chances of his team in any given contest ( as Important as Thurston when Bowen handles the ball ).

Seriously good defender , one of the best defensive fullbacks in the modern game.

I actually think it is a good thing that Matty has had a low key intro with the ESL signing.

Tough proud nuggety player........now he has a point to prove , and only one season to achieve it.

Look out , Bowen is a fierce competitor and fantastic club man unleashed on the ESL , he is going to do serious damage if he stays fit.....unlike some other Aussie bludgers.....Bowen has never made the Kangaroos or been a pet in the Australian system....that will be his biggest asset in the ESL / proof him from lazy detached arrogance , Bowen will never underestimate his opposition....he never treated the NZWARRIRORS with disdain in all the years I've been watching him , others have to their folly.

Where he would rank in the ESL I couldn't offer an opinion , I've been watching Wigan and a few other games ( Mainly the top for sides ) as a net effect of the Tomkins rumors ( since proved reality ).

i would say he is not too far off Sam when fit on attack , ahead on defense.

That being the case you would think he has a shot at best fullback in the ESL next year with Sams absence

Superb post from someone more in the know than 90% of the posters on here. I happen to agree from the number of games I've watched with Bowen featuring recently. I particularly like the description about his attitude, we need a serious competitor as Sam was one of the fiercest I've seen! On the whole, a very pleasing signing for me.

Would love for this thread address to be saved for in 12 months time, see how many of the moaners are the ones pleading for the club to take up the 1 year option.

I dont care if he wins MOS, Lance Todd, Players player, Harry Sunderland fans player of the year.

No way should we offer him an extension as he is 30 plus and has crocked knees.

Do you think we should offer Sean O'Loughlin a contract extension?

Why are we arguing over the contract extension, let's see how he fits in
IMO He replaces some of the things we have lost with Pat an Sam leaving.
Older head with experienced
Class player
He has kicked
Better defensively than Sam
Here's hoping

I think you've lost all sense of rationality

I sense owd Tuggs was taking the pi$$.

No they didn't. If you listen to IL's interview on Wigan TV he stated the deal to sell Sam to NZ was only SIGNED 10 days ago after extensive negotiations and Sam deciding the time was right to test himself at the highest level. He went on to say if a player treats the club with dignity and respect the club will offer the same to the player. We also have the same contractual agreement as was inserted with Mossop. IF either player returns to SL Wigan have first option to sign them at an agreed salary. IF they don't return to SL i hope they go on to have great careers in the NRL and in Sam's case don't end up in union.

Bowen will be a fantastic signing, he offers similar attributes to Sam in attack and is superior in defence. He is vastly experienced and will offer a huge amount behind the scenes as well as on the pitch. If his fitness is a little suspect i would imagine the plan is to give Tierney and/or Hampshire a fair number of games anyway so even if fully fit wouldn't play every game.

As for describing him as 'marquee'. Why not. He's one of the top 5 full backs in RL. For those who think that's all spin ask yourself this. If Mathers was still our full back would you consider Bowen to be a marquee signing? I think most would.

If Bowen was in the postion Sam was in last night (1st half) where we had 5 man overlap on the right and he went left, Bowen would have committed the defender and guaranteed the score.