Quote: NickyKiss "His work rate is poor, he doesn’t look like he fancies the tough carries out of his own end, he looked like he didn’t want to be there at points when playing at centre last year when opposition second rowers/centres would run at him, he looks too heavy and his comments and general demeanour smack of a lad that sees his Wigan career as a fallback option and very much second best. Is it desire, application, attitude? I’m not sure but he wasn’t on his own as you point out.
That’s honestly how I’ve seen him since he’s come back. I believe he’s massively talented but I also don’t think he applies himself as he could. He certainly doesn’t play at full throttle like you always see guys like Davies, Marshall and Manfredi do. There’s time for him to change that and that’s why I’m happy to see him being left out currently because it should give him a shake up.
There’s no doubting his talent.'"
His work rate has never been the greatest, it's my biggest gripe about him. Don't necessarily agree that he looked like he didn't want to be here when playing in the centre's. I don't see any evidence of that and would suggest there were far greater issues.
In your quote you've said "he looked like", "his general demeanour", "a lad who sees Wigan as his fallback option (I'll say more on this later), "he doesn't apply himself as he could".
I don't perceive that too be evidence based more an opinion or observation. A
All if the above I would suggest raised their head more to do with the whole teams lethargy rather than anything individually he didn't do. Looking back at his record last year he actually did very well first half or So of the season and his try scoring record was as good as it's always been. I reckon he had 15 or so in his first 15 games If not more?
It also coincided with the introduction and the performances of Davies and Marshall. Whilst agreeing that their work rate is superior to budgies I don't agree that this only just happened. Budgies work rate needed to improve BEFORE he left the club.
He does however offer different attributes and certainly his all round game is superior to Marshalls (currently and when fit).
However I agree if he doesn't get his head down and does react badly (Not that he has before) then any ideas he may have of one day trying NRL again will be harder to come by as he won't be putting himself out there to be seen/wanted.
What I want is for the "x" years of his contract, I want to see him perform as well as he Can. If that leads to opportunities elsewhere then that's a whole different debate. But while he is here then I want to get the best out of him, and I don't believe his attitude or performances have been bad, in fact they've been pretty good imo.
He does look a bit off presently but since he picked up that injury 5mins I to Leigh pre season game I would suggest he's 4/5 weeks behind others fitness etc wise. That may have a bigger effect than any perceived judgement of his attitude or desire.
a 70m try is some effort from a forward!
