Quote: Deano G "I didn't see Hanley play live at the age Sam is now, so it's difficult for me to compare players at different stages in their career.
I did see the young Jason Robinson emerge onto the RL scene, who in terms of match winning ability and natural talent was the only British player I've seen who at his peak approached Hanley.
Robinson was such an exciting player to watch, but I think Sam is a better player. Defences and fitness levels now are better than they were in the early 90s, and there are hardly any players around now who are genuine match winners. Tomkins is such a standout player in SL it is untrue.
I'd be interested to hear from people that did see the young Hanley develop as a player, but my guess would be that Sam is near or on a par with him. The fantastic thing about Sam though is that he is not yet at his peak. He was sensational last season, but has been even better this season and he is still improving, learning and developing.
He's a great player already IMO but it's not clear where his limits are, we will find out over the next few years (injuries permitting) just how great a player he can go on to be. If the reality is scary for the rest of SL, his potential must be terrifying, it's no wonder the anti-Wigan hate mob has been in full cry this season. For Wigan fans though, whatever happens this season, this is a golden moment in time even in the great history of our club - champions, an extraordinary coach, a captain whose grit, dedication and loyalty to the club are now being rewarded and a sensational young player who looks like he could well become one of the all time greats of RL. Even for someone who saw the great sides of the early 90s, this is a special time.'"
While I'm leery of proclaiming Sam an RL great at this stage of his career, I think if we were to lose him to Union it would be a genuine catastrophe for the game - much more so than any of the others losses were.
Sam is far and away the most exciting 'back' talent to emerge in the British game for many years. The likes of Chris Ashton and Ian Thornley could only dream about being as good as this kid. If we were to lose him to another sport, it would be proof positive that British RL either lacks the will or the ability to protect its crown jewels and therefore might as well stop unearthing them.
At present things are fine, but the worry will come when Sam's next contract is up for negotiation. I sincerely hope that by then some kind of deal will have been agreed enabling UK clubs to spend more cash on our top talent, because I reckon his agent will ask telephone numbers.
