Quote: Cruncher "As I said ... I don't know whether his new contract puts him among the top 25 earners or not. I've already admitted that. But I still don't think it's a massive issue, because I trust the men in control to get these things more or less right. I'm not sure what kind of nightmarish impact you think this is going to have at Wigan, but clearly those in charge of Pryce on a day-to-day basis, and those in charge of balancing the club's finances, don't share that view. Now, you may disregard that as another "the coach is always right" argument killer, but all I'm saying is that, on recent evidence, I'm quite happy not to wet my knickers over something so unimportant.
But while I admire your ability to quote verbatim from the rulebook, Dave, I'm less impressed by your inability to respond to my main gripe, which was your immediate and completely unfounded accusation that this was an IFL decision not a Maguire/Wane decision. Now, I've admitted that I may be wrong about Pryce being a cheap option. Are you prepared to admit that you may have been a bit hasty in lumping the whole of the blame for this on IFL? Or, failing that, are you at least prepared to admit that you have no evidence for such a conclusion?'"
I wouldn't hold your breathe!
PS
Why should there be "Blame" for this resigning?
When needed, the guy came in last year and did IMO a Pretty decent job in his 10/12 appearances. Unless another youngster isn't getting a chance because :-
A/ Pryce is being paid too much money so there's none left (I sincerely doubt but as you say no-one other than a certain few at the club can assess that, but for me I'm guessing he's a pretty good cheap option. And I would guess better vlue for money back up squad player than a lot of other clubs have).
B/ Pryce is getting picked unfairly ahead of a Youngster without Warranting it (Which would be a slight on Madge/Wanes selection policy which I can't see there being an argument to say they have been unfair with any player). Meaning said Youngster moves on elsewherewhen the Club didn't want them to.
Then I don't see what the problem is? At least the scapegoat merchants can focus all of their efforts in 1 direction rather then argue over who's to blame for any defeat or mistake by the club.
PS
18/24 months ago I argued with a Sintelliner in Brisbane that in 2 years Wigan would be right up there at the top of the RL pile because they had at last learned how to show patience and allow youngsters to come through at their own place because the Club were building a "Squad" of players that meant Youngsters would be given a chance when it was the right tome, not because we had to play them!
I also wrote on a thread 12 months ago that our squad had far more "Strength in depth" than at any time for the past dozen years or so. Given the current salary cap situation give me a a Good squad of 25 players with maybe only 1or2 standout players than 6or7 standout players and only 17 front line/good enough players.
The Likes of Prescott/Pryce/Goulding/ even Hansen/O'Carroll/McCollorum/Mossop/ & Currently Farrell fall into this category for me, players who may not neccessarily make a starting 13/17 if everyone fit but over the course of a season will more than play their part if we are to have a Good season.
Just like last year!