My thoughts also on Hampshire

There as not been any halfbacks in S L half as good as toppo I saw him play Right is way in front of rocky as well

I like Ryan a lot is main attribute is is pace in which you cannot beat or defend against, But ryan to me is in a vicious circle as a player he need more experience to make them correct Crucial calls in a game when it's needed most and that doesn't come without years of playing at the top level so i hope he is staying, But if he want's to go then fair enough good luck to the lad and then we could look at someone like jackson hastings.





Up The Trin

That’s a big statement and it’s your opinion so fair enough, however I don’t agree with you.

Toppo was a good halfback but not the best of his own generation, many of his peers were as good or better such as John Holmes, John Joyner, Steve Hartley, John Woods, Ken Kelly, Tony Myler, Eric Hughes etc

In the more modern era Sean Long was a better player as was Iestyn Harris, Robbie Paul, Tommy Martyn, Danny McGuire etc and that’s just trying to stick to Stand Offs & excluding Scrum Half’s.

With no disrespect toward Toppo at all, I think people view him with rose tinted glasses because of his loyalty for 10 years or so. IMO the best and more deserving of Legendary status Stand Off I’ve seen in Trinity colours is Harold Poynton.

I can't believe you have just said Tommy Martyn and Danny McGuire were better than David Topliss.

It's OK to list some of those players who played in DTs era as great players but Eric Hughes was a centre who moved to stand off, Tony Myler played when Topliss was getting old so a poor comparison, Steve Hartley was all about his speed and not creative and in fact wasn't even the best half back at his own club as he played alongside Roger Millward, John Holmes is a legend at Leeds and a truly great stand off but as much for his longevity just like you say Topliss is. Woods had skills there is no doubt but just not as good as the others in my opinion. Joyner was also a centre at his best.

Harold Poynton was an absolute great but played in such a different era it is really hard to compare.

But as the point was about Hampshire, I like him a lot, but as a half back, Topliss and Wright were considerably better. Rocky has lots of potential and time to improve to be able to catch them up.

Tommy Martin and Danny McGuire and Poynton aso well as the other stand-offs mentioned all played in teams with great players round them eg Burrows etc .Torppo was in a good Wakefield team but not great players round him.Toppo played for G B about twice against Australia at Wembley he run rings round them .He played in Ozz for one season at a unfashionable club got them into the top 8 and think they got to the final. Got to say hope Rocky stays, but if not wish him all the best but think there's a few players I would keep before Rock8

I don't know how old you are avenger but I am of an age that was lucky enough to watch toppo throughout his career. IMHO he was definitely the best stand off of his generation. Every away ground we went to wanted to know if he was playing they were petrified of him. The only season I can remember not being consistently great was the year after he went to Australia. The lad had everything and he was lightening over 30 yards.

It was not just his speed over 30 yards he could run at full pelt while is body was tilted .Kevin Harkin who played with him at Hull told me he tried to show a three quarters lineof New Zeland international how to do it and they kept falling over

I agree 100%, wotsup. The natural successor to his mentor Harold Poynton. I've not seen a SO like him since. Our loss was very much Hull's gain; even in Toppo's advancing years. Rocky, whilst a very able stand off, not in the same league as Toppliss

I was lucky enough to see both Poynton and Toppo play. Toppo's speed and acceleration was amazing.

Think this thread has been de railed some what. The talk of Alex walker next year coming to trin is a good option if Ryan thinks he's worth a bit more than wakey are prepared to pay

If Ryans signed already and the club will announce at some time all well and good. If however hes on his way out and found a club to offer him a regular spot good luck. Its not just a matter of going to another club it playing reg in a set position . Im not sure any SL club can offer him that.
The club must know his intentions and if hes refused to sign for what ever reason replace him in the squad. We have cover at FB with B R and BJB .

As I said earlier, a lot of rose tinted memories of Toppo, I watched him throughout his career as many of you say you did. I’m not in any way saying he wasn’t a very good player because he was but Trinity fans often go over the top about his ability.

Totally disagree that he was just "a very good player". IMO he was world class but we are all entitled to our own view

You are on your own Avenger.

I accept he's not the greatest ever, but he's so much better than most of the ones you name you must be trying to make some point I don't understand.