I've got no dog in the fight here, although I've seen a few matches etc Toppo was way before my time, but what's the point in pigeonholing other posters right off the bat as being rose tinted. Imo it's usually done to make your opinion somehow look more subjective and theirs not, meaning your right and their wrong.

Also who's stopping you from voicing your opinion Avenger, I can't see anyone and you seem to be doing a good job of voicing it. Seems to me a good old difference of opinions.

If I get chance today I'll split out the Toppo discussion as it's a divergence from Hampshire which is the point of the thread. I'm as guilty of not more so than anyone.

Had Toppo played for Leeds, who I understand tried to sign him, he would have had a bucketful of caps.
Another factor is that, in that era there was a glut of 'World class' 'good' - call 'em what you will, Stand Off halves.
All I can say is that it was an absolute pleasure to see the career's of Harold Poynton and David Topliss both of whom would have walked into an SL team today, such was their quality.

Back to the thread,I'll be disappointed if Hampshire doesn't re-sign but not gutted.

the Half backs from the past we’re allowed to play what they see the half backs now are told how to play. They stay one side of the field it’s get to that blade of grass to get to that blade of grass all the flair is taken out of them and they are basically robots. Can you imagine Edwards schofield Hanley woods topliss Holmes being told to stay on one side of field and don’t move. If you’ve got talented ball players who can make things happen then put the damn thing in their hands as much as possible. Simple game made hard

I have some sympathy with this view - but a return to that style of play would be an absolute disaster against a modern, well drilled defence; the only way it would work is if every SL team agreed to revert to old school RL on the same day. Imagine putting the ball in the hands of a HB every play and letting them do what they wanted - more often than not, they'd get absolutely starched by a gang of mobile forwards, and the play would break down - as would the unfortunate HB.

There's plenty to love about how the game used to be played - but it just isn't like that any more; it's now a scientifically researched 'percentage' endeavour, where flair and individual brilliance can actually be detrimental to the overall team performance - despite being sometimes situationally successful and very exciting to watch.

Agreed, the mentality came from Australia originally and we have without imagination stuck to it ever since, which is ironic because the Aussies ditched it years ago.

What it requires is for the coaching staff to drop down a peg and trust the players they have. Its just my opinion but the coaching/tactics side of the game has become to great in recent years and has nullified the skill of the sport to an extent.

A lot of our issues come from P&R imo, most clubs start the season cautiously and remain so until the horrors of relegation are behind them by which point its generally to late. The Aussies have no such issues and it shows.

Its a whole wider issue I know and I certainly don't have the answers but it continually weakens our sport imo.

Leeds did try to sign him but didn't want him to play in Australia in the off season. Toppo chose Australia.

not just us but in the Widnes game we never changed the style of play even when it should of just been 5 drives and play for position with our bigger pack we’ve done same at London twice when our pack is much bigger, it’s as though players are scared to try anything. It’s not just us it’s nearly every team and it’s making the game robotic. Most centres can’t pass to their winger as they are built up rigid back rowers it’s all play to middle then play one side behind the back. The games simple and drop offs and run arounds and driving the ball in hard and creating space works.

Always think it's difficult to compare players from different generations as the game is so different nowadays! Much fitter players...lots more interchanges, as has been said, more emphasis on structures, completing sets etc...

As the thread is about Hampshire, just imagine the way he plays now and running at forwards from the 70's/80's...his speed and quick feet, he would have a field day!

It seems a difficult triangle at the moment...

Hampshire wanting the bets deal possible for himself...

His agent wanting the best possible deal for his client..

The club offering what they think he's worth within the wage structures of the squad..

All three well within their rights and hopefully they can all come together and get it sealed...

If not it's not the end of the world....think it's pretty obvious from reading all around the internet that just about every Wakefield fan wants him to sign but the vast majority also would understand from all sides if a deal wasn't reached...

Any news on the Hampshire signing yet.

Signed back with Wigan along with the other overrated players in SL

Hooley is also OOC.

It would not have surprised me, Wigan did after all give him 4 new contracts while he was there hence the wages he was reportedly on, my question though was not a joke just a hint of sarcasm over all our yesterdays and having nothing to do with this thread.

So Hampshire. Headless chicken stuff tonight.