paragraph one: of course I agree on that - hence I wasn't suggesting he was incompetent enough to ignore the ramifications of signing overseas players

paragraph two: again I agree with your sentiments, though I would imagine he would go back to playing yawnion in the South of France (for example) on a lower wage, than live in the WF postcode for a year... I do feel that mercenaries like that won't look at what he could do for Wakefield, but what Wakefield can do for him. And I don't think that'd be a great deal at the moment

£££ ?

no no I get what you're saying Bren, absolutely.

but what you say there, that is only other option is retiring.... would you see it as good business to get him even if he was really cheap, when his body might not be up to playing a full season?

he's currently injured now - maybe he would accept a fairly low offer, if in his mind he won't be fit for a lot of the season anyway (purely speculation)

and how would you feel if you were correct? that he DOES sign merely to top up his pension fund with YOUR money???

It's simply down to the contract as far as money is concerned. If he was paid per his results or pay per play I'd be ok to give him a try.
There is no doubting his quality as long as his body can do it.

But he does have the one thing we need, the ability to steer the ship. We have runners and kickers and tacklers but no one to drive.
We've done well with old has beens before. I'd trust Agar on this one

I aren't suggesting it wouldn't be a good siging... I just don't see how it'd work fnancially. As I say it's pure speculation but I would imagine Wakefield wouldn't offer him anything near what he woud want.

And even then, he wouldn't agree to a "pay per play" deal, I would bet my house on that if I had one

It's a lot of oney for someone who might not regain full fitness, or stay fit, and IMO money would be better spent elsewhere.

Purely an example.... but maybe a loan deal for Gareth O'Brien??? Played 4 games for cas and half a season at saints and went well

You seem very invested in this Dave - personally I'm not too fussed, but if he does come, I'm confident that Agar will have thrashed out a deal that isn't too onerous.

As for the taking OUR cash to play - isn't that what all players do? It's great to have a few lads digging in for their hometown team, but it's naïve to think that any player does anything other than play for money.

no Bren but there's a middle ground. Gower I firmly believe was at London to MILK them for money.

We've signed Seymour who obviously has no real affection towards CTRLFC.... But he won't have demanded anything near what I'd expect Gower would.

That's probably the reason I'm so outspoken on the matter - I find it hard to suggest he was playing at London for any other reason than very very easy money. To me it was a 2 year holiday after he'd toured france and italy...

If I were you guys I wouldn't be thrilled about signing a 36-year-old to guide you round the park.... You've only to look at London's results last year to see how well he guided them

I was surprised when he went to London, so am not ruling the idea out but as you say Dave, I'd only want it to happen if we can afford it.
We've cleared quite a wage bill off our list so far.
In exactly the way you do fantasy football if me choice was

1) Fit Gower + say 1 prop from Championship
2) O'Brien + Samoan prop from world cup

for same money, I'd go with number 1

there's a key word in your option one though mate isn't there.

we will never know if he is affordable - in recent seasons that hasn't really bothered your management team... albeit a previous management team, granted.

It's purely my opinion, I aren't overly flustered about what signings you guys make anyway but it adds to the debate I guess... it's the balance between quality and quantity you guys need now.

You still have a couple of strike players left, and you're correct that you need a quality half back. I don't care how far people think the game has developed, half backs win the games.

So i do tend to agree with you, IF he stays fit.... If he does get injured, you're not going to win any matches, it's whether it's worth that gamble

What ever happens with us and Gower under no circumstances will we be in a situation were we'll be just topping his pension up. Have you not worked it out that MC is a tight git...in a nice way of course. I have every faith based on what I've seen so far that he has a good grasp on the market value of players(Liam kay excepted imo). I'm sure he is not that guillable to be taken for a ride, not especially after the way he has culled the top earners. I don't know how you can make any comparisons to Seymour unless you know his wage? No possible comparisons without the numbers. As an example Gower on £60k a year with the club having the right to terminate his contract at any time would be better value than Seymour on £50k for the year guaranteed. Again in my opinion!

I sense an irritable tone in your attitude since the worst has been averted and the recovery begins. Your not one of them types that only like to talk about rugby when your own team has the seemingly upper hand are you? I've met a few of them types over the years.

Understood. And if it were just down to me, I would not go that way unless I knew he had the attitude and the fitness we needed.
But it's a nice name to discuss.

I'm sure we are a bit starry eyed here too.
When he went to London I had my doubts. He'd been playing Union and was getting older, but when I saw him he seemed to be a good purchase (without knowing the price)
When i see his name in my imaginary team sheet he makes a big difference to the team but of course, I probably see the guy that I saw play for Australia, not the guy limping around London.

I guess we'll see. I don't mind us looking for that type of player but I am assuming MC will make sure we can afford it and RA will make sure he is good enough

I shall refrain from answering that, considering as a cas fan i put exactly £142 into WTW's coffers last year.

If you like, I am devastated that Wakefield haven't gone bust.

Otherwise, apology accepted

....certainly Pop's, he's better than the you currently have at 7... though if his fitness is aa doubt I'd stay well clear, else he'd be an expensive exra in the crowd, and your would be back in the halves

I just looked up some stats on him.
The only other players who represented Australia in 2003 when he last did, that are still playing are
Anthony Minichiello
Luke Lewis
Trent Waterhouse
Willie Mason
and Pietro Civoniceva Retired but playing in World Cup of course

I'd be ok if the top 3 wanted to play and I'd probably give Pietro a go too. Not so much big Willie