Sean Long

Quote: SaintsFan "You have to appreciate something with Sean Long. What you see is what you get. He's an individual, a 'character' of the sport. He's flamboyant and an egotist and audacious and as such he can be both brilliant and a pain in the Rse. His kicking this season has been dire, yes, but then there was the match at Catalans for us when we were losing and he kicked I think it was three from the touchline on his 'wrong' foot. That helped us win the match, along with Wheeler and his brilliant final try.

My bet is that no-one could tell you whether Longy is bothered or not about leaving Saints. He may be as gutted as he recently claimed he would be if he had to leave or he may not. He is too much of an individual to let anyone but those closest to him know such stuff. But if he is at peace with his decision then you will get a very hardworking player in Long and a still gifted one, both with his boot and in his ability to organise round the park. Sure, we have had the best of him (though his kicking has never been reliable, even at his peak) but he still has at least one good year left in him.

Taking on any new player is a risk but at least with Longy everyone has seen what he is capable of, both negative and positive, so Hull have done this with their eyes open. If your coach has given Long fairly free reign when it comes to organising your team around the park then my guess is Longy will go well for you.'"

I have no problem with Long as a player. He is by far the best SL no 7 and has been for years. His short kicking and creativity are excellent.

What my concern is does he have the heart to put the effort in week after week regardless of how tough it gets. Is he mr committed professional or is he just going to get a last payday before retirement. He is such a risk and an expensive one at that i would not touch him. If i was a saints fan i would be dissappointed and i am sure that he could still do it for saints for two more seasons. I do not see him transferring his allegiance to another team on the opposite side of the country. Please feel free to save this post to hammer me with next year because i have pasted mugwumps and others and i will be back here with i told you so.