Signing Rich is [ianother[/i Piece in next seasons jigsaw.
All these people calling him 'average' must be watching a different game/player to me. He may not be the superstar that (some) fans want to see but, for me he's a necessity, where would we have been without him over the last few seasons?
The number of positions he’s been asked to play (and played well) should tell you his value to the club: - Fullback, centre, loose forward, stand off and even wing on the odd occasion.
He’s above ‘average’ in respects of his; tackling, enthusiasm, professionalism, work ethic and he’s an intelligent player whatever the position who can read the game better than your “average” player.
The other bonuses are; he doesn’t bring unwanted headlines or rumours to the club, he’s obviously well liked by the players and (most) fans.

I'm really pleased at re-signing Rich. Fantastic player and wears the irregular hoops with pride and passion. Even if he doesn't find a regular position in the starting 13, he's the sort of player who puts a lot of pressure on so many other players to perform. knowing full well that Whiting can do more than an adequate job in their place, the likes of Tansey, Yeamo, Hall, Horne and the back row forwards will all be having to play for their places. Great player to have on the bench but at the same time it does seem a bit of a waste not to have him starting.

Why isnt he.....doesnt he go down the pub and get legless all the time like some of the others.......Whiting is a superb player,great rugby brain makes up for his pace...he reads the game well and joins the line to great effect...he is a ultimate pro and i would sooner have 13 Rich Whitings than 13 pi$$ heads.

Post of the week

Fair enough, you are entitled to your opinion. Personally I see a 24 year old getting one year at a club that failed to make the playoff's two years in a row as a bit of an indication that he is just plum average.

Indeed, a similar player to Scott Murrell

JUst occassionally as you watch our team over the years you see a player to whom everything 'Comes Natural'. Whiting can read a game and be very influential pace or no pace. When at full back recently he seems to have so much time, probably becuase he reads the game so well. More importantly he is also a brilliant 'Johnny on the spot' if there is a lose ball anywhere near him he will come up with it, and he can also spot gaps that others cannot, true his pace may mean he cannot exploit them but this week at headingley has proved that in the future we will have plenty who can! Pace is fine, but without invention and ability it is futile, unless you are a winger!

He is a good signing and it gives the club the player and the fans a year to decide if he is right long term. He could be off at the end of the year or, as Tickle will be leving at the end of 2010 he could be a fine replacement, time will tell, but you cannot buy the ability he has! One thing is for sure he will conduct himself with a deal of integrity away from the pitch and be first at any community events, whatever the outcome.

For me he is not your average utility player, but much more than that, and I am pleased about this signing now for Sam to complete the Tongan Triangle!!

Replacement for Tickle, yup, average for average.

We need to get a bit more ambitious Wilf.

If he is plum average then i hate to see players better than him........the way you quote it,he is to blame for us missing the play-offs.....yes he is unlucky that he is versatile but he is a valuable member of the squad and every club has utility players....he is a superb player and should have been given a longer deal...ALL I.M.O of course.

Well said, Rich is a good player with great vision, he puts his body on the line and is a professional on and off the pitch.

i thought he was off now? why will he be defiantley leaving end of 2010?

cos thats when his contract is up.

i know that but why is there no chance of him getting another one or more to the point why is he staying for next season when some 'in the know' claimed he was off?

wanted to stay at hull and after 2 horrific injuries he asked his agent not to push things with his new contract cos he wanted to prove his fitness guess thats why hes only got a 1 year deal.