Berrigan made it perfectly clear whaen he got here that he was a player who just went about his business on the field quietly and otherwise kept himself to himself. There were numerous hard working defensive hookers that could have played that role for us in the UK especially as his "flair" has all but disappeared over the last 18 months or so. Not his fault. He was signed and presented as a "marquee" player and came at a hefty cost. An expensive marquee player needs to be inspirational , do lots of work off the field and be special on it. He's been generally ordinary. He has had no more real impact on the team or our performances over the period he's been here that a number of other less expensive 9's could have done.

hatEhat a load of tosh.Do you lot not see what Shaun has done since his arrival?He was our best player the first 2 years playing out of position and not fully fit.Even when he did play at 9 he never had the players around him.He took us forward every game,not to mention the work he does in defence.
Fair enough he not been as good this year but give him time.He's had a tough time this year and injurys not been good either.
World class?DEFO.You just watch him shine next season.
Richard Swain is 1 of my all time greats by the way.

WhhaShat a load of tosh.Do you lot not see what Shaun has done since his arrival?He was our best player the first 2 years playing out of position and not fully fit.Even when he did play at 9 he never had the players around him.He took us forward every game,not to mention the work he does in defence.
Fair enough he not been as good this year but give him time.He's had a tough time this year and injurys not been good either.
World class?DEFO.You just watch him shine next season.
Richard Swain is 1 of my all time greats by the way.

I agree, he's not been terrible by any means but I can't see how anyone can argue that the cap-space he takes up could be better used elsewhere.

He has plenty of pace still,maybe not as much as younger years but enough.Kieron Cunningham got no pace but would you say no to him?Shaun makes things happen without pace,that delayed pass him uses unlocks defences time after time.These are the things a lot of people don't see though.
Who would you like to bring in on his wage and quota?of the available players.

His pedigree is way above that of monaghan but I know which I'd rather have

So putting 2008 to one side do you think he's been value for money in 2009 and 2010?

Wire fans wanted rid of Monaghan right up until Smith took over. Over their entire SL careers I'd say there's not much difference in their value for money. Monaghan is clearly in better form now though.

I don't know. Exactly how much money are we talking about?

I always thought Monaghan played well at 7 before Smith was there, remember him having a blinder against us on his debut.

I've highlighted the key bit. Maybe that's why we've not seen the best of berrigan

He had a few good games but was mostly unimpressive, to the point where Wire fans were offering to buy him a ticket home at times. Has been much better since Smith restructured the side and is now showing why he was sought after when he became available.

Worth noting that he's had a much easier time of it at Wire regards injuries and team structure than Berrigan has, mind.

In 2009, yes. Or at least as much as anyone in our squad were value for money. We were still mid table up until he was out injured, and the slump set in shortly after then. Coincidence?

2010, no, I've already agreed with you.

By my reckoning then, that's one outstanding season, one very good one then ruined by injury, and one disappointing one. Still puts him ahead of most of our squad, so I strongly disagree with the amount of criticism thrown his way and consider calls for him to be shown the door way out of line.