Nothus wrote:
We have Blythe, Purtell and Henry fighting for starting positions. Whether you think they are 'unknown' or 'crap' is irrelevant. Those are the players we have.
In the reports when we signed both Gaskell and Winterstein, it was specifically mentioned that they can both play centre, so FC clearly sees them as backup. I think you can throw Sam Wood and Luke George into this category too.
So that leaves us with a total of 7 players who can play centre to some degree. That is plenty imo, and whilst I would love to see Leilua in a Bulls shirt next season, splashing the cash on a flair player is not a luxury we can afford right now.
I'm not saying we SHOULD sign a centre, just that I could understand the logic. I think it's one position (in fact maybe THE position), we're really lacking in quality at the moment. Not including Adam Henry in that, as I legitimately have no clue what he'll be like.
Whether we have players who can play it or not isn't always that relevant. I could play centre, but doesn't mean I'll be any good there. Sam Wood looks like he could be a decent player in a couple of years, but he's certainly some size off being a Super League centre yet. Having other players like George, Winterstein, Gaskell who CAN play there is nice. But they shouldn't be considered anything but backup if we get an injury or two.
Personally I'd like to see us sign a centre to replace Purtell, but it will likely have to wait until next year when he's out of contract. Until then, as you say, we can manage. But let's not pretend it's anything but managing with what we have, rather than having more than 1 or 2 good options there.
I agree that with the current budget, we shouldn't be looking at signing players we don't need. Which is why I said "if available and affordable". I wouldn't sign anyone if it wasn't affordable, as it's not worth it.
Just making the point that centre is a position we're lacking (unless Henry turns out great), so you could see why we may be looking there for potential recruits.
