[Bulliac]

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:13 am  

Ewwenorfolk wrote:

I've been quick to jump on the clubs back recently, but I don't think there's anything else they could do on this one.

I will be very annoyed if there's no extra investment in playing terms.

I'm not sure how much of a coincidence it is that these announcements seem to fall after the early bird deadline, but it's not going to convince those of us who haven't bought one yet to 'belong' for next year.

I think this was pretty much expected by the club, in fact I'd suspect that Disko was largely re-signed on the expectation of Heath leaving. With O'Brien as the heir to the position and Nathan Conroy next in line I'd hope we would give them a chance rather than looking for another hooker. To do so would be a kick in the face for young Adam who hasn't looked at all out of place when he's had the chance.

IF, there were to be incomings on the back of losing heath I can see more useful positions than hooker - a strong centre, for instance.

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:20 am  

Gutted at this news, Heath was one of the last few quality players we had left. Going into next season with a hooker pairing of Diskin and O'Brien is a scary thought.

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:43 am  

O'Brian has served his apprenticeship and like others have said, we need to give our youngsters genuine opportunities to cement their places, or they'll be off too.
Danny Addy can cover this position (as seen, doing very well in the Scotland shirt) and maybe Jarrod can play there too - we've not had an abundance of play makers, maybe 2014 might change that?

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 11:49 am  

O'Brien deserves his chance as either first choice starting or interchange hooker next season. I'd like to sign another hooker to play the other position though, to free up Diskin for other duties, like getting the half time oranges ready.

[Bullseye]

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 12:14 pm  

Let's face it there have been rumours of L'Estrange going for months. It's not much of a surprise.

I reckon we may sign McShane since he'll be cheap and give us three option at hooker. This is important when you consider we often have two in the 17 and Diskin isn't getting any younger or quicker and O'Brien is only young and inexperienced.

Saying that though I can see us going with Diskin, O'Brien and Conroy if the season ticket sales stay as they are.

The bottom line is that unless more people buy season tickets the less chance we'll be able to strengthen the team. We're living hand to mouth. If you want top flight RL in Bradford you have to get your hand in your pocket until we can land outselves a big money backer.

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 1:12 pm  

woolly07 wrote:

He decided the obvious way and will get a contract down under quickly.

If he does, that will be two players the club have released early who have landed NRL contracts immediately with us seeing not a penny.

Naughton I could understand, fee wouldn't be that much and potentially first refusal if/when he returns to the UK could be worth more. This isn't the same, smacks of us being in a very weak position even with our own players.

No gripe with Heath, he has to look out for himself and his family and I wish him well.

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 2:21 pm  

Season ticket sales are like the chicken and the egg, people won't buy whilst we continue to leak our best players and we can't sign players because people won't buy season tickets. One of the two has to give and it'll have to be the club I reckon.

This has been rumoured for ages even before the season ended, you would have hoped we've been planning for this for a while now and have some good news lined up.

Don't blame Heath and nobody can question his contribution whilst he was here.

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 2:30 pm  

Gutted at Heath leaving i always thought the the team played better with him on the field, really liked the bloke. Good luck back in Oz mate.

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 2:35 pm  

I'm more bothered that a rhino fan announced this!!!

Re: L'Estrange : Mon Nov 11, 2013 3:41 pm  

Don't like the sound of Diskin being first choice with O'Brien/Conroy as a replacement from the bench. We are going to really miss L'Estrange.