: Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:57 pm  

sally cinnamon wrote:

I wouldn't mind us going for Michael Witt at the NZ Warriors. He's one of the players whos not a big name but has been a cult hero at all his clubs because he's a 100%er, and he has the Nat Wood thing about him in that he can suddenly pull something off that lifts the team when its a dead game. Also he would be without a doubt the best goalkicker in Super League. He seems to have been around the NRL for a while but he's only just turned 25.

Brian Smith brought him through the ranks at Parra so Tony can always canvas his opinion. In fact the Brian Smith connection will be good because he's still coaching in the NRL, so Tony can get an up to date opinion on any of the signings he's considering, to see whether they are still the business or starting to go on the decline.

Most of the players who Tony Smith has brought over from the NRL have been pretty successful in SL. He brought Brandon Costin over to Hudds, plus Andrew Frew, David Atkins, Troy Stone they were all good especially Costin. He also brought Graham Appo over here, our last Super League 'Dream Team' stand off! Anthony Colella started pretty well but then had a career ending injury.

At Leeds he signed Lauitiiti, Donald, Webb and Kylie Leuluai, they were all good.

The ones who didn't really make it were Ben Kusto at Hudds, and Clinton Toopi at Leeds. Mark O'Neill had an injury at Leeds but then went ok for Hull KR.

I've subscribed to Setanta this year to follow the NRL, which I haven't done for a few years, so I am looking forward to seeing some of these players.

I'm intrigued as to who Smith is going to look to recruit to solve our problems.

Re: Contract Renewals : Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:47 am  

fes wrote:

Head Coach: James Lowes 2009
Assistant Coach: Nigel Wright 2009
2. Paul Johnson 2009
6. Lee Briers home grown 2009
8. Adrian Morley 2009 with option for 2010
10. Paul Rauhihi Overseas Quota 2009
11. Louis Anderson Overseas Trained 2009
13. Vinnie Anderson Overseas Trained 2009
15. Paul Wood home grown 2009
17. Steve Pickersgill home grown 2009
18. Mike Cooper home grown 2009
20. Simon Grix 2009
21. Matty Blythe home grown 2009
23. Chris Hicks Overseas Quota 2009
25. Chris Bridge 2009
TBA. Adam Neal home grown 2009

Kevin Sinfield is on his way to us next year so a few of these players would have to be let go so we could fit him under the cap.

: Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:53 am  

Wonder what Matt Rodwell is doing these days.....

: Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:55 am  

Purplehaze wrote:

Wonder what Matt Rodwell is doing these days.....

Chief Executive of the Rugby League Professionals Association

Re: Contract Renewals : Wed Mar 18, 2009 5:47 pm  

Latchford Wolvesfan wrote:

Kevin Sinfield is on his way to us next year so a few of these players would have to be let go so we could fit him under the cap.

It'll Take More Than Tony Smith To Get Kevin Sinfield To Warrington!, 1st Place Champions To Current Wooden Spoon...

Re: Contract Renewals : Wed Mar 18, 2009 5:58 pm  

Head Coach: James Lowes 2009
Assistant Coach: Nigel Wright 2009
2. Paul Johnson 2009
6. Lee Briers home grown 2009
8. Adrian Morley 2009 with option for 2010
10. Paul Rauhihi Overseas Quota 2009
11. Louis Anderson Overseas Trained 2009
13. Vinnie Anderson Overseas Trained 2009
15. Paul Wood home grown 2009
17. Steve Pickersgill home grown 2009
18. Mike Cooper home grown 2009
20. Simon Grix 2009
21. Matty Blythe home grown 2009
23. Chris Hicks Overseas Quota 2009
25. Chris Bridge 2009
TBA. Adam Neal home grown 2009[/quote]

Ones in bold I would say bye, bye to. DEFINITELY keep Bridge and Adam, Bridge is one of the best half backs we have and i can't see any other half backs wanting to sign for us at the end of this season. I'd keep Mozzer as I love his collum in the MEN . Not sure about the Anderson's, Blythe And Grix, have to see how they go on.
The problem we have is that we have built a team around Briers, but his years of 'good' rugby are over now. We need to now build a team around a good 'youngish' player.

Re: Contract Renewals : Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:33 pm  

Keep: Wood, Cooper, Grix, Blythe, Hicks, L.Anderson, Neal

Release: Johnson, Briers, Morley, Rauhihi, V.Anderson, Pickersgill, Bridge


We need to decide early which players have a future beyond 2009, to determine next seasons budget, and put offers in for quality off contract players. I'm sure Tony Smith and co will have this all under control.

Any idea which top SL and NRL players are out of contract this summer?

: Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:46 pm  

[quote="fast_pug"]

For me Morley has past it he's not the once feared impact player he once was a great shame when we signed him I was over the moon!!
[/


Morley hasnt been the same since he has come back from Australia. When he was down under he was the best prop in the game IMO but the aggression has gone out of him these last couple of years and is only half the player. I really dont think he is as feared as he once was and thats a great shame.

: Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:53 pm  

how about a certain sonny bill williams, always plays with his heart on his sleeve, alryt he's into the old green notes big time but it has been sad he isn't enjoying RU as much as he thought. Would definately look forward to some monster hits and aggresive defensive structures with him on board.

: Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:12 am  

Jimmy Wire wrote:

how about a certain sonny bill williams, always plays with his heart on his sleeve, alryt he's into the old green notes big time but it has been sad he isn't enjoying RU as much as he thought. Would definately look forward to some monster hits and aggresive defensive structures with him on board.

One injury prone player replacing three? Not a good idea.