Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 12:30 pm  

NSW wrote:

Read an article confirming Hardaker was looking for a move to a Yorkshire club because of the drive.

I get the vibe he’s just “putting up with it this year” and looking for the move next year.

Think Jai Fields Mrs is back in Aus and hes not particularly enjoying England and he’s “putting up with it” this year. With a look for a return to the NRL next year (already mentioned by Moley).

Bevan still an unknown on his return this year but certainly can’t see him being at Wigan in 2023.

Our 3 xfactor backs all on the move in 2023.

A lot of work to do in recruitment this year.

Loads of work, but a massive opportunity too.

I'd love to see us sign an established guy. Someone 27/28 or so with plenty of experience and just hits the ground running for 3 years. Think Coote at Saints as the perfect example. Not a superstar in the NRL, but not a project signing either.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 12:39 pm  

NSW wrote:

Read an article confirming Hardaker was looking for a move to a Yorkshire club because of the drive.

I get the vibe he’s just “putting up with it this year” and looking for the move next year.

Think Jai Fields Mrs is back in Aus and hes not particularly enjoying England and he’s “putting up with it” this year. With a look for a return to the NRL next year (already mentioned by Moley).

Bevan still an unknown on his return this year but certainly can’t see him being at Wigan in 2023.

Our 3 xfactor backs all on the move in 2023.

A lot of work to do in recruitment this year.

I cant really say Hardaker is Xfactor anymore. He is a strong reliable performer but I think he can be replaced fairly comfortably. I would hope Sam Halsall will be pushing for that spot in 2023, I think he is a very exciting prospect.

French situation should be a lot clearer for him given the recent passing of his mum. It may make him want to be at home or it may make it easier to settle for a while in SL.

Field - again not one I would call X factor yet but certainly looks promising from the Wire game.

The key in all the above cases is that the club are communicating with them and know what their intentions are as early as possible, we do seem to be pretty good at that though, so we can ID replacements as early as possible on the open market.

I personally don't think we need both French and Field in a sport governed by a salary cap. It would be an ether/or for me not both, with the salary and quota spot of 1 of them used to strengthen elsewhere.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 2:55 pm  

jonh wrote:

I cant really say Hardaker is Xfactor anymore. He is a strong reliable performer but I think he can be replaced fairly comfortably. I would hope Sam Halsall will be pushing for that spot in 2023, I think he is a very exciting prospect.

French situation should be a lot clearer for him given the recent passing of his mum. It may make him want to be at home or it may make it easier to settle for a while in SL.

Field - again not one I would call X factor yet but certainly looks promising from the Wire game.

The key in all the above cases is that the club are communicating with them and know what their intentions are as early as possible, we do seem to be pretty good at that though, so we can ID replacements as early as possible on the open market.

I personally don't think we need both French and Field in a sport governed by a salary cap. It would be an ether/or for me not both, with the salary and quota spot of 1 of them used to strengthen elsewhere.

I agree mate, maybe instead of xfactor I should have said “highly paid” outside backs.

I agree Hardaker isn’t xfactor any more and should be moved on, especially as he finds driving a couple of hours on a commute such a chore (should try doing a real job).

Field I think will go. Hope he has a cracking season and gets NRL offers.

We should throw everything at Bevan staying but can’t see it.

With Tommy at the end and Sam Powell off contract it is certainly going to be interesting.

I note Briers saying Tommy is the best player he’s ever coached.

Also we know Wanes love of Sam Powell (always mentions him with Farrel, SOL and Sam as his favourites to coach), I can see him staying for stability purposes.

VERY interesting year.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 3:06 pm  

jonh wrote:

I personally don't think we need both French and Field in a sport governed by a salary cap. It would be an ether/or for me not both, with the salary and quota spot of 1 of them used to strengthen elsewhere.

I’m convinced we signed Field thinking French would leave, cruel irony we barely saw either play last year.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 3:43 pm  

I think Hardaker gets a lot of disservice on here from some fans, I’m not saying he’s a superstar but he’s a really good full back and a solid centre that doesn’t get injured a lot and can be depended on. I don’t know if it’s because it looks inevitable he’s leaving that people are saying this but at the right price I would like to see him stay on, his worth is emphasised even more by the lack of decent talent around at centre which resulted in him playing international rugby this off season.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 4:02 pm  

CobraCraig wrote:

I think Hardaker gets a lot of disservice on here from some fans, I’m not saying he’s a superstar but he’s a really good full back and a solid centre that doesn’t get injured a lot and can be depended on. I don’t know if it’s because it looks inevitable he’s leaving that people are saying this but at the right price I would like to see him stay on, his worth is emphasised even more by the lack of decent talent around at centre which resulted in him playing international rugby this off season.

I dont think he has the impact of a complete 1 since he left Cas. He has however shown to be a very good player in the centre for Wigan and a great defensive fullback. I believe he is an asset to the team and I also think he has developed into a natural leader, which if he were to go, as does seem likely, we would miss that element of his game most.

Being realistic though he is a player who at 30 now has more than likely had his best days behind him and whilst he undoubtedly brings something to the table I think by the end of 2022 in particular he won't be too big a loss. I have high hopes for Halsall and believe he will be ready to step forward there are others in the squad that can offer a similar defensive style to Zak as that is now the type of player he has become.

I have no doubt he could do a job at Wigan beyond 2022 and I think he will do well after he leaves (if he does so) but it just feels like the Wigan and Hardaker partnership has run it's course and the timing is right for both parties to move on.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 4:54 pm  

CobraCraig wrote:

I think Hardaker gets a lot of disservice on here from some fans, I’m not saying he’s a superstar but he’s a really good full back and a solid centre that doesn’t get injured a lot and can be depended on. I don’t know if it’s because it looks inevitable he’s leaving that people are saying this but at the right price I would like to see him stay on, his worth is emphasised even more by the lack of decent talent around at centre which resulted in him playing international rugby this off season.

He has no passing game, which is an absolute key in the modern game sadly.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 5:17 pm  

Hardaker has been good for Wigan but we can’t kid ourselves that he’s ever hit his top form for more than a few games at the start of last season (anybody who thinks he’s been at his best for us is probably underestimating just how good he can be and has been in the past at Leeds and Cas) I’d put his time here on a solely playing basis as a solid 7/10. I think he thinks he’s been messed around a bit positionally but the right decisions have been made for the team IMO.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 6:23 pm  

He’s 30 (31 later this year), past his best and doesn’t want to be at the club.

Can’t understand anyone wanting him to stay, he’ll be a very solid fullback for Cas/Wakey/Huddersfield next year.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Feb 03, 2022 7:33 pm  

NSW wrote:

He’s 30 (31 later this year), past his best and doesn’t want to be at the club.

Can’t understand anyone wanting him to stay, he’ll be a very solid fullback for Cas/Wakey/Huddersfield next year.

He will be a loss as he has been solid for us. If he does go, Halsall has to be set to take his place at centre.