Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri May 24, 2024 8:55 am  

bazdev wrote:

With the wraps Peet continually gives to Farrimond I can't imagine us blocking his pathway with Mikey Lewis. French is tied down long term also. Non starter for me

I agree unless there is proposed player movement within the club at the end of the season.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri May 24, 2024 11:20 am  

NSW wrote:

Batemans first spell he’d be in conversation to be in our all time SL team.

2021 he was really poor. 2022 he was good not great but didn’t hit the heights 2014-2020 (Canberra included).

I still think an NRL team would come in for. Would be a brilliant signing for Leigh though, they’ve money to spend.

Admittedly I’m not one of Bateman’s biggest fans however, with minimal thought I can think of several players who for me are/were far better than Bateman namely Andy Farrell, Liam Farrell, Hock, Fletcher, Betts, Tomkins, Hansen and Isa.
His first season in the nrl he was impressive but for me a fit athletic player but with very limited attacking abilities.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri May 24, 2024 11:25 am  

Big Steve wrote:

I think the longer term plan willl be to move Brad to 13 and Leeming and Forber as 9

That would be my preferred route particularly if/when Nsemba and Walters are the second row pair.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri May 24, 2024 8:52 pm  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

Admittedly I’m not one of Bateman’s biggest fans however, with minimal thought I can think of several players who for me are/were far better than Bateman namely Andy Farrell, Liam Farrell, Hock, Fletcher, Betts, Tomkins, Hansen and Isa.
His first season in the nrl he was impressive but for me a fit athletic player but with very limited attacking abilities.

I don't think I could include Isa and Tomkins (assume you mean Joel?) in your list, Itchy. I wouldn't dispute the others, though.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri May 24, 2024 11:09 pm  

moto748 wrote:

I don't think I could include Isa and Tomkins (assume you mean Joel?) in your list, Itchy. I wouldn't dispute the others, though.

Joel's first spell puts him right in the mix. Phenomenal player pre union

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri May 24, 2024 11:34 pm  

I presume Itchy means Sam. If that is the case then I agree. I have not seen a better fullback at Wigan than Sam and I have watched this team for a long time.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri May 24, 2024 11:40 pm  

Zig wrote:

I presume Itchy means Sam. If that is the case then I agree. I have not seen a better fullback at Wigan than Sam and I have watched this team for a long time.

Meeither mate but hes on about back rowers compared to Bateman so surely he means Joel

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat May 25, 2024 8:50 am  

moto748 wrote:

I don't think I could include Isa and Tomkins (assume you mean Joel?) in your list, Itchy. I wouldn't dispute the others, though.

I thought Joel was great before his departure to union. For me his all round game was much better than Bateman.
I did hesitate before naming Isa but thought what does Bateman offer what Isa cannot do? Both fit, athletic and committed whilst both offer limited attacking options. That’s not criticism of either player but for me is a summary of both players abilities.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat May 25, 2024 10:53 am  

John Bateman was right up there IMO during his first spell for us. I wouldn’t have him above Betts, Hock or Liam Farrell but I would put him ahead of anyone else (in Superleague) in terms of his overall contribution. You could make a case for guys like Hoffman and Fletcher being better but they were only here for a short spell. I’d personally leave Andy Farrell out of it, with him being used usually at 13 and then that spell at prop.

Still doesn’t change my mind that we’ve had his best days now and we should (and will) stay well clear.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sat May 25, 2024 3:11 pm  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

I thought Joel was great before his departure to union. For me his all round game was much better than Bateman.
I did hesitate before naming Isa but thought what does Bateman offer what Isa cannot do? Both fit, athletic and committed whilst both offer limited attacking options. That’s not criticism of either player but for me is a summary of both players abilities.

Fair enough mate. Joel was a very good player.