: Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:02 pm
Re- the Long Sam Myler.
Many posters on here Jonh etc seem to be fixated on signing Orford and completely slamming the suggestion I made of signing both Long and Myler.
Firstly, lets rewind back a few years and look at Mr ML himself, a man who was torn to pieces by the Wigan fans (and often rightly so) for signing 'past it' Aussies. Fast forward to today and we see a number of posters cavansing to sign a 30something Aussie halfback. Who has already seen his best years in Aus.
Lets look at this as a potential signing (despite the fact that Orford isn't looking for a move).
He would want a good slice of the CAP, this has obvious knock on effects. He's of a certain age that no matter how good he is for our club he isn't going to be around to form a lasting partnership in the halves at Wigan.
So is signing Orford going to deliver Wigan the partnership that is going to be around for the next 6,7,8, years? No, at maximum he play his part over a two year period, then leave us wanting a new 7 and having to start again in building a lasting partnership. We would be right back where we started from with no long term plan in such a key area of any team.
What happens if he plays well, will that help long term? No. Barrett was excellent for Wigan but his departure left us at 6s and 7s having to mix and match potential partnerships in the halves having little success resulting in a Wigan team which lacks flair and the ability to move the ball around playing attacking successful rugby.
Bringing in both Long and Myler has obvious benefits, an experienced player (arguably the best 7 in SL over the last 10yrs) who can work with the young halves helping them become a formidable long serving partnership in SL.
From here, as I suggested Sam could play FB or alternatively come on from the bench for Long. Here we would have another attacking option when Sam arrives on the field. Long could rest prolonging his playing career and Sam could continue his playing education without having to play 80mins in each match.
This would also 'buffer' the idea of signing Myler alone and asking two young halfbacks to steer a team to success (often behind a beaten pack).
Long would miss certain games to prolong his career and allow Sam and Myler to play on occasion together (more and more over the next 2 seasons) so as Long left the club we would have 2, still reality young halves with 3 years SL experience and the knowledge of how to break down a team and more importantly how to win a game.
Such a signings would shield the young halves for now and also create a lasting quality partnership for years to come.
Lockyer came from a AFL background so he can play FB in RL? Different sport. Silly post.
Edwards was a FB in a different time? Yes he was. A time when players got away with more and were a lot harder on younger smaller players. Sam would be more protected than Shaun ever was.
Regardless of playing Sam at FB or from the bench and having him start more and more as time moves on is a gradual progression that cleverly promotes consistency in the halves (when Long leaves).
Now Long has signed for Hull. Orford is a short term replacement (if he even signs) signing Myler alone and throwing him in the deep end with Sam is a risky move.
so who is left? Sam and Tommy? hasn't exactly worked so far as it, go to the games and watch Wigan play or look at the only stat that counts, the league table, both will back up my statement.
OR..
Sign a new 7, but who??
Brough? Robinson? Not good enough. Dobbo? I would love it, but it won't happen. Pull off a coo and sign Burrow? not gonna happen. Finch?
So slaters, what is your masterplan for the long term success of Wigan in the halves?
Or is a 2 year deal with Orford the end of your vision?
Doesn't exactly look like I'm the naive one now does it.
