Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Fri Oct 23, 2015 9:51 pm  

I think history shows that it's backs that can make the transition far easier then forwards. I don't understand why Union ever go for Rugby League forwards because the game is far too complex to pick up quickly enough to make a move worthwhile.

It's not doing ourselves down to say it's easier for Union players to adapt to League then vice versa. It's an easier game to understand and it's that simplicity that makes it a better sport to watch.

I've said it before and I believe it's true- some league players are too good and too skilful for Rugby Union. The ideal example is Sam Burgess. The sport isn't good enough for him not vice versa and he will always be wasted playing a game that doesn't allow him to showcase his ability.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Oct 25, 2015 10:11 am  

Was told last night that Isa has been signed as a potential successor to SOL at 13.
If true then I am assuming that Bateman will become a centre permanently.
Personally I prefer Bateman in the forwards where gets more involved in the game.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Oct 25, 2015 10:45 am  

Bateman will 100% be a centre permanently. Probably left centre long-term when Sarge leaves.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Oct 25, 2015 12:46 pm  

Wigg'n wrote:

Bateman will 100% be a centre permanently. Probably left centre long-term when Sarge leaves.

If he plays there from the start of 2016 would probably keep Sarge out, who do you think will be on the left wing.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Oct 25, 2015 12:55 pm  

Ashton Bears wrote:

If he plays there from the start of 2016 would probably keep Sarge out, who do you think will be on the left wing.

Depends if we release Sarge before the start of the season (which I think will likely happen).

Barring any surprise signings I think we will line up as:

Tomkins
(R-L) Manfredi Gelling Bateman Charnley

Gelling has some making up (and growing up) to do but he is still a quality centre when fit and Manfredi probably sealed his right wing spot this season so Charnley will be moved.

Developing Bateman as a centre is one of the reasons we were so confident releasing Thornley I reckon.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Oct 25, 2015 3:49 pm  

I'd be happy at that. Bateman has shown that although he was originally primarily a defender, he has ball skills too, and, crucially, a 'rugby brain', which have enabled him to find himself at home playing in the centres.

Also if Charnley on the left wing doesn't pan out, I'm sure we could put Gildart there. He's certainly not short of pace or skill. And yes, Manfredi certainly deserves to have cemented his place on the right.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Oct 25, 2015 4:03 pm  

Hopefully Gildart will get 12-15 games next season ready to be a starting centre in 2017.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Oct 25, 2015 4:14 pm  

I wouldn't be surprised to see Gildart start as first choice next year. He gave him the last 8 or so games and was obviously impressed enough to trust him in a play off semi and the grand final.

Stranger things will have happened then Gildart and Bateman being given the 3 and 4 shirts (what I think happen).

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Oct 25, 2015 7:15 pm  

Well, yes, G and B didn't do too much wrong at the end of the season, did they?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Oct 26, 2015 7:43 am  

Just seen an Ozzie news report saying Souths are in talks to bring Sam Burgess back and he wants to come back,although Bath want to keep him.