Last Son of Wigan wrote:
Genuine question, do people think Bibby/Hankinson is an upgrade on Sarge?
Don't know enough about Bibby to comment. I really like Sarge, as much as our project player strategy has come in for some stick, there's no doubting that some very good players have come out of it, Sarge being a great example (possibly the best example).
Being really brutal about it though, there are a few things which go against him IMO:
1. Is he good enough to replace Gildart on the left? Emphatic no, wouldn't swap Gildart for any centre in the league.
2. Is he effective on the right? He's not all that bad on the right, and I think the way that we play means shining on the right is much harder anyway. Even so, he doesn't look comfortable there for me, way below what he's like on the left or FB. Suppose your question was is he an upgrade on what we already have? Probably not much in it, but Hankinson is a natural right-sider, younger, a top class goal kicker and more physical (even though Sarge runs/tackles his weight and then some).
3. Is he good enough to replace ZH. If Zak keeps it together, definitely not and that's no real slight on DS.
4. Is his contract small enough to justify having as a utility player under the salary cap? No idea on this one, guessing no seeing as he came back from an NRL contract, but you can never be sure. I think he's a fantastic player to have as a part of the squad, but if we're looking to have a bit of a squad overhaul over the next couple of seasons, Sarge might fall foul of an unfortunate set of circumstances, and from a brutal club point of view, it might not be the worst thing for him to move on.
One thing I'd say is that his attitude and desire to win has always been absolutely first class, and has been a credit to the club. Really hope he has success wherever he is in the future; us, Salford or wherever.