Contract Updates? : Sun Jun 09, 2013 6:59 am  

Anyone know any more about where our discussions are up to with our remaining out of contract players. Whilst its great that we are further enhancing contracts for the likes of Owens and Hulme, there are still several of our senior players to be sorted, primarily Phelps and Winterstein but also Leuluai and Isa (I am assuming that a decision has been made about Briscoe and Davies, given that they are not getting any game time).

I would certainly like us to keep both Phelps and Winterstein and Leuluai's recent performances might well earn him another year, Isa I am not so sure about, but DB always seems to be loyal to those players who give 100% in terms of effort.

It can't be long now before clubs start to announce signings for 2014, so we could do with ensuring all those who we want to stay (and who want to stay with us!) are sorted. I realise that alternative offers can muddy the waters here so it mat not be straightforward.

Re: Contract Updates? : Sun Jun 09, 2013 10:35 am  

Winterstein and phelps I would keep, magraff is borderline for me, one thing to note with him though is he's a very popular player in the squad with Isa and taking these out might make morale dip a little. You can't keep players just because they're fun to be around though, some tough choices for betts but I think we can sign better than Isa and Macgraff.

Re: Contract Updates? : Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:10 am  

I'd Definately keep phelps

Winterstein and leulaui are different matters for me. They clearly have upped their games recently but this is what we need to be wary about. They're fighting for contracts so both their games have improved. However both throughout the year for me haven't done it and if offered extended contracts there's a chance they could slip back to normal ways.

Frank has the potential to be destructive. He's huge, he just needs to start getting interested.

Re: Contract Updates? : Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:58 am  

Viva La Vikings!! wrote:

I'd Definately keep phelps

Winterstein and leulaui are different matters for me. They clearly have upped their games recently but this is what we need to be wary about. They're fighting for contracts so both their games have improved. However both throughout the year for me haven't done it and if offered extended contracts there's a chance they could slip back to normal ways.

Frank has the potential to be destructive. He's huge, he just needs to start getting interested.

I think Frank is interested enough, but his game is very much a strike forward coming off the bench to run at a tiring defence, his attacking prowess is blunted if we have to use him as a back row grafter, which unfortunately we have had to do for too many games, with our injuries. He has upped his "grafting game" fortunately, but he will never be an Allen or a Cahill in that respect. I still think he adds value to the squad when we can play him in his best position.

Leuluai is a different kettle of fish, he has bags of heart, but unfortunately lacks the size and speed to really kick on. He has shown both early in the season and in the last two games that there is a bit more to his game than enthusiasm and knowing how keen DB is to see development in players I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him get another year to see if he can develop further. I don't think he will ever be an automatic choice for the 17, but if he can be turned into a reliable back up player who can fill in when we have injuries then he may still be useful to have around.