Remaining out of contract players : Tue Jun 18, 2013 5:38 pm  

Just want to see what peoples opinions are of the below and who would you like to see remain or released. These are my thoughts.

1. Shaun Briscoe - A sad end to his career really, betts doesn't include him so its obvious he will be gone.

2. Frank Winterstein - I would offer him a deal, not been at his best at times this season but is a real handful on his day and can cover occasionally in the centre. We'll need a stronger bench if were to progress and he suits that impact type player.

3. Willie Isa - Bundles of energy and reasonable in defence but has no confidence attacking, a likeable player around the squad but i think we can do better, for me he would be released.

4. Macgraff Leuluai - Improved recently but is he just doing that for a contract? still young enough to develop more and going off recent performances he may be worth another 1 year deal but no more.

5. Ben Kavanagh - Just not sure with Ben to be honest, a steady player but has the size really to be doing more damage, i would give him another 1 year deal.


So to conclude i would get rid of Brisoce and Isa from the remaining out of contract players, Macgraff might just scrape through.

Re: Remaining out of contract players : Tue Jun 18, 2013 6:49 pm  

-VIKINGMAN- wrote:

Just want to see what peoples opinions are of the below and who would you like to see remain or released. These are my thoughts.

1. Shaun Briscoe - A sad end to his career really, betts doesn't include him so its obvious he will be gone.

2. Frank Winterstein - I would offer him a deal, not been at his best at times this season but is a real handful on his day and can cover occasionally in the centre. We'll need a stronger bench if were to progress and he suits that impact type player.

3. Willie Isa - Bundles of energy and reasonable in defence but has no confidence attacking, a likeable player around the squad but i think we can do better, for me he would be released.

4. Macgraff Leuluai - Improved recently but is he just doing that for a contract? still young enough to develop more and going off recent performances he may be worth another 1 year deal but no more.

5. Ben Kavanagh - Just not sure with Ben to be honest, a steady player but has the size really to be doing more damage, i would give him another 1 year deal.


So to conclude i would get rid of Brisoce and Isa from the remaining out of contract players, Macgraff might just scrape through.

Hard to disagree with any of that. I cant believe that there haven't been matches where Briscoe's experience couldn't have helped us. He played a big part in our home win against Warrington when Brown was out injured and could have helped tilt the balance against Wigan in similar circumstances (as he did last year!) Anyway its a dead issue as I cant see him playing again in the first team.

Winterstein is still very effective as a strike second row running at a tired defence, unfortunately we havent been allowed that luxury much this season and he hasn't looked as good as a grafter.

Leuluai has looked sharper and sharper in recent weeks, although he does need a course of hypnotherapy to drum into him the fact that shoulder charges are now illegal. I am pretty sure DB will give him another year.

Isa just cant seem to get away from his startled rabbit look in attack, considering he is a reasonably experienced centre he has no confidence in attack whatsoever other than when he is just running the ball in. Even in his early days with us he managed to put PAV away for a few tries, all of that seems to have gone from his game and whilst he has tightened up defensively, he offers very little in attack. As has been said he gives his all but his game is full of silly mistakes, which smacks of trying too hard. I still wouldn't be totally surprised if DB gave him another year on a modest contract as cover, but sadly if it was left to me I'd let him go.

I hadn't realised that Kavs contract was up, he hasn't really kicked on from his early promise, but there is still plenty of time and he showed some nice touches last night so I think he is worth hanging on to.

Re: Remaining out of contract players : Tue Jun 18, 2013 11:00 pm  

Isa and Leuluai out, Kavanagh to stay, toss up over Winterstein but on balance I suggest not.

Re: Remaining out of contract players : Wed Jun 19, 2013 7:54 am  

What we don't about these players are the contracts they are on and what they would demand to resign I suspect both Isa and Winterstein are on decent money in which case it would effect any decision i.e. could we get better for the same money. I know Ben wants to stay and I suspect Magraff does too again it all depends on what money they are on.

A few months ago you could have easily said 4 or 5 players should be cut irrespective of their salaries but for Magraff and Isa are starting to pick their games up.

Re: Remaining out of contract players : Wed Jun 19, 2013 8:10 am  

Frank has offers elsewhere and I suspect he'll depart. I think I'd keep him if possible.

I'd release Briscoe, Isa (though I feel sorry for them both) and keep the others.

Is Pickersgill signed up for next year?

Re: Remaining out of contract players : Wed Jun 19, 2013 9:32 am  

richardviking wrote:

Frank has offers elsewhere and I suspect he'll depart. I think I'd keep him if possible.

I'd release Briscoe, Isa (though I feel sorry for them both) and keep the others.

Is Pickersgill signed up for next year?

I am sure Pickgersgill signed a new contract but unsure how long for to be honest.I would get rid of Isa,Briscoe,Leuluai , and Cross is retiring.Hock is replaced by Tickle so we need 4 or 5 new faces added.Ben Davies is gone now and there will be room on the cap if get rid of these players.

Re: Remaining out of contract players : Wed Jun 19, 2013 10:13 am  

Sadly I suspect as Vikingman has indicated elsewhere the salary cap is not the limit we are working to, given the slow improvement in crowds our playing budget is likely to be below the cap, but you would still think the salaries of Briscoe, Cross, Hock and even Isa (if he goes) would yield enough money to make a few decent signings. I suppose you have got to factor in to that any additional salary expenditure that has been necessary to retain Hanbury and Phelps (or any of the youngsters who were on modest salaries previously).

Re: Remaining out of contract players : Wed Jun 19, 2013 10:54 am  

rs wrote:

What we don't about these players are the contracts they are on and what they would demand to resign I suspect both Isa and Winterstein are on decent money in which case it would effect any decision i.e. could we get better for the same money. I know Ben wants to stay and I suspect Magraff does too again it all depends on what money they are on.

A few months ago you could have easily said 4 or 5 players should be cut irrespective of their salaries but for Magraff and Isa are starting to pick their games up.

Ben has, to my mind, improved over the last few games and is beginning to make the midfield breaks we know he is capable of.

Sorry but I don't believe that Magraff or Willie should be retained. After a "not too bad" game against Wigan Willie had a poor game on Monday. Magraff doesn't realise that shoulder charges are banned.

Re: Remaining out of contract players : Wed Jun 19, 2013 11:14 am  

WirralViking wrote:

Sadly I suspect as Vikingman has indicated elsewhere the salary cap is not the limit we are working to, given the slow improvement in crowds our playing budget is likely to be below the cap, but you would still think the salaries of Briscoe, Cross, Hock and even Isa (if he goes) would yield enough money to make a few decent signings. I suppose you have got to factor in to that any additional salary expenditure that has been necessary to retain Hanbury and Phelps (or any of the youngsters who were on modest salaries previously).

Very sad our attendances have not improved but the new directors have contributed to the Danny Tickle signing.The lottery or dream ticket helps too and is VIQI still available?I feel we need a few offers for the final few games, or some marketing seen as the football season is over?