What on earth is going on!!?? : Fri Dec 09, 2016 2:47 pm  

Been a Giants fan for best part of 20 years, not commented on one of these before but often read when bored at work or have a spare minute!

Really concerned at the state of the squad. Simply going backwards, exception of brough,taii (on his day)and Jerry were very average, that's being kind. Granted we haven't seen a lot of Symonds or the new Islander who I wont attempt to spell. No news of anybody coming in. Next year has disaster written all over it..loads of cap space left surely GET SHOPPING or all the progress made over the last 10 years will be gone!!!

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Fri Dec 09, 2016 4:34 pm  

rugbygeek wrote:

Been a Giants fan for best part of 20 years, not commented on one of these before but often read when bored at work or have a spare minute!

Really concerned at the state of the squad. Simply going backwards, exception of brough,taii (on his day)and Jerry were very average, that's being kind. Granted we haven't seen a lot of Symonds or the new Islander who I wont attempt to spell. No news of anybody coming in. Next year has disaster written all over it..loads of cap space left surely GET SHOPPING or all the progress made over the last 10 years will be gone!!!

I know things seem bad at the moment Ive been pulling my hair our over it too the last month. However, another months patience is needed I believe. If we get to mid Jan and we are in the same position we are in now then I will be seriously worried but a lot can change in a month.

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Fri Dec 09, 2016 4:44 pm  

I've said before, I believe some financial rationalisation is going on.
Sure, we've got plenty of money left under the cap - should we wish to spend up to it.
But do we?
I don't believe we do.
Meanwhile the squad is wafer thin and the situation is more concerning by the day.

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Fri Dec 09, 2016 5:01 pm  

Regarding the money, Rick knew he had to shift players out before he could bring others in. He's managed to free up some space but the problem now is finding better players to come.

Shame we couldn't get him in 3 or 4 months earlier as he's seen the problems and acted on them but we haven't given him long enough to do it imo.

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Fri Dec 09, 2016 5:46 pm  

rugbygeek wrote:

Been a Giants fan for best part of 20 years, not commented on one of these before but often read when bored at work or have a spare minute!

Really concerned at the state of the squad. Simply going backwards, exception of brough,taii (on his day)and Jerry were very average, that's being kind. Granted we haven't seen a lot of Symonds or the new Islander who I wont attempt to spell. No news of anybody coming in. Next year has disaster written all over it..loads of cap space left surely GET SHOPPING or all the progress made over the last 10 years will be gone!!!

The main problem seems to be that RS has inherited some players that he didn't choose himself ( whether he knew they were coming when he took the job I don't know ) For myself i agree with letting the player who have left us go, and yes it does leave us vulnerable but i don't believe we have done yet, Most people i think, certainly myself anyway think we have no chance of anything this season other than survival under the circumstances.

To be honest " as i have said elsewhere " that will do me this season, I'm not particularly happy about things but i would rather just survive this season, and be in a good place to get players next season than panic buy and finish up with players we don't really want.

If Brierley goes well this season and the likes of Roberts ( and others ) kick on we can improve things on last season by a long way, And who knows what the Bradford lads will do, I wasn't over the moon with these signings but they are here so we go with them.
I'm putting my faith in KD and RS. I actually feel a bit optimistic, probably because I'm not looking for two much from this season.

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Fri Dec 09, 2016 7:00 pm  

Some valid yet worrying comments on this thread.

A lot of talk over our forums over players that Rick Stone has inherited and players he wouldn't have chosen himself.
IF this is the case.. Does a smart coach let it be known to these players, because it seems to be common news.
That to me seems like dejected moral before the season even begins.
To me a smart coach devotes full enthusiasm and confidence in the players he has. A good coach will get the best out of players most would call average.

The squad size issue doesn't bother me as much. I'd like to see us sign a recognised fullback and possibly a prop.
IF our new conditioner is better than the previous and Rick Stone uses his entire squad then I think we'll make big steps forward.
As said in the previous post, expectations shouldn't be high after last season and starting fresh with a new coach.
Stone will have an entire season to sort out 2018 and build on what he wants to achieve.. Bring in the kind of players he wants.

In the mean time, I think as fans, especially before the season starts we should try to stay positive and support our arses off. Players don't exaggerate when they say how important the role we play is. Let's create a buzz around the place.

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Fri Dec 09, 2016 9:52 pm  

Of course we all look at things differently and each has there own opinion but I am actually quite confident for the coming season! It seems we should have a much fitter squad than last year and I believe we will be more organised, if we add a better work ethic and spirit we will be fine. The standard of SL is not particularly outstanding and a team that displays all those and a sprinkling of players with ability to add the spark(Brough/ Brierley / Cudjoe / McGilvary) will be ok. I know this goes against the grain and will attract derogatory comments but no I am not delusional and ignoring the last 12 months, I just think the coach, New conditioner, and squad changes will freshen things up and lead to a better season.

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Fri Dec 09, 2016 10:15 pm  

Another completely realistic post! The question that needs to be asked is why have we been getting weaker and weaker for the last 3 seasons and who is at fault. I'm with you will be delighted if we retain our status and hope that RS is given the time and backing to help us rebuild I think 2 will come in then we need to see how it goes and keep some powder dry as we see who becomes available.

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Sat Dec 10, 2016 6:42 am  

Gazzagiant, I'm with you. I'm quietly optimistic; The players leaving I don't have a problem with but I was concerned with the three coming in. However, as the four nation comp progressed I hoped Dale Ferguson wouldn't be offloaded and if he plays for us like he did Scotland then he'll be better than before. I'm prepared to give the other ex Bulls a chance too.
Mamo deal looks to be still on.

Something was rotten last year. You could see it in the performances most weeks. If the Rickster has changed the attitude of the same players left here and adds a few who not involved in the debacle, we'll survive.

Just hope we don't succumb to our usual poor performances whenever we raise a large crowd, 'cos this year's following will be our biggest ever.

Looking forward to the New Stone Age.

Re: What on earth is going on!!?? : Sun Dec 11, 2016 7:02 pm  

gazzagiant wrote:

Of course we all look at things differently and each has there own opinion but I am actually quite confident for the coming season! It seems we should have a much fitter squad than last year and I believe we will be more organised, if we add a better work ethic and spirit we will be fine. The standard of SL is not particularly outstanding and a team that displays all those and a sprinkling of players with ability to add the spark(Brough/ Brierley / Cudjoe / McGilvary) will be ok. I know this goes against the grain and will attract derogatory comments but no I am not delusional and ignoring the last 12 months, I just think the coach, New conditioner, and squad changes will freshen things up and lead to a better season.

Problem is there is still a big Q mark over the spine of the team,I mean 1,6,7,9. Not to mention problems with the props now Huby is moving on.

As things stand don't see us challenging for the trophies,but under Stone think we will be an improvement on last year.