Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 8:03 am  

We ache for some star quality. At present, we have only three players who even come close to the calibre we currently need at Wigan: Williams, who was promoted too early and now struggles constantly to find form, Lockers, who is at the end of his career, and Bateman, who understandably struggles to make an impact in an otherwise pathetic pack.

But it's quite apparent that you can't just sign this problem away. Contracts need to be allowed to expire, or you have to sell current personnel (hah! ... like there'd be any buyers). Even then, simply replacing them with big-name Antipodeans is not so easy. So many have come over here with big reps, and so often we've had our fingers burned. Characters like Vaeliki, Lima and now Frank-Paul have all let us down in one way or another. They've either not been as good as we expected, or they haven't tried. In contrast, players like Hoffman, Pat Richards and George Carmont were great, though the latter two were fairly unknown when we bought them. The last really major Aussie signing we made who turned out to be worth it was Trent Barrett, but it's clear that it's a lottery - you just don't know what you're going to get.

In that respect, it's surely more likely that a young bucko who wants to make his name is at least going to try.

True, I'm not bowled over by this signing. But now that my annoyance is cooling about the way 2017 ended, I do feel - assuming the young lad isn't costing us too much - that it probably can't hurt. I'm strongly hopeful that Hamlin won't be the last new recruit. And as for him only being Academy standard ... well, perhaps we should reserve judgement on that until we've at least seen him play.

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 11:41 am  

Cruncher wrote:

We ache for some star quality. At present, we have only three players who even come close to the calibre we currently need at Wigan: Williams, who was promoted too early and now struggles constantly to find form, Lockers, who is at the end of his career, and Bateman, who understandably struggles to make an impact in an otherwise pathetic pack.

But it's quite apparent that you can't just sign this problem away. Contracts need to be allowed to expire, or you have to sell current personnel (hah! ... like there'd be any buyers). Even then, simply replacing them with big-name Antipodeans is not so easy. So many have come over here with big reps, and so often we've had our fingers burned. Characters like Vaeliki, Lima and now Frank-Paul have all let us down in one way or another. They've either not been as good as we expected, or they haven't tried. In contrast, players like Hoffman, Pat Richards and George Carmont were great, though the latter two were fairly unknown when we bought them. The last really major Aussie signing we made who turned out to be worth it was Trent Barrett, but it's clear that it's a lottery - you just don't know what you're going to get.

In that respect, it's surely more likely that a young bucko who wants to make his name is at least going to try.

True, I'm not bowled over by this signing. But now that my annoyance is cooling about the way 2017 ended, I do feel - assuming the young lad isn't costing us too much - that it probably can't hurt. I'm strongly hopeful that Hamlin won't be the last new recruit. And as for him only being Academy standard ... well, perhaps we should reserve judgement on that until we've at least seen him play.

Agree with that 100%.
As you say though Cruncher Hamlin cant be the only new recruit otherwise another season of discontent beckons.

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 4:06 pm  

Star quality costs though. Hamlin won't be on as much as FPN however without others leaving I doubt we'll have enough for a top player.

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 4:22 pm  

It does but it doesnt have to cost the earth. We need a hooker, the best prospect in this country by a mile plays for a team in need of cash. Danny Walker at Widnes

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 4:31 pm  

jonh wrote:

Had a look at him on YouTube and he looks like he has a style that suits the English game.

Decent feet and good straight up and down defender.

The obvious issue is once again the size or rather the lack of it. He is hardly going to add much weight to an already lightweight pack. As a Prop I don't see him eating up many meters and to me he looks more like a potential Lockers replacement at 13.

It is obvious he is a project signing, which is slightly frustrating after a disappointing season, but let's give the kid a chance before writing him off.

looks decent on youtube - wont ever be playing that free flowing rugby again.

but the main question is - can he wrestle?

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:35 pm  

Cherry_Warrior wrote:

It does but it doesnt have to cost the earth. We need a hooker, the best prospect in this country by a mile plays for a team in need of cash. Danny Walker at Widnes

One of the best prospects in the country is our U19's player of the year and hooker Josh Ganson

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 8:46 pm  

nikos wrote:

looks decent on youtube - wont ever be playing that free flowing rugby again.

but the main question is - can he wrestle?

The 'culture' of the club over recent years, the main question is " Is he cheap ?" .

And therein lies where a lot of the criticism emanates.

After the disappointing last season, the club via the Chairmans very recent speech indicated they 'felt our pain'.

But it seems like it's a continuation of that very same culture and policy. Surely Mr.Lenagan should have signalled his intent with this signing ? It doesn't look like it.

I made a comment in this forum very recently when we used to sign players of the calibre of Gene Miles. Even if this lad does really well, he will either go back to Oz asap or we will sell him. That's where we are up to, and then people wonder why there is a constant bewilderment and criticism.

As 'Cruncher' opines, we only have a possible three players at the club who are really up to a decent standard. We do lack star quality. And when Lockers doesn't play, neither do the team. Spectators patience only lasts a certain amount of time. We are already seeing that with falling crowds.

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 9:03 pm  

The club can't make a statement signing without the cap space. We've got numerous internationals in the squad and like it or not, we have two players on very good money under the marquee rule. We certainly aren't scrimping on players salaries given a huge loss in the last financial year, with much of that being an increase in wages by all accounts.

It sounds like before we can get anyone else in, players will need to leave and that doesn't surprise me looking at our squad.

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 9:14 pm  

Cap space would have been plenty without the Marquee... ST and the resigning of his even worse Brother, absolute terrible business, the constant projects and excuse after excuse pretty well sums up the current regime.

Re: New Signing: Gabriel Hamlin (Official) : Thu Oct 12, 2017 9:15 pm  

So it looks as though in the last few years we have got ourselves into a bit of a pickle regarding wages and how much we have paid certain players. Its a pity because this squad isn't far off being a brilliant team and we should have capitalised on it but brought in (some) wrong players and neglected coaching and training. It could set us back a couple more years yet. The platform was there to really progress but instead we have done the opposite. There can only be Wane to blame for that and possibly IL for taking his eye off the ball. I think Wane has slipped into that mentallity of thinking he has 'made it' in the game, its his team and everything is rosy. If you get too comfortable and too chummy with your staff you are in real danger. You need to be on your toes all the time.