Deus Dat Incrementum wrote:
I would guess that Atkins was a popular member of the team and quite a number of players have played with him for a good few years (Cooper, Ratch, Hill and Westwood etc). After playing left centre for 8 years he gets shipped to the opposite side when Price arrived and has been on the outer for the bulk of this season (Testimonial season) to be replaced by somebody that is only a year or two younger that has never played professional rugby league.
It is possible that this was all dealt with very amicably but something tells me that haw this has been dealt with has had an impact on the team.
Very reminiscent of the dealings with Hodgson and Highams exit from the club. I am not suggesting that how that was dealt with was the whole reason for a couple of years of mid table mediocrity (14/15) but I am sure it contributed. Once a group of players start to question and doubt the decision making of the management it starts to get difficult.
Well, there are different ways you can look at it as well. Atkins will be 35 next year and whilst forwards can seemingly go on for ever, that's getting on a bit for a back. And if Price sees a need to move him on then Atkins may view an early departure as a good thing as it will allow him game time this year and settle back into Yarkshire. Wakey on the other hand will also be pleased as it strengthens them going into a difficult few matches and demonstrates to their fans that they are not just sitting on their hands. Wire will lose Atkins's salary, plus NI contributions, plus pension contributions, possibly health insurance contributions, gain more cap space (if needed) perhaps gain a very modest transfer fee ? and get the move done early. There have been strong rumours that we have signed Gelling plus a promising academy product from Widnes for next year. That would leave us with two specialist centres plus Burrell and the young academy lad (forgotten his name !)
I am not suggesting this is hard fact, simply that there may be other interpretations.
