[Winslade's Offload]

Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:13 pm  

Anyone seen him playing ? He is in his final year for the U19's having come through the scholarship side and looks a possible candidate for the first team. He plays HB but is more of an organiser than sniper at the ruck. Has a decent short kicking game and is reasonably quick. Very good goal kicker but quite short - makes Matt Davis look like a giant.

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:15 pm  

Not seen him but read great things. Hopefully one of a few from that team who might make the leap to first team squad in time

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:18 pm  

I’ve watched Leon on the academy highlights. I’m really excited by his bag of tricks, and he reminds me of an old school half back that would thrive under Powell.

However, I’m also wary of building someone up too much. Hopefully he’ll be on the coaching team’s radar and get a shot at some point soon. Widdop isn’t here for next year so there’s no harm in throwing Leon in for a game or two.

PS shortness is not an issue for me if he can wrap up someone’s legs like Allan Bateman could.

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:41 pm  

easyWire wrote:

I’ve watched Leon on the academy highlights. I’m really excited by his bag of tricks, and he reminds me of an old school half back that would thrive under Powell.

However, I’m also wary of building someone up too much. Hopefully he’ll be on the coaching team’s radar and get a shot at some point soon. Widdop isn’t here for next year so there’s no harm in throwing Leon in for a game or two.

PS shortness is not an issue for me if he can wrap up someone’s legs like Allan Bateman could.

Andy Gregory was a similar size to him, in his early career at Widnes.

Leon is short, but he is stocky, so like Mason Lino, playing currently, he is difficult to tackle.

Watched Hayes play for the Academy, he is another of the great prospects coming through our Youth System.

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:26 pm  

Saw him in the Pre-Season game vs Leigh. Was very impressed. He wasn't afraid to run at the line and try to make some things happen. Which he did successfully quite a few times.

I'd say if we keep him in academy for the next year and a half, then hopefully get him out on loan to a Championship team the year after, he'd be in a good place to take Williams position after his contract is up. Or maybe start to ease him in with some Challenge Cup games or be there to replace Williams if he gets an injury.

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:40 pm  

Being small isn't an issue. Do we want half backs the size of lesley vainikolo?? My lad played with Leon at school, he always looked a class player.

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 3:48 pm  

KineticRR wrote:

Saw him in the Pre-Season game vs Leigh. Was very impressed. He wasn't afraid to run at the line and try to make some things happen. Which he did successfully quite a few times.

I'd say if we keep him in academy for the next year and a half, then hopefully get him out on loan to a Championship team the year after, he'd be in a good place to take Williams position after his contract is up. Or maybe start to ease him in with some Challenge Cup games or be there to replace Williams if he gets an injury.

He is too old for the Academy after this season; he has also impressed in the Reserves this season as well.

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 3:55 pm  

Is he the son of Melvyn?

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 3:58 pm  

On a serious note, if he is half as good as Gregg then he will have a stellar career. Wigan have got an outstanding player coming through their junior ranks, keep your eye on him - Jack Farrimond.

Re: Leon Hayes : Wed Jun 22, 2022 4:47 pm  

His size should not matter, everyone forgot how good Rob Burrow was.