Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 4:02 pm  

Phuzzy wrote:

Got to call you out on this. As good as Bateman is, there's no way he was "far better" than O'Loughlin at the same age. He too played in multiple positions including the halves (Something JB simply doesn't have the game for). Where it not for injuries, Lockers' career would have been the equal of any. Even now, aged 35, and at the very end of his career he's still a better player than Bateman who is coming into his prime! JB is a wonderful player and I'm a big fan but nowhere near the quality of O'Loughlin.

Don't agree. Bateman is far better than Lockers was at 24. Lockers only became the player we know in his late 20s. Regardless, Bateman is one of few WC players in SL. Very hard to replace, if at all.

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 4:04 pm  

DaveO wrote:

Our style of goes out of the window when Sam T leaves. Hardaker is not the same type of full back. If as assumed he signs for him to be effective he needs to be the receiver of the ball not the link man and provider like Sam T is. His success at Cas was largely down to the likes of Gale setting him up. Powell can't do this and so we need a new 7.

As to who, why do people ask this question whenever anyone says we need a new player? How are we supposed to know who is available or who can be prised away from another club? I bet none of Les Cats fans thought Sam T was available until he became so.

I think the club ought to be looking for an NRL half just outside of rep football standard. I think that would still cost marquee money and if that is the going rate, that is what is required.

Another poster underestimating Hardaker, believing he's an 'old school' running/supporting FB. far more to his game.

You mention a marquee 7 but can't even name one.

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 4:05 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

I know he’s a fabulous player and he’s a better player then Gildart but the point I’m trying to make is that there are a large number of ‘good’ second rowers kicking about the game but very few good quality centres. I’m not trying to down play Batemans quality but rather just highlight the lack of quality in the centre position game wide.

It would be devastating to lose Bateman without question but I have far more confidence in players of the quality of Farrell, Isa and Joel Tomkins plugging that gap then I do in Sarginson and Forsyth covering Gildart loss.

Let’s hope this conversation is irrelevant and Bateman stays but I’m not getting a good feeling.

Fair point. I agree, we're very short in the centres.

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 4:08 pm  

I honestly think Dec Patton would be a shrewd bit of business, seems a little under rated by Price/Warrington and paired with Williams, would make a superb 6/7 combo....just my two pence worth, but I don't think we need to throw silly money at it.

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 4:24 pm  

RichieS wrote:

I honestly think Dec Patton would be a shrewd bit of business, seems a little under rated by Price/Warrington and paired with Williams, would make a superb 6/7 combo....just my two pence worth, but I don't think we need to throw silly money at it.

Funnily enough - Said the same thing today in a conversation
Also threw in Joe Mellor

2 players who wouldn't cost a lot and who I would hope would relish the chance at a Big club

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 4:24 pm  

Jukesays wrote:

DaveO wrote:

Such as Saints.

I confidently predict that won't happen
Be patient

DaveO wrote:

Jukesays wrote:

I confidently predict that won't happen
Be patient

I sincerely hope you are right.

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 5:27 pm  

Last Son of Wigan wrote:

Don't agree. Bateman is far better than Lockers was at 24. Lockers only became the player we know in his late 20s. Regardless, Bateman is one of few WC players in SL. Very hard to replace, if at all.

I think you need to reacquaint yourself with his career. He was England A captain at 20, made his full Great Britain debut 2 years before Bateman and won Man of the series for Great Britain at the same age JB is now. He did not 'become the player we know' in his late 20s at all and certainly not just because you choose to remember it that way. On the other hand, if you prefer to ignore the facts then be my guest. The fact that he is STILL better than JB, aged 35, really should tell you the full story.

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 5:30 pm  

Phuzzy wrote:

Got to call you out on this. As good as Bateman is, there's no way he was "far better" than O'Loughlin at the same age. He too played in multiple positions including the halves (Something JB simply doesn't have the game for). Where it not for injuries, Lockers' career would have been the equal of any. Even now, aged 35, and at the very end of his career he's still a better player than Bateman who is coming into his prime! JB is a wonderful player and I'm a big fan but nowhere near the quality of O'Loughlin.

Couldn't agree more. I'm a Bateman fan but come on......

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 5:36 pm  

Phuzzy wrote:

I think you need to reacquaint yourself with his career. He was England A captain at 20, made his full Great Britain debut 2 years before Bateman and won Man of the series for Great Britain at the same age JB is now. He did not 'become the player we know' in his late 20s at all and certainly not just because you choose to remember it that way. On the other hand, if you prefer to ignore the facts then be my guest. The fact that he is STILL better than JB, aged 35, really should tell you the full story.

Do you think it’s possible that someone could have a different opinion than you?
I stand by my comment. I do think Lockers only came into his own later in his career. It’s not uncommon; especially for a forward. And I do think at 24 Bateman is a better player than Lockers was.

Is it your goal to change my opinion to agree with yours? Not going to happen.

Bateman is clearly underrated by several on here. Who See him as just a strong running backrower, hes a versitile player who can pretty much do it all, at 24, no where near his prime.
If anything his ability to play mulitple position (at international level as well) is to his detriment.

Re: Gildart Signs : Thu May 17, 2018 5:41 pm  

jinkin jimmy wrote:

Couldn't agree more. I'm a Bateman fan but come on......

Me too Jimmy. He's a fabulous player and I hope we manage to keep him. However, I'm sure he would agree himself, saying he is 'far better than O'Loughlin' (at any age!) is a bridge too far..