Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 9:55 am  

Wigan6/Leeds1 Andy wrote:

Just when you thought the club had rid itself of its addiction to signing ex-players........

Agreed,very uninspired signing done naff all since his threw his toys out the pram and flounce off to seek fame and fortune elsewhere when will this club learn?

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 10:00 am  

hengirl wrote:

Agreed,very uninspired signing done naff all since his threw his toys out the pram and flounce off to seek fame and fortune elsewhere when will this club learn?

But this signing has improved the squad, so not sure what the issue is? He's replaced Hanley as a 3rd backup at FB and is a better player than Hanley is. Add in that he'll also be covering HB and it's a 'no brainer'.

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 10:07 am  

sergeant pepper wrote:

But this signing has improved the squad, so not sure what the issue is? He's replaced Hanley as a 3rd backup at FB and is a better player than Hanley is. Add in that he'll also be covering HB and it's a 'no brainer'.

With the way people are talking, you'd think he'd be starting at 6 at Hull KR in a few weeks wouldn't you.
Completely agree, solid signing. Back up to injuries, no doubt on a cheap deal. If he isn't good enough, he'll leave at the end of next year.

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 10:18 am  

As much as it pains me to say it, its a good signing for Wigan and gives them squad depth which every club needs due to the stupid MRP.

Better to have an experienced player coming in than a green youngster.

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 10:32 am  

We lack cover across the back positions and he can play anywhere bar centre. I’m sure he’s come extremely cheap and has a one year deal, which means he’ll fight hard for another. It’s a signing you just can’t lose out on really. The lad should’ve handled his first stint differently and I’m sure he wonders how things might’ve gone had he done so but hopefully that will add some hunger.

No issues at all with the signing IMO.

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 11:05 am  

Awful signing, The End

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 11:16 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

We lack cover across the back positions and he can play anywhere bar centre. I’m sure he’s come extremely cheap and has a one year deal, which means he’ll fight hard for another. It’s a signing you just can’t lose out on really. The lad should’ve handled his first stint differently and I’m sure he wonders how things might’ve gone had he done so but hopefully that will add some hunger.

No issues at all with the signing IMO.

Agree with majority of this particularly cover for HB.
Smith, Cust, Astley and Hampshire for HB gives us pretty good coverage and competition for places. Cust was ok last season and if he doesn't kick on then we have 2 alternatives that hopefully will assist in keeping him more focused and more consistent.

I've never rated him at all at FB. Always looks under pressure with any high balls.
I have him as a liability at FB. Never looks comfortable.

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 11:53 am  

I think a few people are responding to this as if he was being signed as a starter. He isn't. As a squad player for extra cover, particularly in the halves, it makes a lot of sense. He's good quality with a good skillset and lots of experience. Still only 28 too.

My only concerns would be regarding his injury and that Astley still gets adequate game time. Other than that, a solid signing.

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 12:01 pm  

It's a small gamble that 'could' pay off. A fully fit Hampshire would no doubt bring experience and talent as cover. However he is at least two months away from being anywhere near ready to come back, three months at least until match fit.

We've already taken a gamble on Thornley over the last twelve months despite his injury record over the last couple of years, how many of you would say he's been value for money?

Whilst not an expensive gamble alone it's still money on the cap and along with Thornley (who's still not ready I believe) it's probably considerable in total.

That being said, I do believe we still have money available on the side should a quality signing in the right position become available.

Re: Rocky : Fri Jan 27, 2023 12:03 pm  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

I've never rated him at all at FB. Always looks under pressure with any high balls.
I have him as a liability at FB. Never looks comfortable.

I agree with that, but at the same time he's got plenty of stuff going for him at FB too (pace, hands etc). You'd be hard pressed to find a 3rd choice FB who's as competent as Hampshire.