Mini Rogue wrote:Joel Reddy would be an awesome signing for any SL side, he impressed me whenever I seen him play last year. Could be a possibility to replace Carmont/Phelps.
We need some experience in the side and genuine class.
I expect Phil Bailey and Cameron Phelps to leave at the end of the season and to not be replaced. We have plenty of back rowers - Harrison Hansen, Gareth Hock, Joel Tomkins , Lockers if needed and Mossop & Farrell & even Tuson in the reserves.
Phelps wouldn't need replacing as we have plenty of backs already - he was a stop gap signing for when Pryce was injured hopefully a fully fit and in form Karl Pryce for 2009/2010 will cover Phelps.
Richie Mathers is out of contract and this is where the first big signing should be made. Brisbane are trying to keep hold of Karmichael Hunt who is out of contract and would be a fantastic signing. A little more realistic (I think he's 28) Anthony Minichiello is out of contract and is not the first choice Australian fullback anymore so missing out on any international honours should hold in our favour.
The other area we need to strengthen is at prop forward. With Andy Coley off contract he will go. We need an experienced leader in the side. Fuifui Moimoi would be another impact player which is something I don't think we need. We need another O'connor, Neil Cowie type forward which is why I think we should sign Luke Bailey or if we can Andy Lynch. Previously in the thread I have made a huge list of loads prop forwards currently off contract and there is certainly a lot of quality in there as well. No excuses IMO we can and must sign a top prop forward for 2010. I don't think we need two because with O'carroll and Prescott gaining (hopefully) another years experience they can prove established first team players along with Fielden and Feka. O'carroll has already forced Coley out of the side, so early indications are good.
Both our halfbacks are off contract in Thomas Leuluai and Tim Smith - this could merit a thread in itself as a lot of people will have their own different views on them both. Personally I think Leuluai has been one of our best players so far (which isn't hard I know) but the point is he really looks like he has kicked on from the world cup. He has improved every year at Wigan and I honestly believe he is one of the best halfbacks in the league and he will most likely want to stay. IMO we should extend his contract.
Tim Smith so far as good IMO in terms of his attack and his general kicks in play. His fitness is a worry. Bailey mentioned in his blog that he hasn't played80 minutes of rugby league (prior to this season) for more than a year. He was out of the game for 7 months and when he came to Wigan he never once played the full 80 minutes as he was used from the bench so he really needs to step up his fitness. I honestly believe he can make a great partnership with Leuluai for 2010 but I don't believe for one second he will stay if he has an opportunity to return back to the NRL. Which if this is the case most people will look straight to Sam Tomkins. If he hasn't been given many games this season then how will he be ready? Just throwing him in the deep end in 2010 will do us no good. Sadly I think we're going to blow it with Sam Tomkins and will need to sign another top halfback from the NRL - Matt Orford is off contract and has hinted at wanting to come to the UK. Huddersfield have been tipped to sign him. Matt is a top player and a fantastic captain and he would make a great addition.
So taking that into account the recruitment for 2010 in my dreamworld would be:
OUT
Richie Mathers
Andy Coley
Cameron Phelps
Phil Bailey
Tim Smith
IN
Anthony Minichiello
Luke Bailey or Andy Lynch
Matt Orford
Leaving us with a squad that would look something like:
Anthony Minichiello
Amos Roberts
Karl Pryce
George Carmont
Pat Richards
Matt Orford
Thomas Leuluai
Stuart Fielden
Mark Riddell
Andy Lynch or Luke Bailey
Gareth Hock
Harrison Hansen
Sean O'loughlin (c)
--------------------------------------------------
Joel Tomkins
Michael McIlorum
Feka Paleaasina
Eamon O'carroll/Paul Prescott
