CJamesy wrote:He started off well last year but faded, probably not used to playing every game having only played 20 games his whole career before signing for us. Settled into the culture well, spent Xmas day helping out homeless shelters by his own choice. Great attitude to have but a lot of fans aren’t happy (Shock) that he’s extended because he doesn’t break lines however we lack size and power when he doesn’t play.
I made what I thought was a pretty non controversial comment on another forum, that I would love to see him extend his contract due to his good form this season and had a couple of Wigan fans saying they think he’s rubbish and we can do better. I nearly fell off my chair! There have been ups and downs for sure but to dispute him playing well this season (when he’s been available) seemed crazy to me.
I probably concentrate on stats too much but his are excellent game by game and when I factor in his age, likely salary, attitude, level of fitness and room for improvement, I’d ask the question of ‘who would we realistically replace him with?’ We were prepared to pay for Tyler Dupree and at least from a statistical POV, he’s simply not as good.