Willie Isa has signed a 1 year extension at the club, I’m quite surprised by that given his recent injury record but he’s a consummate professional by all reports, a liked member of the squad and still a solid player, would presume he’s not on big wages either.

We have a relatively young squad and the loss of Cooper's leadership will be felt. It makes sense to keep Isa around the place for another year. Nsemba has mentioned many times that he regards him as a mentor and, as you say, he'll be on a very modest contract.

The Club must be satisfied that he will overcome his injury. I have faith in their judgment.

On the basis Isa was leaving, it felt like we needed another second rower to add to the squad. One happy to be a squad player and back up the starting pair of Nsemba and Farrell and one who probably offered more of a 'workhorse' style and Isa provides all that, so it seems a no brainer to let him finish on his terms. As pointed out, we lose some experience in the forwards in Cooper, so it doesn't hurt us keeping Isa on.

Good business IMO.

Agree, he had all the attributes you would want of a very good rotation secondrow with the added bonus of his knowledge and leadership in the group.

I did post on here not long ago that I wondered if this might happen, the retirement of Cooper probably made it more certain. Good call - experienced cover and leadership are not things to be sniffed at, seems like a genuine team player as well so no problem with this at all, especially as brining someone in is always a risk.

The most disappointing thing for me with this news is that the OP didn't go with the thread title of 'Willie Extends' an open goal missed.

Sensible (re)signing

With the rules coming in in 2025 regarding players "minutes on the field" particularly young forwards e.g. Nsemba it probably makes sense.

At the end of 2025 I would be looking to put Isa into some sort of community relations role for the club. I'm sure he would thrive in that sort of environment.

He'll be useful as a more experienced head when we rotate the younger squad players in too.