When (if ever) is he going to play again?

We're in talks at the minute about erecting a statue of him in his honor to celebrate his career at Cas.

I think he has had more game time than Korki when he was here

IMO he has been unlucky and we seem to be a more robust outfit with him on the pitch so I would say he is well worth a punt for another year.

Done nothing, get shut imo.

Disagree Speedy, give him a chance, he's been very unlucky with his injury and it was lot more serious than was first thought, I think from what I've seen of him on the field, he's worth keeping.

I like the agression he shows on the pitch, however he does need to control it sometimes and be careful that he doesn't give needless penalties away

Ok lets look the amount of game time he has actually done for us (nicked from Stu's site),

Willie Isa
Age 22
Debut 20/3/2011
Contract Exp 2011
Played 5
Won 4
Tries3
Goals 0
Drop Goals 0
Points 12

Not 100% sure but werent some of these games in the U20's aswell ?

Not setting the world alight is he, why should we keep paying out for him, pay as you play yes, anything else no,

I'd let him go aswell!

IMO, from what I've seen of him he shows bags of energy but that is about all!!!

Unfortunately when it comes to skill, technique, positional awareness and understanding of the game he is sadly lacking! Nobody likes to see a busy fool on the pitch, and if the energy doesn't lead to a great tackle or clean break etc.....then it can becomes more of a liability than an asset!

Nothing against the guy, but I think we can do better!

SL website lists that he's only played 4 first team games (obviously not including CC I've just remembered) so no U20 games included. If we add in the fact that he missed the first 2/3 games through playing U20's, that means he's had the chance to play in 1/3rd of the season roughly.

So, of the 5 games he has started, we have won 4 of them, scored 3 tries and on this basis is not worthy of renewing his contract? Granted, he has been unlucky with injury but that record shows that when he does start, we are a stronger team and he knows where the try line is, given a prolonged injury-free spell, who knows what he is capable of.

Dare I suggest we might have unearthed another gem akin to Rangi? A robust centre who knows how to finish and has a bit of 'grunt' about him.

Mmm you could say that that was due to Huby and Walker playing as well, We cant afford to carry players. When is he going to play again ? next season ? I could be proved wrong, but if it was me, the money would be spent elsewhere,

I must be watching a different player!!! The guy I thought was Isa is the one that runs around like a headless chicken not knowing where he should be positioned or what he should be doing. As I put earlier, 'bags of energy' but very little skill, technique or game awareness.

The attribute that he shares with Rangi, is that he does fly into tackles, and the big ones he makes are big! However, many seem to overlook those they miss! Rangi for example is the 7th worst in the whole of SL for missed tackles this year with 54.

I think you've been watching a different player

the games he has played, he's been the best centre on the pitch.

Ooohh heck, what does that say about the other centres!

I often wonder if you watch the same team as me



I watch the Cas Tigers who play on Wheldon Road and wear black and Amber. Which one do you watch

That's exactly what I was thinking. I would be willing to give him another year providing he can stay relatively injury free

Is this for real?? What would you sit down with Isa and say 'come on now Willie...tell me the truth...are you going to stay injury free next year?, because if you are then we'll give you a new contract...but if your not then we're not going to extend your contract.....C'mon Willie tell the truth now, injured or not injured next year...what's it gonna be

???' LOL

All I can say is that some are easier to please than others. I do go to 'almost' every game. Admittedly being 8,000 miles away stopped me going to the Crusaders game, but I'll be there on Sunday....I'm easy to spot, I'm the one without the Cas rose tinted glasses.

Yaaaawwwn

Nobody is denying that he hasn't played enough matches and on this season evidence he would appear to be injury prone.

However when he has played he has looked a good player with a lot of potential as a young guy - and we have undoubtedly looked a much better side with him playing out wide - can't see where u get headless chicken etc from.

Not a case of rose tinted glasses just giving credit where its due realy.

I'm sure Willie really asked for injuries. Dear me. Pay as you play. Sorted.

I'd go with that, Pay as you Play

What an incredibly constructive and well thought out response!! A real contribution to the discussion.

My comment was really just to say, unfortunately there is already a track record of injury. Hence, giving him another years contract 'if he's not going to be injured' (as a previous post suggested) is well and truly crystal ball territory tainted by the fact that he does seem injury prone. 'Pay as you play' would seem to be the way to go, but I guess agents and contracts would protect him from that exposure and risk these days!

I think that what people see with Isa is raw energy and enthusiasm. That isn't a bad thing, however IMO this energy needs to be refined before he can be regarded as a quality player in his position. Its just like comparing a fighter and a boxer. The furious energy of a 'fighter' can be impressive to many at times. However, put them 'toe to toe' with a quality boxer, and the boxer will proceed to take them appart!

If he plays another game this season, against a quality opposing centre, let's review after the game. As a Cas supporter I of course hope he has a blinder!!!

Are any SL players actually on a pay as you play deal? What are the salary cap implications of such contracts?