Much depends on Laffranchi at prop, and how well that works. If it's a success then we've got a pretty mean pack together. I've certainly got no qualms about TP or Clough in the front row. It looks like Royce is angling for a more mobile pack, which might be a good thing the way the game is being played at the moment.

If everyone's fit, I feel Laffranchi will be somewhat a quasi-prop from 13.

As i said on C&W, I think hes going to be a very good signing for you. Hes still only a prospect, but he'll certainly tighten your defence up and close the gaps. He works hard and runs some good lines in attack but dont expect a blockbusting backrower, hes more of a 70 tackles a game, Dallas Johnson type. Still, jealous hes gone to Saints rather than come back to us. Hope he goes well.

Think he's in the squad for Wests this weekend against the Roosters, will give him a look.

I like him, he put in a tremendous defensive stint at KR a couple of years back and he started off pretty well at Wests too. He showed more in the back end of 2009 than either Ashurst or Dixon have shown before or since and I'd be surprised if we didn't release at least one of them now.

A few on the Wigan board are playing down his signing, personally I feel he will be an excellent addition to the pack. One slight concern is with him packing down in the same team as Wilkin you have very lightweight players in the same area, but Flannigan is a workaholic and a very intelligent player, runs cracking angles and great support.

Think he will go on to be held in higher regard than Wilkin for the defence and work he brings, he is also obviously the natural successor to his role in the team which gives excellent long term continuation.

Personally would not be shocked to see him get rep honours next year, in what is already a very competitive area for England.

He looked pretty good in that final season before he moved down under, certainly better than Ashurst and Dixon who have stalled a bit this year.

Good signing for you lot IMO. Was really impressed with him at Wigan. If I remember rightly he moved to Oz with his girlfriend so I suppose it was a bit early for him to play too much in the NRL. Good age as you say. Never takes a backward step!

Flanagan, Flannery, Moore, Wilkin, Laffranchi, Soliola.

We could rotate the entire 2nd row from game to game.

Although I think this does signal the end of either AShurst, dixon or both, as code for signing Flanagan is I've seen better youngsters at other clubs.

I really thought Dixon would make the step up.

He's a ok signing IMO but nothing special. I cant see where he's going to play and I'm very shocked we've kept flannery if flanagan was coming. That's a strange one.

If he's come cheap then he's worth it as he's better that dixon and ashurst and I think playing Nrl will have helped him a great deal. It's just strange we've signed another backrow.

Dixon and Ashurst seem to have gone backwards

Never ever rated ashurst. I couldn't see anything he had to offer.

Dixon was playing well last year until he got injured but he's now on par with ashurst as being crap.

Cant say i am overwhelmed by this signing.
I just hope some of the more ignorant Saints fans dont read too much into the fact he has played in Australia, and therefore expect a worldbeater.

I personally am expecting him to be 18th man until injuries bite.
However he should add some squad depth. Something fans have been moaning about.

On the subject of Dixon and Ashurst they dont appear to have had the chances as last year. I think in part this is down to Royces selection policy and the fact our backrow is somewhat stronger than last year.
People need to remember though that they are still only just turned 21 years old. Which is pretty much a baby in forward terms. The time to judge them properly is in another 18 months by which time they should be more physically mature.

Good signing in anyones book, but we still need a real prop, not a Second row can play prop, but a prop (unless they can clone TP)

Offload dixon and Ashurst now thanks, id be tempted to get paul johnson back from wakey as at least cover for prop

Dixon and ashurst are only young lads but they ain't showed anything IMO to suggest they can make it a super league level.

None of them seem to have any ball skills, off loads, tackle breakers or exceptional in defence.

Flanagan is a massive improvement on Dixon and ashurst.

fully agree with this

He's also hot.

Bonus!

One think flanagan might be able do is break a tackle because i cant remember last time Dixon or Ashurst did

When I got a txt saying we've signed him, I actually thought to myself that you'd like him

Sir mac has stated in the press many times that we will have a team to grace the new stadium.

How well you know me, my sweet.

You've still not answered my question

Just checked the contracts thread and Dixon and Ashurst are contracted to 2012, so unless someone puts an offer in for one of them , it could be that they are fighting for Flanneries spot next year and if they don't make it then thatwould be 3 2nd rowers out next year, so maybe this is just planning more than 1 season ahead. Also Sia is up for contract next year, nothing wrong with having a surplus when negotiating new contracts..


Sorry for the length Pete..

It's ok

Quote ="St pete"Dixon and ashurst are only young lads but they ain't showed anything IMO to suggest they can make it a super league level. None of them seem to have any ball skills, off loads, tackle breakers or exceptional in defence. Flanagan is a massive improvement on Dixon and ashurst.'" His stats while a 21 year old at Wigan were pretty comparable to those of Dixon and Ashursts this year, when they were aged 21. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2011 I think some people are falling into the trap of assuming the grass is greener on the other side. Flanagan should offer us more physical maturity that Ashurst or Dxon, but for me the fact we have signed him for just 2 years is an indication that we consider him a "wild card" signing, or maybe a fill in while younger and more promising players reach the necessary level of maturity.

Quote ="St pete"Dixon and ashurst are only young lads but they ain't showed anything IMO to suggest they can make it a super league level. None of them seem to have any ball skills, off loads, tackle breakers or exceptional in defence. Flanagan is a massive improvement on Dixon and ashurst.'" His stats while a 21 year old at Wigan were pretty comparable to those of Dixon and Ashursts this year, when they were aged 21. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2011 I think some people are falling into the trap of assuming the grass is greener on the other side. Flanagan should offer us more physical maturity that Ashurst or Dxon, but for me the fact we have signed him for just 2 years is an indication that we consider him a "wild card" signing, or maybe a fill in while younger and more promising players reach the necessary level of maturity.