Bollocks.

He'll be missed, that's for sure, he's one of the best fullbacks I've ever seen at Salford, especially attacking-wise. It'd be nice if he could continue at the club in some sort of role after retirement, seems he's going back to Australia though.

Who to replace him?

I'd hope we'd look at keeping him on in some capacity, if the new rumoured new owners were looking at getting rid of Simms then maybe with him saying early this seaon that fancied something like could have been him throwing his hat into ring.

None of the above is true or will happen.

Good luck General.

I'm gutted by this news. He's been an model professional during his time here. A great player and a great guy. Defensively he's had his issues, but attacking-wise, he's been the best full-back I've seen at the club in 20 years of watching. Good luck in whatever comes next Luke. It's been an honour watching you play for the Reds.

Sick as a parrot

After listening to him at the recent Forever Reds meeting he's obviously a bright, personable guy with a terrific knowledge of the game and a pretty good ability to sum people up. I'd reckon he'd make a good coach, but it's also interesting that he talks about refereeing or going into the game's administration - both areas clearly crying out for expertise from top flight professionals who have actually played the game

cant honestly believe it, been one of our best players this season!!

great professional and will be surely missed

I wouldn't say no to Minichiello, even just for a season. Wasn't he once part of a list of players we were signing for 2006.

Isn't he due to playing over here next season for Italy in the World Cup?
Think he would be excellent for one season if we could get him to take the same wage as LP and not break the bank for someone on a 1 yr deal.
From what I saw on Saturday I'd love to have that young lad playing for for Widnes playing at Barton as he looked class, very much doubt we'd be able to prize him away though.

We should get Carlo Napolitano to convince him to stay in sunny Salford

I know he was with them for their qualifying games, I'm not too sure about the actual World Cup itself though. Can't see why he wouldn't though, unless he goes into RU or something.

Luke has come across at Forever Reds meetings as a really top bloke who loves the game. If he hadn't been good enough to play the game, he'd no doubt be a season ticket holder somewhere and contributing to online discussions about the game.

After hearing some of his ideas about awareness raising and getting people involved with the game I'm sure he'll have a successful off field career. Don't be surprised to see him in a management/CEO role at some stage.

What do you guys think about the possibility of playing Mark Sneyd at fullback next season ?

Don't forget Niall Evalds in the 20's, quality young player.

If only Stef stayed for another season this could of been his chance and our full back for year to come. Missed opportunity me thinks.

Great shout always rated the count in much the same way as our 5 star general, but there is a wealth of talent wearing the No 1 shirt in the NRL.

Good luck to the general.

Wonder what that fella at the Storm has planned ?.....

Yeah, will be a massive loss as some of his attacking play has been sensational this season. I've not seen Minichello play for a couple of seasons but if he's anywhere near as good as he used to be I'd certainly take him on a 1 year contract. With The General going back to Oz I wonder if he'd be interested in acting in some part of an advisory capacity for the club, sounding out potential future Aussie recruits?

I'd certainly trust his judgement having played in the NRL for 10 years.

Yeah i`m all for that,good idea,might save us a few quid to,don`t think Mr Simms would like missing out on his jollies though.

Would like to see a young hungry british player at 1 next season, and if he is already at the club (Snyed, Evalds, etc) all the better.

The problem with signing players from the other side of the world is for the first season there are home sick and no good, in the second season there find their feet look class, but want to come home.
With the news from down under about more money and teams in Oz, do we sign a lower class player or go British youngsters

The problem we have is that we cannot hold on to our youngsters,as soon as they show any promise they are gone,be it for a transfer fee to pay the tax man or because they are out of contract.

We need luke to have a word or two with Billy the kid, just to tell him, he needs to come to Salford for 3 yrs so he can improve his game, and while he is at it , he can bring those other two team mates over aswell, smith and cronk, they also cud do with 3 yrs of top class coaching at salford, as they seem to be strugling a bit down under at the storm, well we can all dream cant we .


cum on u reds, on my way back from the french alps at the mo, shud make the wakey match hopefully,

i will have a word with luke then .