[quote="Big lads mate":2a97gg9t]:PRAY:[/quote:2a97gg9t] I agree and like you I would have been disappointed if Wire had signed him. Big lad, but he wouldn`t have merited the salary that he would have taken off our Cap.

[quote="BOSS HOG":1ydhehgm]I agree and like you I would have been disappointed if Wire had signed him. Big lad, but he wouldn`t have merited the salary that he would have taken off our Cap.[/quote:1ydhehgm] He has signed new deal to end on 28. And Abdull has left Hull FC having not even played a game. Nothing saying why but he is now a free agent.

[quote="Snaggletooth":2c93xhyp]I dont know whether to laugh or cry at Redvee [/quote:2c93xhyp] Why would you cry? Has been quite entertaining (unlike their team) but now become extremely repetitive. Looks like the combination of 2 new wingers and Briers is going to get them back to the top (there are a couple of more realistic posters as well).

[quote="St Helens Wolf":3tp0aw3t]No idea about the validity of the information (I think that this was posted on Redvee by our old friend Saddened?) but I would be disappointed if we weren't making an offer to both Lees and Knowles. The fact that Saints haven't tied them down on extended deals before open season began this month suggests that they are open to moving on.[/quote:3tp0aw3t] It was. I'm making no claims of being in the know, just passing on what the Wire fans at work were speculating about. Joe Batchelor also rumoured to be on the outer, Hull KR fans mentioning him as possibly going there. Typically with Saints at the moment, we're linked with absolutely no one and we have about 17 first team players off contract and able to sign elsewhere.

[quote="Captain Hook":ftogfqoc]Why would you cry? Has been quite entertaining (unlike their team) but now become extremely repetitive. Looks like the combination of 2 new wingers and Briers is going to get them back to the top (there are a couple of more realistic posters as well).[/quote:ftogfqoc] I think most are just clinging to the hope next season can't be any worse than last season. Which is understandable, but I think most also have us well outside of contention for the trophies. There's only a handful who are delusional and claiming glory is on the way.

Matty Lees i've never got the hype with, doesn't have big impact, doesn't break tackles etc He's just ok with a good engine and he's consistant. Wouldn't class him as a leader either, but still better than Musgrove, and to be fair someone that gives consistant good displays is better than someone that gives less than average displays, with an occasional good one.

[quote="Or thane":277ulbfj]Matty Lees i've never got the hype with, doesn't have big impact, doesn't break tackles etc He's just ok with a good engine and he's consistant. Wouldn't class him as a leader either, but still better than Musgrove, and to be fair someone that gives consistant good displays is better than someone that gives less than average displays, with an occasional good one.[/quote:277ulbfj] Converted from an average at best centre to an average backrower. Lightweight prop hence where Saints are since his transition.

I see Abe has tweeted about CTW impressing Sam in training and we’re looking at moving Dufty to the halves to accommodate CTW. II mentioned months ago that Dufty’s new deal (given the huge money he’s now on) made no sense as we had CTW and was laughed at. This boy is special.

[quote="Lord Tony Smith":3rvnrph0]I see Abe has tweeted about CTW impressing Sam in training and we’re looking at moving Dufty to the halves to accommodate CTW. II mentioned months ago that Dufty’s new deal (given the huge money he’s now on) made no sense as we had CTW and was laughed at. This boy is special.[/quote:3rvnrph0] Seen that post also, but got to say why would we put Dufty in at half. Not for me thanks, it’s tough we have 2 quality players at fullback now and CTW hopefully as a long future in the game he will get his chances in time.

[quote="Lord Tony Smith":1u4g26n6]I see Abe has tweeted about CTW impressing Sam in training and we’re looking at moving Dufty to the halves to accommodate CTW. II mentioned months ago that Dufty’s new deal (given the huge money he’s now on) made no sense as we had CTW and was laughed at. This boy is special.[/quote:1u4g26n6] CTW is the best back that our Academy has produced since Iestyn Harris and like Harris he will be a regular 1st team player at a young age, and will dominate Super League. How Wire manage his transition to our 1st team 17 man squad is a quandary. There is no point in playing CTW in the reserve team this season. I watched him play in the reserves last season and the level was too easy for him IMHO and he won`t develop his game and extend himself playing there again, now that he is a year older. He needs to play in Super League regularly, maybe play him on the bench for now?, ........but that would mean that the bench is a little light weight. He has the ability to break down defences and win the big games that we need in the tight end of season matches.

[quote="BOSS HOG":2oy1gox1]CTW is the best back that our Academy has produced since Iestyn Harris and like Harris he will be a regular 1st team player at a young age, and will dominate Super League. How Wire manage his transition to our 1st team 17 man squad is a quandary. There is no point in playing CTW in the reserve team this season. I watched him play in the reserves last season and the level was too easy for him IMHO and he won`t develop his game and extend himself playing there again, now that he is a year older. He needs to play in Super League regularly, maybe play him on the bench for now?, ........but that would mean that the bench is a little light weight. He has the ability to break down defences and win the big games that we need in the tight end of season matches.[/quote:2oy1gox1] As you say it’s a quandary what to do. I would not like him loaned out to another super league team just to get game time but I could understand he could get a little frustrated. I think he will get game time in 1st team this season whether it’s injuries or just resting players he will get time. How long as Dufty got left on his contract.

[quote="karetaker":2vnrifsn]As you say it’s a quandary what to do. I would not like him loaned out to another super league team just to get game time but I could understand he could get a little frustrated. I think he will get game time in 1st team this season whether it’s injuries or just resting players he will get time. How long as Dufty got left on his contract.[/quote:2vnrifsn] Dufty has 2 more seasons with Wire, before his current contract expires :- https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... on-wolves/ Not sure if we will be able to keep him and CTW, unless has been suggested, one of them moves to play in the halves, as a running 6, like Bevan French has done at Wigan.......Maybe even switch them around during games between the 2 roles to create attacking options and break down defences?

[quote="karetaker":2vnrifsn]As you say it’s a quandary what to do. I would not like him loaned out to another super league team just to get game time but I could understand he could get a little frustrated. I think he will get game time in 1st team this season whether it’s injuries or just resting players he will get time. How long as Dufty got left on his contract.[/quote:2vnrifsn] Dufty has 2 more seasons with Wire, before his current contract expires :- https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... on-wolves/ Not sure if we will be able to keep him and CTW, unless has been suggested, one of them moves to play in the halves, as a running 6, like Bevan French has done at Wigan.......Maybe even switch them around during games between the 2 roles to create attacking options and break down defences?

A few thoughts which no doubt will get shot down CTW and AL are possibly two generational talents and so far have proved the value of our academy system- the last time this happened was Harris and Shorpe and for financial reasons we did not get the benefit. Both need careful handling for the immediate short term with a view to the undoubted benefits which will be gained further down the track. What we do know is that both are capable SL performers and will put pressure on the current first choices - when was the last time this happened? There is a lot of talk about the need for a strong performing second row forward and considerable comment about size. There is a most effective person in that position in the NRL is Liam Martin and everyone would be delighted for him to sign for us. Have we not got our own version in Adam Holroyd who if you compare size is similar and is equally as hard working he just needs a few kilos more and could develop into what we all agree we need.

[quote="Lord Tony Smith":3w15jt52]I see Abe has tweeted about CTW impressing Sam in training and we’re looking at moving Dufty to the halves to accommodate CTW. II mentioned months ago that Dufty’s new deal (given the huge money he’s now on) made no sense as we had CTW and was laughed at. This boy is special.[/quote:3w15jt52] An exciting prospect indeed, Dufty getting his hands on the ball more after seeing him last year would be good but it will be interesting how this would work as 12 months ago Heys was being touted as the future of our team this isn't me knocking the idea just putting a little quandary out there to think about. I agree about CTW iv been harping on about him for two/three years now so much so i think my friends was bored of hearing his name until they seen him play last season in the first team

[quote="Velcro Boots":5zf5g37d]An exciting prospect indeed, Dufty getting his hands on the ball more after seeing him last year would be good but it will be interesting how this would work as 12 months ago Heys was being touted as the future of our team this isn't me knocking the idea just putting a little quandary out there to think about. I agree about CTW iv been harping on about him for two/three years now so much so i think my friends was bored of hearing his name until they seen him play last season in the first team [/quote:5zf5g37d] It's all good for me. Competition for places. If Dufty, moving from FB to the Halves, can be as successful as Bevan French was, we will be in good shape.

Wow, I really rate Holroyd and if he is 10% of the player that Liam Martin is, he'll be the best second row in Super League.

[quote="BOSS HOG":2cq6w3ik]There is no point in playing CTW in the reserve team this season. I watched him play in the reserves last season and the level was too easy for him IMHO and he won`t develop his game and extend himself playing there again, now that he is a year older. He needs to play in Super League regularly, maybe play him on the bench for now?, ........but that would mean that the bench is a little light weight. He has the ability to break down defences and win the big games that we need in the tight end of season matches.[/quote:2cq6w3ik] Warrington Guardian article suggests that CTW might feature on dual-reg for Widnes this year, to help his development. Not sure how I feel about that. I can see the argument for it, but I would certainly want him to be playing a certain number of games for us too. If we didn't have Dufty I would be very happy with CTW being our starting full-back this year. But let's not wish away Dufty and forget what a superb attacking full-back he is. Good to have this kind of problem, I suppose! https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... ss-widnes/

[quote="BOSS HOG":2cq6w3ik]There is no point in playing CTW in the reserve team this season. I watched him play in the reserves last season and the level was too easy for him IMHO and he won`t develop his game and extend himself playing there again, now that he is a year older. He needs to play in Super League regularly, maybe play him on the bench for now?, ........but that would mean that the bench is a little light weight. He has the ability to break down defences and win the big games that we need in the tight end of season matches.[/quote:2cq6w3ik] Warrington Guardian article suggests that CTW might feature on dual-reg for Widnes this year, to help his development. Not sure how I feel about that. I can see the argument for it, but I would certainly want him to be playing a certain number of games for us too. If we didn't have Dufty I would be very happy with CTW being our starting full-back this year. But let's not wish away Dufty and forget what a superb attacking full-back he is. Good to have this kind of problem, I suppose! https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... ss-widnes/

If we moved Dufty to the halves it displaces Hayes and makes the Oli Leyland signing a waste unless we'll be loaning him straight back out. Leave Dufty where he is.

How long is CTW signed for? If he is that good NRL and other SL clubs will no doubt be sniffing around.

[quote="Crosswire":tlo7i8hw]How long is CTW signed for? If he is that good NRL and other SL clubs will no doubt be sniffing around.[/quote:tlo7i8hw] He has signed a contract with Wire, that expires at the end of the 2028 season :- https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... lves-deal/

[quote="Crosswire":tlo7i8hw]How long is CTW signed for? If he is that good NRL and other SL clubs will no doubt be sniffing around.[/quote:tlo7i8hw] He has signed a contract with Wire, that expires at the end of the 2028 season :- https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... lves-deal/

Think we are forgetting that CTW and Dufty don’t have kicking game unlike Leon and Oli Leyland.

[quote="Crosswire":aw9vuhfa]How long is CTW signed for? If he is that good NRL and other SL clubs will no doubt be sniffing around.[/quote:aw9vuhfa] Fortunately for us, full back is a position where there is an embarrasment of riches in the nrl. Plus, we're no longer the same club we were when Harris and Sculthorpe broke through and we were forced to sell. It's highly doubtful another super league club could prise him away from us.

Dufty ,you don't throw one of your best strike weapons away for a youngster who needs to be nurtured & eased into 1st team rugby & I'm .sure when CTW pulls on his own number 1 shirt he will explode onto the scene as a very competent player.

Reading on here it seems we are putting a lot of faith in Hayes who, after all, has played 11 1/2 games of top level RL.

[quote="Wires71":8xfew003]Reading on here it seems we are putting a lot of faith in Hayes who, after all, has played 11 1/2 games of top level RL.[/quote:8xfew003] It certainly does and it's a big ask given his age and lack of experience. In his favour, he is brave, confident, strong in defence and seems well organised with an eye for a pass and could be a really good foil for Williams. It still leaves us with no real long kicking game when we're looking to clear our lines when under pressure. From what I saw last season we have no-one with a decent long kick. That makes a difference in a tight game especially when someone like Harry Smith is in the opposition team. Hope he does really well this year and becomes a local legend. Burgess & others obviously rate him very highly.