I have just downloaded my league express, which says that ant nicholson is joining batley in 2014. Well i for one will be very disppointed to see him leave, and feel he has had a bit of a raw deal, i wish him all the very best, thanks nicho, i would of kept you if the choice was mine.

Very odd move. Still, if that is the best he can do then perhaps that is a general assessment of him. I am not saying whether it is fair or not, just an observation that he hasn't moved to Fev/Fax/Sheffield.

3rd in line behind two of the best in this league how is that a raw deal? plus this move was arranged well before he was loaned to barrow, Nico is a fine player but who would prefer him over BB and/or Penky? this should also shut the door on the Penky back to fax rumors.

Ironic isn't it? For years we used to have the 'Penky to Leigh' rumours, at this stage!

Guys it might not be true, its only in the paper.

I think us signing Mennell a few weeks back put paid to the Penky rumours. To be fair though he has been used to it at Fax for many years so its no surprise that he wanted to come back. Being a bit of a flair player though he wouldnt fit in with our game plan.

PR cant keep everybody , to get improvement we need some players to move on , and some to move in , that's life , personally I would show at least 4 of our first team squad the door , but im not the Coach ,whatever PR decides he wants will do for me , I don't think Nico got a Raw deal just unfortunate .

Good post Greg.

I'm really surprised that you've signed Mennell, and even more shocked at gossip that Harrison intends to play him at scrum-half. He's had half a good season with us in five years with the club, and has been woeful in 2013. He's literally had no impact, and his distribution/kicking game is poor at best. Not a post tinged with sour grapes as not many at Batley will be disappointed to see him leave.

Fair play to him. He's 22/23 isn't he? He'll want to play 1st team and with Beswick and Penky having another year or two in the them his opportunities will be limited. He'll be a fine player.

yeah and dont forget we will also have mick govin when he gets an off season training stint under his belt..hows he coming along anyone know ?

There's also a young lad in the U20s that I saw mentioned by Fred P in a previous thread

I'm sad to see Nico go because he's a good player especially in attack but in another way I'm glad he's going as he deserves to play regular 1st team rugby & Batley isn't a bad choice IMO. Regards to Gov we won't see him this season as he's torn his bicep.

Sounds like he will fit in perfect for what we appear to be aiming for on the field.



To be fair Ive always rated Mennell but I think theres better players we could have gone for. Its the same as Potts, for me we already have better players in that position and its a quality 6/7/9 that we really need.

There is no reason why Nicholson can not return to us a better player in a couple of years time.

I would also be inclined to play both Beswick and Penky ahead of him right now. For me it sounds a good move for all concerned.

Aaron Lloyd is his name Rob

Penky was always going to come to his home town club but Harrison getting rid of Beswick was crazy & bringing Handforth in for Black for that matter also.

Personally I feel Beswick was over rated at Fax to be honest. Theres been talk of him coming back next year but I honestly hope not. Him and Penky just never seemed to click together but maybe they are at the moment but didnt seem to be the case a few weeks back. I would take Penky over Beswick every day of the week personally.

Black is another story. When KH got the job Black was in the middle of his worst season for us and really didnt show anything that would encourage the new coach to keep him and on paper signing Thackery, who would be Blacks replacement, looked a good move. Black was quality for Fax but was never going to recapture his old form and has also struggled at Batley but his last season for Fax he carried a bad injury that affected his play. Handforth would be Jones replacement and again seemed like an improvement. It hasnt worked out but Im sure if we kept Black and Jones we would still be in the same situation and if anything missing out on Ellis for a few extra quid was probably the biggest mistake the club made in the off season.

for rhino to kick?

A few of our players could do with a kick up the .

Bob Beswick has been outstanding since he signed he won't be leaving the Leigh family.

Not seen many games Fred, but have to say this guy gives 110% every time I see him. Not particularly a Brierly who puts you on the edge of you seat - but the guy everyone wants in their team as a motivator who has the ability to match it.
The squad is getting a very good balance this season, and appears to be more to come next

Hasn't he just?! He's even doing the 'grunt' work of a prop these days!

Isn't it often the case though? Player joins us. Former employers fans come on here to gloat, and say "he was bobbins when he played for us, etc". Player gets some decent coaching, and what do you know *.....!!




*= See Beswick, Ostick, Spencer, Mills, Jamie Ellis, Nash (1st time round!!) etc, etc

In regard to beswick i agree completely with fred, (it does happen) bob has been a top signing.

Here, here re Beswick. 25 mins to go in the fax game, you see Beswick doubled over after a defensive stand near our line. He looks all in, then next play he's back at it doing the hard yards. This guy has been an inspiration this season, and seemed to really turn it on and step up on the field as a leader, when things looked dodgy and the players were being told they may not get paid.
One of my front runners for player of the season.