Stu M wrote:
I think that's a bit unfair. Last year was a poor environment for any young lads to thrive. With injuries and some hammerings, confidence was low and there weren't enough experienced heads around any of the younger lads to support.
Whitby is highly rated but made his debut at home to HKR when they absolutely smashed us and Wellens (not for the first time) got his selections horribly wrong. Vaughan is another who was Lancashire and England Academy captain but struggled at times especially when partnered with Ritson. He needs some size on him and there is still a question mark over whether or not he will play centre or second row. Dagnall is another who whilst he hasn't had his chance yet, looks very promising and has done well for Lancashire and England Academy.
I think Rush was wrong with his comments as he gave the impression that we had a Class of 92 and then of course we struggled badly last season. Our recruitment has been poor the last couple of seasons admittedly but over the last 6-8 years we have recruited really well. Overseas signings like Sironen, Matautia, Coote and Paasi have been some of our best and then we got some gems like Batchelor and Bentley from the Championship- (Bentley at Saints was good as has Batchelor bar last season)
Even before that we bought Walmsley from the Championship. James Bell has been another good signing so I think more often than not we have got it right.
That said we have got it badly wrong for this season with not signing one if not two centres and at least another prop and it looks like McManus has misled us by saying we always spend up to the cap as it looks like Matautia isn't being replaced.
Sadly (for us) it looks as though financially we just haven't got the money at the moment. The Covid loans are really hurting us which has affected recruitment
I think the financial situation should be concerning for Saints. I am not signed up to the golden generation though and, even if they all show promise this season I think Saints will come up short. Robertson and Stephens have shown promise but the others have not been tested at SL level. With a plethora of players off contract there looks like there will be a high turnover of players unless the seasoned pros can turn around their form from last season, the problem is where are their replacements going to come from? In addition, failure to secure Lees and Knowles would leave a gaping hole in the pack and the Welsby to the NRL should be of concern. I suppose time will tell.
Statistics: Posted by Zig — Mon Dec 30, 2024 2:33 pm — Replies 3054 — Views 488978
