@spartan117 said in [Signing Suggestions & Rumours](/post/1513735) said:
Im not prepared to loose jake Simpkin.
This signing would be perfect to keep him. An experienced dummy half to ease him into grade and in 3 years it’s his team. I think It works well for all
Yeah I'm sure Simpkin would happily wait around for 3 more years in reserve grade decreasing his market value. Signing Api will mean we'll lose an absolute young gun. Not a smart move
Not sure anyone really sees it that way tbh. Simpkin can still play his role off the bench or start if Api is injured. Simpkin is definitely not physically up to starting every game and playing 80mins and Lids is so far off what this team needs atm. There's a place for both Simpkin and Api.
If Storm can juggle Grant and B.Smith for a few years, Im sure we can fit in both our two.
A third on the other hand (Liddle), youd have to think would look elsewhere.
100%. I know B.Smith being able to play lock helped their cause somewhat however there were times when both Lids and Simpkin were on the field together this yr. Maybe Simpkin and Api can be used in a similar manner.
I think if you start talking to Api or Simpkin about playing Lock, they would be in for it.
Api will want to play SOO again and him not being able to play another position was a real handicap.
Simpkin is young enough that he could develop into anything.
Liddle, he is probably too small for lock. I don't really know where else he could fit. He would be a decent Off the Bench impact player, but I don't know if he has that flexibility to cover a lot of positions.
Hoping We sign Koroisau, No matter whom we loose.
Simpkin is a big lump of a kid for a hooker, I def feel he could be used as 13 at times and he was at times when both him and Lids were on the park together.
I repeat my earlier question to crazycat - How do you reach that decision when Simpkin is smaller than Liddle?
Simpkin listed at: 183cm, 94kg
Liddle listed at: 184cm, 91kg.........
Both very different in their style though.
Russ we get you have an infatuation for Lids and that's fine just no need to constantly jump on the defensive when someone disagrees with your love for the kid.
On the official Tigers site, Simpkin listed as 181cm and 91kg. (who do you believe)
Whilst people are unjustly negative about Lids - As he is not on the Forum, I will always stick up for him.
Mate I'm not here to have a pissing contest over what site says what. Lets just agree to disagree on Lid's value to the team. You're intitled to your love for him just as we're intitled to see him as expendable should Api or Hodgson end up signing.
Do I wish things had worked out better for him? Of course, he's been very unlucky with the injuries he's had over the years and I honestly saw him as Robbie's successor at one point. I just feel that boat might have sailed now.
There has also been a lot of talk from various sources that he's not a fan of Madge. Unfortunately Madge and the team can't afford to hold onto players that aren't willing to buy into his methods and the direction the club is heading.
Api Koroisau was at Souths under Madge. Naturally when you get Damien Cook and Robbie Farah playing there, well you punt Api.
Maybe some players won't work with the coach ??
Particularly those Spine players seem to need a coach who agrees with their style. Brooks has worked with Sheens and they will get along as they have in the past. It would be good to tweek Madge's style a little to get more out of the gameplan.
But to have a junior at Hooker means they need to learn the ropes and then understand the particular style the coach wants. To have someone like Api who has played in a few teams, he would understand when a coach wants to give the halves more ball and when a coach wants him to run it more. It means Madge should be able to control more of what he wants to give to Brooks/Hastings.
I am counting eggs before the hatch. Hopefully the Roosters don't have 150k to offer Api. It would be great to get a first rate, top shelf player for once.