hybrid_tiger said:
Nah, you just keep spastics like Gibbs and let the likes of Cashmere go to the Cowboys, who are now running third.
True. The oft quoted defence- "you cannot keep them all", is sounding more hollow with every passing month. Looking at the strike rate, of those re-signed vs those released, whoever is making the calls should stay far, far away from racetracks and casinos. If WT had a second bite at Cashmere, and passed, that is a disgrace. To think Gibbs was not just re-signed, but upgraded, and Moodie hired also, while flicking Cashmere twice, does not inspire much confidence. Whatever else is below par, the most worrying aspect has been recruitment and retention. It was obvious in 2005 that some serious prioritizing was needed. WT needed more than anything else to secure it's 1,6,7 and 9, but especially the halves. It became fairly obvious that the halves would be heavily targeted. Before the GF, the wheels should have been in motion to shore up the side. All should have been on hold until the key players had been re-signed, or a suitable replacement identified. Instead, there was a fiesta of upgrades and contract extensions for too many, who were essentially expedient. Apparently there was still not enough $$$ to buy a decent halfback, in 2006. There may have been an element of arrogance,, as if WT didnt need Prince, or even a proper halfback, as long as Benji got the ball. Apparently props were not important either, as Cashmere was deemed not good enough for a cheap contract. Although blowing so much on the 05 purchases, there is some logic to the call, but saying no a 2nd time, for 07, and getting Moodie instead? And releasing Crockett? WT ended up with a side of 2nd rowers, Hookers and utilities, sprinkled with the odd centre, 5/8 or FB. Matt johns mentioned something during a game recently that WT eventually lost, after a typical uptempo start- that Sheens' side resembled "total football".- a brand of Dutch Soccer strategy that requires all players to be able to play every position. Is it possible that this may have something to do with the bizarre signings, musical chair positions, and lack of obvious key specialist players?
