Rate Gareth Widdop

[BrissyRedV]

Both Dugan and Widdop are asking for much more salary than what the Dragons have offered. If we can get Dugan to stay on less than his asking price and let Widdop go, we would need to sign a five-eighth.

There are those who would say use Hutch, Field or Dufty at 6. I'd say buy a top level five-eighth to pair with Hunt and bring our young juniors to first grade through reserve grade and onto the bench.

Some other backline decisions still need to be made and those decisions need to be made in consideration of the salary cap and the skil of the players concerned.

If we can't keep Widdop on the books, what makes you think we could afford and attract a top line 5/8?

 

[Dragon Revival]

Dugan is a hit and miss goalkicker who has scored 25 goals since he joined us. Mann has not been entrusted with goalkicking for the last 3+ years. If Widdop is not the goalkicker we need to find another goalkicker.

 

[possm]

Not that we can't keep Widdop, it's just that he is asking similar coin to top five-eighths. Better to lose him and hire someone better.

 

[BrissyRedV]

Not that we can't keep Widdop, it's just that he is asking similar coin to top five-eighths. Better to lose him and hire someone better.

How much is he asking and who could we get for similar coin?

 

[possm]

He's reportedly asking for upwards of 900k. For that sort of coin or less you could get most five-eighths including Bird, Moses, Foren etc.

 

[BrissyRedV]

He's reportedly asking for upwards of 900k. For that sort of coin or less you could get most five-eighths including Bird, Moses, Foren etc.

Hmmm, the only reported figures I have seen are only slightly more than what he is on now around the 6 to 700k mark which would be no where near what the guys you mentioned are asking for.

 

[TruSaint]

He's reportedly asking for upwards of 900k. For that sort of coin or less you could get most five-eighths including Bird, Moses, Foren etc.

Moses is talking 7 figures... Apart from " potential " what has he achieved ? Even the most passionate Tigers fans will tell you their halves have talent, but are demanding coin usually linked to rep players.

Foren is out of the question in his current state, and as for Widdop i dont think the figure of 900k is correct.

If some one has info that is was he's asking for please let me know.

 

[BringTheNoise]

He's reportedly asking for upwards of 900k. For that sort of coin or less you could get most five-eighths including Bird, Moses, Foren etc.

I know player managers are sleazy bastards but I don't think there'd be a single manager in the world that would have the balls to sit at the negotiating table with a demand of $900k for Widdop. On his recent form that sort of figure is preposterous.

 

[Dragon Revival]

If Widdop left Mann, Hutchison, Field or Leilua should be given a go. We have paid too much for Hunt and I would prefer to give the existing players a go.
Our forwards are solid but our backline is weak. Next year with re-signings we
have:-
Dugan
McDonald
Aitken
Vacancy
Vacancy
Widdop
Hunt
We need a class centre and a speedy winger. Mann could be the centre or winger but we are still one player short.

 

[TruSaint]

I know player managers are sleazy bastards but I don't think there'd be a single manager in the world that would have the balls to sit at the negotiating table with a demand of $900k for Widdop. On his recent form that sort of figure is preposterous.

agree re player managers, i just ask the question... where he it been reported / asserted that he has asked for 900k ? Its a falsehood.

 

[BennyV]

If Widdop left Mann, Hutchison, Field or Leilua should be given a go. We have paid too much for Hunt and I would prefer to give the existing players a go.
Our forwards are solid but our backline is weak. Next year with re-signings we
have:-
Dugan
McDonald
Aitken
Vacancy
Vacancy
Widdop
Hunt
We need a class centre and a speedy winger. Mann could be the centre or winger but we are still one player short.

Pat Herbert will be ready next year.

 

[possm]

Salary for Widdop + Lafai would = Salary for Bird giving the Dragons a $3m spine of:

Dugan
Bird
Hunt
McInnes

 

[BringTheNoise]

agree re player managers, i just ask the question... where he it been reported / asserted that he has asked for 900k ? Its a falsehood.

I agree it's false, I was making the point how ridiculous Possm's claim was.

 

[Carlton]

Please don't shoot me for this but if we can't get Bird what about trying for Wade Graham as a 5/8. Would cause the opposition problems in both attack and defence. I think he was a 5/8 in his younger years but I might be wrong on that.

 

[BringTheNoise]

What about Ata Hingano from the Warriors? Reported on fox sports that he's testing the open market and wants to play 5/8. Storm were keen on him.

Could be a talented and relatively cheap option to sit outside Hunt.

 

[BrissyRedV]

Please don't shoot me for this but if we can't get Bird what about trying for Wade Graham as a 5/8. Would cause the opposition problems in both attack and defence. I think he was a 5/8 in his younger years but I might be wrong on that.

No more square pegs for round holes. We finally have actual half back for the first time in at least a decade. He should be partnered with an actual 5/8.

 

[Dragonslayer]

Salary for Widdop + Lafai would = Salary for Bird giving the Dragons a $3m spine of:

Dugan
Bird
Hunt
McInnes

Whose your goalkicker Possm?

 

[Carlton]

No more square pegs for round holes. We finally have actual half back for the first time in at least a decade. He should be partnered with an actual 5/8.

So are you saying he doesn't have the skill set for a 5/8 or that he is the wrong shape?

I was making my comment on the thoughts that he has the skills of a 5/8 and I like the idea of a strong player in the halves a bit like Morgan or Austin. I don't think a player should be pigeon holed based on what he is doing, should be looking at what he can potentially do.

 

[SBD82]

So are you saying he doesn't have the skill set for a 5/8 or that he is the wrong shape?

I was making my comment on the thoughts that he has the skills of a 5/8 and I like the idea of a strong player in the halves a bit like Morgan or Austin. I don't think a player should be pigeon holed based on what he is doing, should be looking at what he can potentially do.

He did play 5/8 early in his career, but he was always destined for the back row IMO.

In years gone by he would have been a classic ball playing lock who could fill in at 6, but unfortunately those players are now a relic.

He's too slow now to play 6. His passing and kicking would be fine, but he wouldn't be able to create enough doubt in the defenders mind in back line plays.

I rate him, but I don't believe that he will be a 6 again.

 

[Carlton]

He did play 5/8 early in his career, but he was always destined for the back row IMO.

In years gone by he would have been a classic ball playing lock who could fill in at 6, but unfortunately those players are now a relic.

He's too slow now to play 6. His passing and kicking would be fine, but he wouldn't be able to create enough doubt in the defenders mind in back line plays.

I rate him, but I don't believe that he will be a 6 again.

That's fair enough, you have some good thoughts there. I was envisioning him not so much as a current style 5/8 but almost like a ball playing lock like Poppa Clay. I like the idea of a 5/8 who can physically poke through the line in close and then ball play. I know this isn't exactly how Morgan and Austin play but they are very physical and strong.

If you are building a team where your game plan requires an elusive 5/8, I can see how he wouldn't fit. And I don't necessarily dislike a quicksilver player in there. Where I thought there might be good value is Dugan running off him.