Widdop seeks release

[Old Timer]

Stil I can’t get over when that imbecile played jack debelin at 7 he must rank as the biggest ever flop to coach saints

Managed to get an extension despite it so that says a lot about our culture.

 

[possm]

Managed to get an extension despite it so that says a lot about our culture.

Old boys deals must be honoured. I have a feeling that 2019 is Mary's last season as coach unless of course he wins the GF. I'm sure even our inept Board are a wake up now to the May/June front runner trick and will wait until season's end to make their decision.

My worry is WHO the preferred replacement is; you can be sure they already have a preferred replacement.

 

[muzby]

My worry is WHO the preferred replacement is; you can be sure they already have a preferred replacement.

I’m hearing it’s Millward

 

[possm]

I’m hearing it’s Millward

That would not surprise me at all however, you can be sure if it is Millward, he would insist that he controls recruitment as well - like in the old days when Bennett was in charge.

 

[muzby]

That would not surprise me at all however, you can be sure if it is Millward, he would insist that he controls recruitment as well - like in the old days when Bennett was in charge.

The old premiership winning days..

So it will be a good move..

Go Basil!

 

[DragonJ]

Benji Marshall comes to mind (although I really wanted to say Michael Witt).

And this is my major issue with the opinions, which I respect and largely agree with, expressed by yourself and @BLM01.

Why was it always the job of everyone else to be the "game manager" so Widdop could play his natural running game? Benji would have been an infinitely better running 5/8 if he had a good game manager halfback.

It's ok. I think fullback will suit Widdop's running game much better. When the defence isn't up close, no reason to run across field. But having said that, did you see the game he played at fullback for England against Australia? He was really poor.

If he is a failure at fullback are you and @BLM01 going to blame him or everyone else but him? I know @TruSaint will go with the latter. Surely not even McFooknuckle would move him back to 5/8 unless Norman is injured.

I mean seriously, do you think it wouldn't be better for the team if Widdop was given his marching orders with a minimal payout (as he was the one who instigated the move) leaving the club with well over half a mil, possibly up to 800k to spend on positions they need to strengthen? Or to front load a few contract now and go for a marquee player next year? Or to upgrade and extend some of the most promising juniors coming through? Dufty to resume at fullback for now.

 

[BLM01]

Have you been drinking? You obviously not a @muzby -like idiot but you are repeating something which is patently obvious. Of course the club can't say "Now you will be playing in a different position, your salary is going to be reduced." If they did and "he upped and walked" like you stated he would, it would be tremendous coup for the club but alas, no way. We would be "stuck" with Dufty at fullback, Lomax goalkicking and of course Norman playmaking with almost 1mil to strengthen any positions that need strengthening.

As it was apparently he who instigated the move and as we have a more than adequate replacement, a decent coach would tell him to accept less money to play fullback or tell him to up and leave now (with a minimal payout to be negotiated) or to play in the ISP!

And this is my major issue with the opinions, which I respect and largely agree with, expressed by yourself and @BLM01.

Why was it always the job of everyone else to be the "game manager" so Widdop could play his natural running game? Benji would have been an infinitely better running 5/8 if he had a good game manager halfback.

It's ok. I think fullback will suit Widdop's running game much better. When the defence isn't up close, no reason to run across field. But having said that, did you see the game he played at fullback for England against Australia? He was really poor.

If he is a failure at fullback are you and @BLM01 going to blame him or everyone else but him? I know @TruSaint will go with the latter. Surely not even McFooknuckle would move him back to 5/8 unless Norman is injured.

I mean seriously, do you think it wouldn't be better for the team if Widdop was given his marching orders with a minimal payout (as he was the one who instigated the move) leaving the club with well over half a mil, possibly up to 800k to spend on positions they need to strengthen? Or to front load a few contract now and go for a marquee player next year? Or to upgrade and extend some of the most promising juniors coming through? Dufty to resume at fullback for now.

OK ningnong I will say this for the last time. You cant reduce his contract salary when still under contract for 2019 or even give him a reduced payout. If his contract says $850K for this year you either pay him in full tell him go or let him play and earn it anywhere in the team. And $850K will be included under the cap, no reduction. Why would he walk anywhere when stands to lose $850K. We cant make him walk for less! His management (nor should they) let St George give him less if they dont want him now.

The only way to achieve what you want is to try and cancel the current contract and sign a new revised one for 2019 and lodge that with the NRL which wont be let happen.by his management..or NRL. They will still put $850 value in your cap
Just like resigning to leave a normal job if you give notice they owe you full normal pay until you leave or pay you out until resignation date.
And if his form is poor at fullback or 5/8th I will state it on here and ask for him to be dropped or replaced as I do with anyone.
Do I think it better he leave now for the team. NO. He will be more of an asset than a liability especially who kicks goals if Lomax gets injured anyway. And who do you suggest we buy now who is available even if we have 850K to spend? for 2019

 

[Como Connection]

Old boys deals must be honoured. I have a feeling that 2019 is Mary's last season as coach unless of course he wins the GF. I'm sure even our inept Board are a wake up now to the May/June front runner trick and will wait until season's end to make their decision.

My worry is WHO the preferred replacement is; you can be sure they already have a preferred replacement.

Justin Holbrook
CC

 

[DragonJ]

OK ningnong I will say this for the last time. You cant reduce his contract salary when still under contract for 2019 or even give him a reduced payout. If his contract says $850K for this year you either pay him in full tell him go or let him play and earn it anywhere in the team. And $850K will be included under the cap, no reduction. Why would he walk anywhere when stands to lose $850K. We cant make him walk for less! His management (nor should they) let St George give him less if they dont want him now.

The only way to achieve what you want is to try and cancel the current contract and sign a new revised one for 2019 and lodge that with the NRL which wont be let happen.by his management..or NRL. They will still put $850 value in your cap
Just like resigning to leave a normal job if you give notice they owe you full normal pay until you leave or pay you out until resignation date.
And if his form is poor at fullback or 5/8th I will state it on here and ask for him to be dropped or replaced as I do with anyone.
Do I think it better he leave now for the team. NO. He will be more of an asset than a liability especially who kicks goals if Lomax gets injured anyway. And who do you suggest we buy now who is available even if we have 850K to spend? for 2019

I can't believe you don't understand this. I'm going to explain one last time in point form:

• Widdop wants out to go play in the ESL.

• The club has a more than adequate replacement.

• They need to sit down and do a deal now. As players do every year when they want out or the club wants them out.

• Very unlikely Widdop would leave without some kind of payout but given the first point, I think they could get away with paying 100-150k. Just a guesstimate.
  
• Given the first 2 points, if he were to dig in and want... lets say more than 250k, the club should get tough. Enjoy your 900k a year in the ISP! See how willing he will be to make a deal then.

As for who is available, Hayne comes to mind immediately but I understand the club in all practicality can't go there until this nasty business is sorted out.

As I said, there are many possibilities. Entice someone to break their contract. Wait until the inevitable player wanting out or club. Front load a few contracts now, freeing up space for the likes of Oats or even Holmes next year. Upgrade and extend some of our most promising juniors.

 

[True_Believer]

How many times did he create the play that won us games?
You give a few examples of where he made an error (they all make them regardless of how good they are) without giving credit for all the positive things he created for a pretty lacklustre team.
Mc Fookknuckle is so pre determined in everything he does there is every possibility he has said forget the drop kick and go for the try in close situations and in fact it is rumoured he said "there will only be one drop kick around this club and that's me"

What is also interesting OT is that a missed field goal is one of the reasons being spruiked for the benefits of Norman (not to mention possm’s mention of not calling for the ball etc to take shots). Actually, in his entire career, Norman has kicked a grand total of 1 field goal. At least Widdop has a few more to his name (7 – most with the Dragons).


So based on that, at least from 2020 onwards, we potentially have 2 halves who we probably can't rely on to take a field goal. Hunt has the big donut in this stat so you'd have to think we're screwed if we need to pot one over the crossbar at the last minute.


I realise stats don’t tell the full story, but looking across both careers (and not just the field goals), they don’t form a better picture than what we currently have. In fact they are slightly worse. I’m happy to wait and see though.

 

[Old Timer]

What is also interesting OT is that a missed field goal is one of the reasons being spruiked for the benefits of Norman (not to mention possm’s mention of not calling for the ball etc to take shots). Actually, in his entire career, Norman has kicked a grand total of 1 field goal. At least Widdop has a few more to his name (7 – most with the Dragons).


So based on that, at least from 2020 onwards, we potentially have 2 halves who we probably can't rely on to take a field goal. Hunt has the big donut in this stat so you'd have to think we're screwed if we need to pot one over the crossbar at the last minute.


I realise stats don’t tell the full story, but looking across both careers (and not just the field goals), they don’t form a better picture than what we currently have. In fact they are slightly worse. I’m happy to wait and see though.

Our mate won’t care too much for your inciteful post.
Having followed our club for the best part of 55 years I think I can be a fair judge as to who has enhanced our club and stopped our fortunes from being totally bleak and for sure Widdop is such a player.
Whilst we may not have obtained the heights we hoped for the darkness would have been worse without Widdop.
Widdop’s highlights reel to our buddy would be like a cross to a vampire.

 

[Warabrook saint]

Old boys deals must be honoured. I have a feeling that 2019 is Mary's last season as coach unless of course he wins the GF. I'm sure even our inept Board are a wake up now to the May/June front runner trick and will wait until season's end to make their decision.

My worry is WHO the preferred replacement is; you can be sure they already have a preferred replacement.

I shudder to think the scam deal they're hatching

 

[Crush]

Our mate won’t care too much for your inciteful post.
Having followed our club for the best part of 55 years I think I can be a fair judge as to who has enhanced our club and stopped our fortunes from being totally bleak and for sure Widdop is such a player.
Whilst we may not have obtained the heights we hoped for the darkness would have been worse without Widdop.
Widdop’s highlights reel to our buddy would be like a cross to a vampire.

Who did you follow for the other 45 years?

 

[RufusRex]

every time i see the title of this thread i think it is about squeezing off a milky tear drop

 

[muzby]

every time i see the title of this thread i think it is about squeezing off a milky tear drop

You doing some baking in your spare time?

 

[Old Timer]

Who did you follow for the other 45 years?

A team you could be incredibly proud of.

 

[DragonJ]

What is also interesting OT is that a missed field goal is one of the reasons being spruiked for the benefits of Norman (not to mention possm’s mention of not calling for the ball etc to take shots). Actually, in his entire career, Norman has kicked a grand total of 1 field goal. At least Widdop has a few more to his name (7 – most with the Dragons).


So based on that, at least from 2020 onwards, we potentially have 2 halves who we probably can't rely on to take a field goal. Hunt has the big donut in this stat so you'd have to think we're screwed if we need to pot one over the crossbar at the last minute.


I realise stats don’t tell the full story, but looking across both careers (and not just the field goals), they don’t form a better picture than what we currently have. In fact they are slightly worse. I’m happy to wait and see though.

Death riding Norman before he has even played a game for us.... Maybe you will be right but judging from the games I have seen him play against us, when he lined up against Widdop, he will be a tremendous signing.

Our mate won’t care too much for your inciteful post.
Having followed our club for the best part of 55 years I think I can be a fair judge as to who has enhanced our club and stopped our fortunes from being totally bleak and for sure Widdop is such a player.
Whilst we may not have obtained the heights we hoped for the darkness would have been worse without Widdop.
Widdop’s highlights reel to our buddy would be like a cross to a vampire.

Widdop's highlight reel would be threadbare compared to Milford, Sean Johnson, Munster, Morgan and other running 5/8s on similar money. But what has concerned me is his poor playmaking in comparison to playmaking halves like Norman. He was neither here or there as a half and that's why the team failed so miserably during his time in the halves.

 

[True_Believer]

Death riding Norman before he has even played a game for us.... Maybe you will be right but judging from the games I have seen him play against us, when he lined up against Widdop, he will be a tremendous signing.

Just stating fact. Not sure where you are getting death riding from. You really are an idiot.

 

[DragonJ]

Just stating fact. Not sure where you are getting death riding from. You really are an idiot.

Well I merely looked at who the poster was and read the first paragraph and that was enough for me. Actually, I only read the first paragraph because @Old Timer had an opinion on it.

I think you need to relax a little. I'm confident that, much to the chargrin of @TruSaint and others, probably yourself, maybe @Old Timer, Norman is going to prove Widdop was our weakest link but Widdop himself is no longer going to be a weak link playing fullback.

Just FFS, @BLM01 and I can surely agree, it takes a McFooknuckle-like farce that Widdop the fullback will be on more than guys such as RTS, Tedesco (officially at least) and Ponga.

 

[Overseas dragon]

Well I merely looked at who the poster was and read the first paragraph and that was enough for me. Actually, I only read the first paragraph because @Old Timer had an opinion on it.

I think you need to relax a little. I'm confident that, much to the chargrin of @TruSaint and others, probably yourself, maybe @Old Timer, Norman is going to prove Widdop was our weakest link but Widdop himself is no longer going to be a weak link playing fullback.

Just FFS, @BLM01 and I can surely agree, it takes a McFooknuckle-like farce that Widdop the fullback will be on more than guys such as RTS, Tedesco (officially at least) and Ponga.

needless to say your on a forum that allows anyone to have there say.whether or not they are facts or opinions ,or in this case completely stupid comments .so go for it you have the floor .....