Tuning back in after a sabbatical of several months, when there didn't seem much to talk about.
The impending arrival of Cook and Jewett, suggests we are heading in the right direction, or at least addressing weaknesses in the voided season's squad. A few more old heads to balance up the youngsters will keep us on the right track. Best of luck to those who have departed, the twins perhaps didn't have enough fire in their bellies, but played better than they have been given credit for. Moran was a real disappointment OK not the biggest but a solid build who just didn't seem to break the line. Swinton had a lad of similar build whose name escapes me, but he gave us no end of trouble, so you don't have to be massive to make an impact. Wilde was a solid performer too.
Got to say I had to read the Club press release a few times to understand who Dwyer was!
Here's to a Tim Sheens driven recruitment drive!
Lawton’s biggest problem was Lawton Just wanted his nights out on the town and some people are just like that then went and enjoyed Aus for a bit can’t blame the lad it was his career and his choices
I agree but I will say this, if he was at Saints or Wigan playing in a no nonsense environment would he have done what was he doing?
I remember, reading an interview with Tommy Makinson were he said that the culture at Saints was ruthless but motivating, he said after he made his debut he went to a local park for some catching practice and he randomly bumped into other Saints players who were also working on their skills in their spare time.
I don’t see that desire from any Young Widnes player. In fact, a lot of young players believe that building muscles in their spare time is more conducive compared to sharpening their skills.
You are spot on there Spike , can remember Dougie talking about 'natural' rugby players. He commented that most of it is a skill and skills are learned, nobody bothered when he stopped behind after training nights moving along try line passing to the post, until he could hit every time, then over to the other post!
Kenny Baker commented that Sheens doesn't just tell you how to pass the ball, but when and how to hold the ball etc. He was half joking but TS has said that he is very fussy about running lines, doing things properly until it is second nature.
That imo is real 'coaching'.
Logan Tomkins new 2 year deal.
Big deal !!!!!!!!
Superb news re Logan Tomkins, and a 2 year contract is a real bonus too!
Got a quality and experienced front row next year.
Notice that Jodie Broughton and Tommy Lee have been let go by Halifax, wonder if either would be on our radar?
Lee as an interchange hooker in particular? (Has been with Sheens before).
Great news - we must have one of the best front rows in the Championship and if we can confirm Craven and Smith, a decent spine to the team. The retentions and signings to date far outweigh departures, in quality and experience. A few more old heads to come in and we will certainly have a better squad.
It’s goodTompkins has signed a 2 year deal, we’re starting to get a good squad together now. VIQI helped pay for his new contract. Like Jason says , let people know that your VIQI donations are helping Widnes sign some good players.
Great news – we must have one of the best front rows in the Championship and if we can confirm Craven and Smith, a decent spine to the team. The retentions and signings to date far outweigh departures, in quality and experience. A few more old heads to come in and we will certainly have a better squad.
Craven’s already under contract for next season. Not sure we need to confirm it again.
Great news – we must have one of the best front rows in the Championship and if we can confirm Craven and Smith, a decent spine to the team. The retentions and signings to date far outweigh departures, in quality and experience. A few more old heads to come in and we will certainly have a better squad.
Craven’s already under contract for next season. Not sure we need to confirm it again.
Thanks - missed that one. Better news again. Just Smith now to add that extra experience we have previously lacked.
It is also reassuring that once again, Tim Sheens played a key part in Tomkins agreeing a new contract.
One thing I have learned the last few years is to never cry over anybody leaving this club as every player since 2018 has played their part in our demise.
Coaching in RL is soo one dimensional. Every team plays the same way. When will a Pep Guardiola type of manager emerge and produce a team with a completely contrasting style that changes RL.
Tony Smith is having a go at Hull KR with a more expansive game.
Superb news re Logan Tomkins, and a 2 year contract is a real bonus too! Got a quality and experienced front row next year. Notice that Jodie Broughton and Tommy Lee have been let go by Halifax, wonder if either would be on our radar? Lee as an interchange hooker in particular? (Has been with Sheens before).
Don't see much value in getting Lee in. Tomkins can play 80 mins, and if not, it would be better to bring through a young hooker from the academy, as we seemed to be starting to do last season.
I will say this from the key positions, Owens, Craven, Smith, Tomkins and Baker, we probably have the strongest spine in the division compounded by Jewit and Cook two experienced aggressive props.
A top 5 finish should be the minimum.