@cuerdley-viking it was reported in some outlets but obviously you should take that with a pinch of salt but they have been right about all of are “ great” signings so far…
I think some people are being a bit harsh on here against Tilleke especially. He is still young & has time to develop. We do need some squad players to cover injuries.
We may still have one or two too many but we have to remember we are still re -emerging as a club & it will take time for some better players to be attracted to us. We are improving to a point in that we are signing mainly better players from clubs in a higher position than we signed from last year. Losing Doro is our biggest blow IMO but if Hatton signs at prop in addition to those already signed we are arguably better covered than for a while in that position which should enable the likes of Lawton, Wilde & Davies to prosper more off them.
A very workman like squad overall. In my opinion, and it's only my opinion, the options for front aren't that great and throwing Lawton or Grady in there if we are short, isn't the answer. Back row options again are workman like.
At half back I wish we would take a chance on a Queensland cup player, some with a bit pace to take teams on, it definitely would attract the casual speccie. We have Owens and Craven as our 'full time' players but being honest are they value for money??? Surely bringing a creative player with pace would create excitement within the town and put bums on seats.
If, as I think we will, we end up in 6th or 7th place, then Lord Finney needs to move on rather than sack the coach, again!
@wrlfcefc1989 couldn’t agree more, again we’re signing players from teams who have finished below or in a lower league ( Johnson and Gilmore) excluded but still don’t hold much hope for them two being game changers. I do hope am wrong tho
@mick-george @geoffw all you have to do is look at his highlights they’ve only got him being tackled and making hardly any yards. He’s too small and too slow for this level could’ve invested the money that we’ve paid him and got some more stewards so us home fans don’t have to sit with the away ones 😂
Now I am really concerned after that signing, our centres needed drastically improving on both sides and we go and sign a league 1 player and here was me worrying about signing Rhys evans
We’ve got to be competing with likes of Featherstone next year.
We’ve both signed centres today. Us from League 1 and them a player who played well in Super League last year.
Said before, but Kear will have to be some coach to get us competing at the top next year.
@mick-george @geoffw all you have to do is look at his highlights they’ve only got him being tackled and making hardly any yards. He’s too small and too slow for this level could’ve invested the money that we’ve paid him and got some more stewards so us home fans don’t have to sit with the away ones 😂
Got to admit the highlights on Tilleke where crap considering best moments. I don't rate Tilleke and if your good enough your old enough. Think of top players they would be good props at 22
Personally I think Tilleke will be sent on loan and signed for emergency cover. Probably very cheap to be fair. Another loan to a league 1 side for me.
I agree that tilleke isn’t good enough for a top championship team, he’s a young prop and Widnes aren’t top 6 even with the new recruits. Send the lad out on loan and let him get some minutes and hopefully he’ll improve in the off season. He’ll provide cover for injuries which will happen
I think people are a bit harsh on Tilleke. I would prefer to take the opinion of John Kear, who appears to see something in Tilleke to warrant a two-year contract. There is no doubting Tilleke gives 100% on the pitch and is prepared to drive in every time. Maybe he will bulk up a bit to make him more difficult to stop and he will learn from the experienced Amor.
Some posters are unrealistic in suggesting we sign anyone who seems to become available, without probably having any idea of their record or playing ability. I would prefer to accept the judgement of John Kear on which players we sign and retain; and give him the chance to mold the players into a top 6 team in 2023.
I did believe that with the comments about the size of the budget, we would bring in one or two surprise signings who would catch the imagination of fans - someone like when we brought in Tomkins, which didn't work out too well. Maybe this could still happen. I suspect that a top 6 finish next year is essential next year. John Kear and Finney must be planning for a top six finish; and fans will be expecting that to happen.
Don’t think I’ve been optimistic since the Covid season with Sheens. The new signing of Matty smith Logan Tomkins and a fresh feeling for the club.
There is too many ‘comfortable’ players here that’s a major attitude problem at this club. The likes of
Owens,
Craven (who I’ve always been a fan of but last 2 years of form is questionable),
JJ (I think it’s a good signing but he won’t be enough on his own)
Gilmore
etc that come through the Finney academy this is their comfort club there is no pressure to achieve or do better is the feeling I get and it’s not good enough when fans pay however much each season to watch it
@scouseviking55 Fair minded words, scouse.There's long been a comfort zone here for years with some players finding it harder to get out of the team than get in it.
I believe Owens, craven, Gilmore are good quality championship level players but maybe they are too comfortable and if players around the squad are outperforming then they should get picked before them, will that happen? I doubt it but let’s look for an improved season making the playoffs. If we don’t make the playoffs then we should look at the likes of these players and possibly replace them with better imo. It’s hard when they have been good servants to the club and maybe we aren’t in the position to attract better players atm
I believe Owens, craven, Gilmore are good quality championship level players but maybe they are too comfortable and if players around the squad are outperforming then they should get picked before them, will that happen? I doubt it but let’s look for an improved season making the playoffs. If we don’t make the playoffs then we should look at the likes of these players and possibly replace them with better imo. It’s hard when they have been good servants to the club and maybe we aren’t in the position to attract better players atm
Too much sentiment just because Owens and Gilmore are Widnes lads in my opinion. I would love to play for Widnes being a local, but I am not good enough. I do not care where they are from as long as get results for my team. The best Widnes lads are playing in Super league, and you don't see them fighting to come to Widnes? Remember Mullaly he preferred the sun in Brisbane and then surfing in Cornwall when he was older 😂👍