25 replies to this topic

[Piggy's mate]

Good luck to him and glad he's on dual reg with us and not Leigh etc. With the signings mad to-date it looks well for next season althoug I think we need an experianced leader in the forwards if possible.

[HaroldShand]

Delighted for him, he's been great for us this season and deserves the opportunity. It might sound perverse, but I actually hope we don't see much of him at Batley in 2013. He's far too good for this league already, and spending too much time at a level below what his talents warrant won't be to the benefit of his progress.

[Nick07]

Delighted for him, he's been great for us this season and deserves the opportunity. It might sound perverse, but I actually hope we don't see much of him at Batley in 2013. He's far too good for this league already, and spending too much time at a level below what his talents warrant won't be to the benefit of his progress.

Agree with this HS, although would still like to have Alex available for some games.

What he need to do though is ensure that our overall gameplan isn't based around Alex, or the period where he and Keegan are on the field together, which IMO has been a little bit the case this year. You can't blame the players for giving the ball to a guy who makes 20 yards and more every carry, but at the same time it's quite apparent that we aren't the same force when the 2 big fellas aren't on, and don't make the same yardage.

We need a consistent 80 minute plan I feel, whether that be due to recruiting another couple of big props to add to Keegan and Smith, or a slight change of gameplan which results in us being equally threatening throughout the duration of the game. Any involvement Alex does have next year will then just be a big additional bonus.

I'd also like to see us try recruit a ball handling Loose Forward (in the Hepworth/Beswick, etc mould) who can add extra creativity and help the halves link the play.

Would love Ash to re-sign for the yardage he makes and his efforts and commitment, but he'd be more of a second rower/impact player for me. With Applegarth, John Davies and Liam Walmsley already signed on, and hopefully Ash, Bretherton possibly and Walker (probably more unlikely) we've got a great second/back row, encapsulating yardage, work rate, defence and some try scoring capability. Just think we now need some extra spark at the base of the scrum to go compliment that.

I'm sure JK has plans in place though to ensure we progress and improve next year.

[Keep The Faith]

Agree with this HS, although would still like to have Alex available for some games.

What he need to do though is ensure that our overall gameplan isn't based around Alex, or the period where he and Keegan are on the field together, which IMO has been a little bit the case this year. You can't blame the players for giving the ball to a guy who makes 20 yards and more every carry, but at the same time it's quite apparent that we aren't the same force when the 2 big fellas aren't on, and don't make the same yardage.

We need a consistent 80 minute plan I feel, whether that be due to recruiting another couple of big props to add to Keegan and Smith, or a slight change of gameplan which results in us being equally threatening throughout the duration of the game. Any involvement Alex does have next year will then just be a big additional bonus.

I'd also like to see us try recruit a ball handling Loose Forward (in the Hepworth/Beswick, etc mould) who can add extra creativity and help the halves link the play.

Would love Ash to re-sign for the yardage he makes and his efforts and commitment, but he'd be more of a second rower/impact player for me. With Applegarth, John Davies and Liam Walmsley already signed on, and hopefully Ash, Bretherton possibly and Walker (probably more unlikely) we've got a great second/back row, encapsulating yardage, work rate, defence and some try scoring capability. Just think we now need some extra spark at the base of the scrum to go compliment that.

I'm sure JK has plans in place though to ensure we progress and improve next year.

spoke to walker on sunday and he said he is hoping to sort something out for next year after been giving the all clear..

[bulldogtrev]

A great opportunity for Alex, a great signing for St Helens and a fair deal for Batley. I cannot see Alex playing for Batley next season unless he gets injured and needs some warm up games.

After a close season of full time training which will improve his power,pace and fitness I expect Alex to be a St Helens first team regular next season.

[BatleyFanAndy]

Awesome news for him!

Good luck Alex!