Sam v Shaun

[Kittwazzer]

In my opinion, Sam, at his age, is a more talented and exciting player that Shaun Edwards was at the same age. He will never match Shaun's achievements because no player will ever attain 9 Wembley wins but if he remains injury free, I reckon he will go down in history as one of the all time greats of English Rugby League. Wigan supporters old enough are privileged to have witnessed two home grown players to reach these heights.

What do others think of this?

[cpwigan]

Very hard to compare to be honest. I think Shaun suffered greater injuries and consequently his gamed changed more dramatically. At about the same age, Shaun was at his peak athletically and if any of you used to get the old Micron Videos they often had clips and songs and one of the clips is of Giz at his athletic best skinning Hull FC. Tonight we saw Sam T skin Hull FC too.

I think at the moment Sam is a better fullback than Giz was but noty as good a halfback. That may change and the genuine comparison would come when both have finished their careers.

[TonyH]

If he doesnt get Man of Steel this year I will run naked through the Toys R Us superstore in Preston.

Someone please make this a sticky because this needs to be adhered to if he doesn't but at the same time I will do exactly the same around my estate if he doesn't get MOS.

[Kittwazzer]

He certainly deserves MoS. Downfall may be opposition players who he winds up. They get to vote as well!

[Panchitta Marra]

IMO Sam is already a more talented half back than Shaun Edwards ever was.
Edwards was the best in the world at backing up, but not in the same class as Sam at taking a player on infront of him and actually going passed him.

Role reversal:
IMO Sam in the same team that Edwards played in against the level of competition in that era would have shown how much better Sam is.

[BriH]

Last nights try by Sam was as good as I've seen - and I've been watching RL for nearly 60 years!!!

[gpartin]

Sam is totally unique and instead of comparing him to Edwards think of him as another legend to add onto the list of all time greats because he really is that good. I can honestly say we are dealing with a truly world class player, still young and improving and with the potential to be the best player we have ever had.

Regarding Edwards I wonder if the weaknesses He had in defence would be too much to make allowances for in the modern game because with all the angled runs and stuff there's nowhere to hide these days.

[cpwigan]

I would have to disagree PM re Edwards and Sam at halfback. Edwards was a general able to lead his troops and control the game. Sam has not shown that ability as yet. Kicking wise, I think Sam potentially could kick longer but Edwards was a far better kicker in terms of finding the ground etc. The player that reminds me of Edwards the halfback is Finch. Edwards like Finch would stand left and dart right at the last moment to create 4 v 3s or 3 v 2s and would make those fantastic delayed short passes. Defensively, Edwards was a master at reading the game and he could even leave the line to kill passing moves etc. Edwards and Phil Clarke were the best players I have seen at doing so. You have a player in Edwards who was groomed by a father in Jackie who but for injury was not far behind Alex Murphy in ability. Edwards was educated akin to the most intense Aus RL players in the ways of RL.

Sam T IMO is a better athlete hence why he is suited more to FB than Edwards was but here lies the problem comparing. Edwards had some awful injuries that hampered his speed but that season I alluded to he was fabulous athletically. IMO, he never reached those heights athletically again. Sam is not going to be like he is forever and hopefully he will then be able to slot into a halfback role at that stage.

Finchy was a lot more evasive and athletic in his early career. Even CPW was (JK) Shit happ[ens and as we age we expand and slow no matter how fit we are.

[KOOCH]

Sam is totally unique and instead of comparing him to Edwards think of him as another legend to add onto the list of all time greats because he really is that good. I can honestly say we are dealing with a truly world class player, still young and improving and with the potential to be the best player we have ever had.

Regarding Edwards I wonder if the weaknesses He had in defence would be too much to make allowances for in the modern game because with all the angled runs and stuff there's nowhere to hide these days.

Exactly my sentiments.With each try he only adds to his portfolio and that unfortunately will attract the sharks in years to come.By that I mean the Aussie cheque book.Sam and Shaun both had vision to see and read plays that others can only achieve by accident.One is a Legend and the other is a Legend in the making.We old codgers that have had the good fortune to witness both players can only salivate at the memories of Edwards and of the things to come from Sam.God I'm already wetting myself at the thought.Something I should probably keep to myself though.And as for running naked through Toys r us.The thought of trying to get my zimmer frame moving fast enough to burn rubber as already got me in a sweat.

[doc]

Unfair comparison as they have totally different styles of play.

Sam wins on open field running.

Shaun wins on organisation, kicking, tactical awareness, support play and an almost psychotic desire to win.

Have to give it to Shaun at the moment but Sam's got plenty of time to catch him up.