Panchitta Marra wrote:From the outset Hoffman was the most effective signing from the 3 Storm players. He has been brilliant all season.
The interaction between Finch & Hoffman is really coming good, as it promised to do all season.
I wasnt a lover of Jeff Lima initially, but I cannot knock his effort on the park now, more so now the indicipline has gone, albeit the merry whistlers fault or not.
My concern is why we sign players on a one year contract, knowing they will most likely leave and the disruption it causes when they do.
The Hoff has gone and we must look to see where his replacement comes from. Hopefully we have enough strength from within our ranks.
I just hope the pull of Hoffman returning to Melbourne/Australia does not attract Finch & Lima to do so too.
Exactly my thoughts and concerns. We always here about stability being key. At least we have a backbone of local lads who sign long-term contracts.
But I am concerned about the potential instability of 'comings-and-goings'.
Hoff has been our stand-out Aussie new signing this year - going to be a big miss.
All the best to him though.
Hock is Hoffs replacement. We have 2nd rowers in abundance, Hoff has been awesome and a true professional but we will get by, I dont mean that disrespectful because given the chance I would keep him in a heartbeat but as a club we do seem to produce and have a lot of 2nd rowers.
TrueBlueWarrior wrote:Anderson from Wire as a replacement? Or is he going elsewhere? Or do we need a replacement?
I think there is talk about Anderson going to Catalan.
Anyone can support a team when it is winning, that takes no courage.
But to stand behind a team, to defend a team when it is down and really needs you,
that takes a lot of courage. #18thMan
It was always on the cards for him to return, now that the aussie salary cap has been increased. He was only a short term signing to cover for Hock and his decision has nothing to do with the position of the future coach.
29wes28 wrote:I dont think there would have ever been a doubt GBH if Storm come in for him, home town club and hes a proud lad, if Storm could not afford him and it was a choice between Wigan and any other NRL club I think he would have chosen us all day long!
It only became a possibility he could go to the Storm when Blair said he was leaving which is pretty recent.
Blair's departure has been on the cards all season Dave. Obviously it has only been confirmed in the last fortnight. Had we put Hoff on the spot what would that have achieved? A statement saying I am concentrating on the game ahead and will assess my future later in the season?
Dave, Hoff was always on the spot as the extra year was in his favour, if the club had the option to favour us then Im sure we could have triggered it and had him stay BUT its not it was in his favour and fair enough, in my book I would rather have an honest player for a year than sign some one for 3 who wants to leave after a year.
