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There's a report I one of the trade papers today stating that Sam was injured at the weekend and that it could be a repeat of the recent knee injury. Let's hope it's not too serious but what do we do if it is? i.e. what is the contingency for losing our star player at any point next year? If Rocky is the answer my next question would be how much better prepared will he be for the role next season compared to this? Do we think his game has progressed sufficiently to be confident in him replacing Sam for a large part/important part of the season. If not, what are we doing about it?

this is a worry if true - Sams knee/knees have been an issue for him for a while now - this does worry me as I don't think he will be able to play every game for us next season.

what happened to lewis t is he completely out the plans now

It's his left knee again this is going to be a big worry.

This could end the discussion over England's full back. Rest up Sam, get over this bad injury year and come back ready to go in 2016!

If you watch videos of ST early on in his career he seems to have a lot more pace and agility - now I am not sure if this was because other teams where not aware of his ability's or that his knees have become very temperamental.

what injury is it that he has?

bomhead wrote:If you watch videos of ST early on in his career he seems to have a lot more pace and agility - now I am not sure if this was because other teams where not aware of his ability's or that his knees have become very temperamental.

what injury is it that he has?

I've been thinking the same bomhead.Hes clearly stopped using his step and swerve.he just relies on his link up and passing skills.maybe his knees are bad because he's clearly lost a lot of pace imo

Firestarter wrote:

bomhead wrote:If you watch videos of ST early on in his career he seems to have a lot more pace and agility - now I am not sure if this was because other teams where not aware of his ability's or that his knees have become very temperamental.

what injury is it that he has?

I've been thinking the same bomhead.Hes clearly stopped using his step and swerve.he just relies on his link up and passing skills.maybe his knees are bad because he's clearly lost a lot of pace imo

I do feel for him as it must be very frustrating!! but this surely does prove that we need a good FB cover and as someone has previously mentioned is Hampshire any more ready - not in my opinion

I may be in trouble for saying this but I think Sam was in trouble when he went to NZW and I still think he is in big trouble with his knees - if you take the sentimental thought out of this agreement then we should have had him put threw a strict medical and really paid what he is worth as we would with any player or does the sentimental aspect of signings come into it for some people.

personally - I wouldn't have resigned mossop or even Joel but that is just me and I would have had to have a real think about ST like if I was truly honest.

bomhead wrote:I may be in trouble for saying this but I think Sam was in trouble when he went to NZW and I still think he is in big trouble with his knees - if you take the sentimental thought out of this agreement then we should have had him put threw a strict medical and really paid what he is worth as we would with any player or does the sentimental aspect of signings come into it for some people.

personally - I wouldn't have resigned mossop or even Joel but that is just me and I would have had to have a real think about ST like if I was truly honest.

Agree with all this. When did we last sign a player back who went on to achieve? I'm struggling!

Kittwazzer wrote:

bomhead wrote:I may be in trouble for saying this but I think Sam was in trouble when he went to NZW and I still think he is in big trouble with his knees - if you take the sentimental thought out of this agreement then we should have had him put threw a strict medical and really paid what he is worth as we would with any player or does the sentimental aspect of signings come into it for some people.

personally - I wouldn't have resigned mossop or even Joel but that is just me and I would have had to have a real think about ST like if I was truly honest.

Agree with all this. When did we last sign a player back who went on to achieve? I'm struggling!

Me also but I think one reason why players returning don't look as good is they come back to a different team and different tactics.

This could be particularly relevant for Sam as Green and Lockers were IMO key to a lot of the success Sam had.

That is not to say Sam was overrated and profited off others efforts. He had to be there to take advantage of their play that gave him the chances and plenty of his efforts took a lot to finish.

If people are expecting a re-run of when he was here before I think they will be disappointed BUT if they are it won't be all down to him (assuming injury isn't an issue).

I'd have kept Bowen for another season as some sort of player coach role. Bowen is effective in the current team. I am not sure Sam would be or will be.