Still, it would take one hell of an argument in my opinion to justify Long ever been in the top three 7s at any time in his career, because I don't think he has I'm sure most would agree.

I disagree i think he was up there at one time and his personal trophy cabinet will back that up, given he was chased by many oz clubs and courted heavily by their reps in the past ...
However i will add he is still up there with the best in the UK if maybe not as quick off the mark but definately not spent by any means

I know there's little point in continuing this because you don't think it's possible to consider him as being in the top 3 (which is still pretty impressive if you consider him worthy of 4th best in the world). So I can argue for him being the best, you can argue against and we'll leave it at that. His career is not over either, so he still has time to achieve more than his already impressive:

- 2001 and 2007 WCC winner's medals - he'd have had to pretty good to win those.
- Three Lance Todds.
- In 2006 he guided Britain to their first win in 18 years in Australia - (5 wins, 9 losses and 1 draw with him playing).

I think he loves the big occasion but sometimes has howlers on the less important occasions. This inconsistency is what lets him down when comparing him with with other great half-backs.

Indeed only an idiot would doubt what Long has achieved with Saints an his influence on these honours, my main point was that for Hull last season he really wasn't anything special, he showed glimpses, but when we needed him to step up he didn't.

you are right - he had more bad than good in his 15 games. Let's just hope he can get some fitness and form for us next year.

Lets be honest here the bloke is in the twighlight of his career, injuries have taken their toll and (if you read his book) probably his lifestyle. Saints new they had had the best out of him so decided to release, i for one think we should never have signed him, but he is here so lets hope we can get as many games out of him as possible, if we can get another 15 games out of him next season we will be very lucky.

Darren Lockyer is only six months younger than Longy and has had a lot of injuries (ribs, hamstring, knees etc) but is still pretty influential. Give Longy a season free of the type of freak injures he got this season and I think he can really help to take us to some finals.

And I'd agree with them if I went around spouting rubbish like that

No doubting the influence that Longy can have, organising and moving us around the park, which we were badly missing.
Think next season will be his last.
DL probably has looked after himself a bit more to be honest.

Although I don't have any evidence to support that, it would be pretty difficult for him to have looked after himself less than Long.

And Hull are going to Old Trafford and England are going to beat the Aussies

Im sorry if im derailing the thread here but does anyone have anymore rumours?

can we forget about anyone else coming in now,after what rule is saying?

he first said we were "done" and then Dowes signed
he agin then said we were "done" and Westerman arrived

so, he has "previous"

How about this french guy as cover for Tansey at Fullback (or even to start?!) www.allvoices.com/contributed-ne ... story-fall

How about this french guy as cover for Tansey at Fullback (or even to start?!) www.allvoices.com/contributed-ne ... story-fall

Think the Mail (as ever) took his comments out of context. Rule actually said [url=http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/hullfc/HULL-FC-Joe-s-signing-final-piece-2011-jigsaw/article-2824765-detail/article.htmlI am not expecting to make [imany[/i more signings for 2011[/url.

After him also stating a fortnight ago that we were not making any more signings I'm taking it all with a pinch of salt and waiting to see what happens. At a guess I'd say he meant there'll be no more signings [iafter[/i the ones they're already negotiating, but as I also suspect Westerman is our new 6 what do I know?

hope not.i would rather see him at 13,and move fitz to prop.

A few people have said this but I really didn't read his comments that way at all. I think some conclusions are being jumped to TBH.

I don't buy it either. I'm pretty sure he will start at 13.

Feel the same. Read it more that he's happy to cover there and is comfortable with the position

I think it will take a while for people's gut instincts to change. The last few years have gone a long way to making fans have a negative feeling.

I think it's the fact that Westerman being able to cover 6 is being mentioned fairly substantially in every club-released article, and that most people see him as 100% a 13.


What happened to Brent Sherwin? He left Cas for Cats, then was released by Cats and I haven't heard anything since. Anyone know anything? Not suggesting anything concerning us - he'd be too expensive - but just interested, that's all.

Fully agree, although perhaps understandable.

Westerman has been bought to play loose forward . He can cover at standoff if needed. He will give us an extra "pivot" . Fitz plays like a prop/backrower and can now be spelled during games.
Lets hope with Joe on board a more attack minded brand of RL can be played.