Maybe it's time the Knights don't sign players with a history of knee issues, Hodkinson, Moga, Griffin all signed despite having plasticine knees.
Absolutely agreed, but with some discretion.
A young guy injured in an awkward tackle who comes back strong without complications and a re-occurrence is far less risky than a guy who blows a knee through a sidestep or pops a shoulder in an innocuous incident.
- Moga at his best is a beast, and there weren't many other quality centres on the market. But the repeat ACL's were a massive red flag and it was a surprise we signed him on the deal we did.
- Slade was a solid hooker and maybe less of a risk but should probably have been passed over.
- Hodko mightn't have been as much of a liability playing in the halves if he had a quality experienced halves partner. He was a good signing but I feel he copped more flak than warranted.
Some players can manage their off-field workload and still give the team the performances they need on the day, Shaun Timmins was a good example of that. That depends on the team around them, their experience, how they prepare, and whether that approach suits them. Certainly doesn't work for everyone.
The same can be said for chronic shoulder problems, Souths were crazy signing Sam Burgess on the terms of his last contract regardless of his status and past performances.
Ultimately, some teams are forced into risky signings based on their ability to attract players, we've been in that position for far too long. The systems, staff and players we have in place now should see this a problem of the past. Hopefully we're seen as a club the top players want to play for like the Roosters and Storm, not purely for a big payday.
