TRANSFER RUMOURS!!

[pg106]

I know Chris Henry has been playing 7 for most of this season, but he isn't a 7 in the traditional sense, surely he would take the 6 in the absence of Ferris. Also, a quality 7 would help bring on the likes of Ali Birch as well surely?

Chris is a fantastic player, but lacks bulk and dog at 6 or 8. I think he will develop into a fine 7 when he gets his brain rewired.

Already is a fine 7, just needs a little bit more fine tuning. How he's not subbing for Ireland is beyond me.

There is no doubting that Chris is an excellent player, he just needs to develop some of the breakdown techniques/wizardry and perhaps bulk up a bit. I have noticed how good Rory Best seems to be at getting the turn over in tackles and at the breakdown though, I think that he perhaps has been taking more of those responsibilities for both Ulster and Ireland this year.

[breakdown]

Chris is a fantastic player, but lacks bulk and dog at 6 or 8. I think he will develop into a fine 7 when he gets his brain rewired.

Already is a fine 7, just needs a little bit more fine tuning. How he's not subbing for Ireland is beyond me.

There is no doubting that Chris is an excellent player, he just needs to develop some of the breakdown techniques/wizardry and perhaps bulk up a bit. I have noticed how good Rory Best seems to be at getting the turn over in tackles and at the breakdown though, I think that he perhaps has been taking more of those responsibilities for both Ulster and Ireland this year.

Henry wont need to bulk up imo, some 7's are big but others arent. George Smith, Pocock etc arent exactly big opensides

[Rooster]

Unless they resign the likes of Whitten, Faloon and Brady again or have outside replacements of higher standard coming in then we will be in even more deep do do than we are at present, squad still has not enough strength to cope with a few injuries.

[colwynvet]

Chris Henry is a super rugby player but is a bit small to be a world class 6 or 8 and a bit slow to be a world class 7.

Wonder how he'd have fared if he'd decided to play hooker at an early age. Discuss.

[Ardglass2]

Heard today that Whitten isn't having his contract renewed...

I find this absolutely bizarre! He can't be costing us allot, is versatile and has shown some decent potential this season, will be very disappointed if this is true!

Unless pip knows one of Whitten, Humphreys or Constable I would say he's talking through his derry-air. I'd also agree with Eggs and also add that Wallace is getting no younger, Spence isn't a 12 (unless despite the reels of video evidence Humph/McLaughs continue this) and Farrell and Marshall have proven nothing at the highest level we are not exactly as flush at 12 as one might think...

He may be talking through his derry-air but his track record on the rumour front is better than most.
He is one of only a handful I think are worth reading

[Nightsoil]

Unless they resign the likes of Whitten, Faloon and Brady again or have outside replacements of higher standard coming in then we will be in even more deep do do than we are at present, squad still has not enough strength to cope with a few injuries.

Way I see it is do the players named stand up and guide us through when the injuries come? If not, we might as well chuck them and bring through the youngsters if the budget dictates one or the other.

I'd prefer to keep all three but think I could live with any of them going. Of the three named, Whitten's the one going which seems to make most sense - he himself will get better chances of starting regularly elsewhere and there are youngsters coming through who I'd feel just as happy playing as I would Whitten. Although you could say the same of Faloon with Birch's emergence. Brady I'd be the least happy to see go, I'm not sure Annett's ready.

I stress again I'd prefer to keep these players. But I don't think it'd be the end of the world if they went and wouldn't consider them indispensable if money was tight.

[Ardglass2]

Who says Brady is going. Didn't he say something about Ulster or nobody.
I reckon we would keep him till Annett is ready - that isn't yet

[pg106]

Chris Henry is a super rugby player but is a bit small to be a world class 6 or 8 and a bit slow to be a world class 7.

Wonder how he'd have fared if he'd decided to play hooker at an early age. Discuss.

Yes that is kind of what I was getting at, a good 7 should be quick at the breakdown and quick to see and take opportunities to steal or turn over ball, I personally don't think Henry has that speed.

[Big-al]

Who says Brady is going. Didn't he say something about Ulster or nobody.
I reckon we would keep him till Annett is ready - that isn't yet

Some posters are going overboard big time.

[pip14]

Just what I heard, may/may not not be true. That's why I posted it in rumours section.

[BaggyTrousers]

Just what I heard, may/may not not be true. That's why I posted it in rumours section.

To be sure you did, Pip. Strange the way some will take great offence at mere rumours the problem being that we are all so thirsty for word of next years squad that it is seen as not quite cricket to simply post a rumour unless you are in a position to state the breed and antecedents of the canine from whom you got the rumour.

Complicated business this rumour stuff.

I heard a rumour that Reggie Dwight is gay but hey, what would I know.

[cables]

Tony going.

Ryan coming?

[Jockster]

I heard a rumour that Reggie Dwight is gay but hey, what would I know.

So what!! can he play at 10 or 7 the Ulster Way??

[pip14]

Heres another rumour for yas!
Ulsters new coach - Dean Ryan

[cables]

Beat Ya!!!!!!!!!!!!