Reading the Leicester Mercury article on Hawkins injury, I have left myself somewhat worried and concerned that Rob Hawkins will not be offered a new contract.
Cockers wrote:"He has had a good run and was really keen to impress because he is trying to earn a new contract. Now that opportunity has been taken away from him."
Would be very concerned if we do not offer him a new contract, what with Chuter nearing the end of his career, (IMO Hawks should have been starting all season), and Tom Youngs, whilst good, still has a bit to learn at the top level.
I read that as to mean the continued opportunity has gone through the injury rather than a potential get out clause by the club for not having seen enough of his play.
Hambo :- He was with England when he was injured, but he was a Tigers player, our player. He is still our player.”
I don't think it is as bad as it has been interpreted.
I think it was supposed to sound more along the lines of "He was hoping to prove he deserved a new contract thanks to his performances over the remainder of the season...but now he has been robbed of that opportunity."
I expect him to be offered a new deal, though his bargaining power in terms of value will probably have taken a knock as he is no longer able to prove he justifies the price his agent will be asking for.
If the price is right I have little doubt he will still be a Tiger next season.
To paraphrase-
To lose a Twelvetrees is unfortunate, but to lose a Hawkins is pure carelessness.
To be honest playing 12trees out of position didn't help his or our causes, but whenever Hawkins has played he's looked good and worth a run in the team. Now it seems we are to sit back and watch Glaws benefit from Billy's talents. I don't want to do the same with Hawkins at another club.
Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
me2 wrote:
I think it was supposed to sound more along the lines of "He was hoping to prove he deserved a new contract thanks to his performances over the remainder of the season...but now he has been robbed of that opportunity."
I agree (and hope we are both correct). Hawkins and Youngs are excellent players (so is Chuter but, let's not forget, getting on a bit) and it'd be great to see them as rotated at 2 next season.
Have to say, as much as I like Chutes, I agree he's looking a little slow now.
I have said before, I like the aggression that Hawkins shows around the park, particularly his willingness to take the ball at pace and run into/through whatever is in front of him, almost Moody-like.