Bateman

[Barney841]

Been more of a solid player since he’s been back, not influential like he was before he went to the NRL.
Players move on and so will we, nature of the game.
I do agree though that we shouldn’t welcome him back with open arms if he doesn’t settle in the NRL this time round

[Caboosegg]

Its as good as done, just nothing signed as of yet.

Wigan are planning on signing a replacement I'm just not certain if it will be like for like.

Personally if its like for like Id be all over McMeeken if its a British player we have to sign.

Unfortunately we've no chance of getting McMeeken, signed 2 extension in April and said family is happy in France.

Surely if we're getting few in this season will be offloading 1 or 2 quota players. Hopefully the rumour of Mago & Isa to Wakefield is true, then will have more choice.

Only player I can think of realistically who's British that could maybe do a job for few years is Westerman & then Smithes/KPP at SR. But I'd rather we go Tanginoa from Wakefield, or an NRL pick up.

The one complaint I will never understand is the dislike people have for Isa, he has been a solid player for us who has always stepped up when needed.

[Jonh]

Isa has been an absolute warrior for us. He’s coming towards the end of his career and maybe got given a year more than he should have on his last deal but it’s hard to say he hasn’t earned it.

Week in week out 7 out of 10. Not a super star but an absolute machine, leader and consummate professional.

In relation to Bateman according to the RLFans rumours we are trying to replace him with Bryce Cartwright.

[josie andrews]

Isa has been an absolute warrior for us. He’s coming towards the end of his career and maybe got given a year more than he should have on his last deal but it’s hard to say he hasn’t earned it.

Week in week out 7 out of 10. Not a super star but an absolute machine, leader and consummate professional.

In relation to Bateman according to the RLFans rumours we are trying to replace him with Bryce Cartwright.

This exactly

[southportcdm]

Bryce Cartwright is a decent player but, from his wiki page (if true), I wouldn't have thought he was the type of bloke that Matty Peet would want in the squad.

[Charriots Offiah]

Its as good as done, just nothing signed as of yet.

Wigan are planning on signing a replacement I'm just not certain if it will be like for like.

Personally if its like for like Id be all over McMeeken if its a British player we have to sign.

Unfortunately we've no chance of getting McMeeken, signed 2 extension in April and said family is happy in France.

Surely if we're getting few in this season will be offloading 1 or 2 quota players. Hopefully the rumour of Mago & Isa to Wakefield is true, then will have more choice.

Only player I can think of realistically who's British that could maybe do a job for few years is Westerman & then Smithes/KPP at SR. But I'd rather we go Tanginoa from Wakefield, or an NRL pick up.

The one complaint I will never understand is the dislike people have for Isa, he has been a solid player for us who has always stepped up when needed.

I don’t dislike Isa but, from a rugby point of view, giving him a two year contract rather than promoting the likes of Nicholson was bad business.

[nathan_rugby]

Unfortunately we've no chance of getting McMeeken, signed 2 extension in April and said family is happy in France.

Surely if we're getting few in this season will be offloading 1 or 2 quota players. Hopefully the rumour of Mago & Isa to Wakefield is true, then will have more choice.

Only player I can think of realistically who's British that could maybe do a job for few years is Westerman & then Smithes/KPP at SR. But I'd rather we go Tanginoa from Wakefield, or an NRL pick up.

The one complaint I will never understand is the dislike people have for Isa, he has been a solid player for us who has always stepped up when needed.

I don’t dislike Isa but, from a rugby point of view, giving him a two year contract rather than promoting the likes of Nicholson was bad business.

Isa has been a solid player and the type of player every squad needs.

I did and still do question the two year deal and would love to know the impact it had on Nicholson leaving but it’s all in hindsight now.

[fozzieskem]

I've always said I don't know what Isa does but when he doesn't play he leaves a Willie isa type hole in the style of play,he's just one of those players who will never sate the "Big signing" brigade but one that every squad needs.

[widdenoldboy]

I didn’t suggest that we should throw Junior to the wolves

I hope you didn’t mean that literally! Don’t you think the wolves have enough of our players

[widdenoldboy]

Great thread....if Bateman goes then we are in uncertain times so I'd like him to stay.

I'd assume his potential move is a bit of a suprise to the board? Otherwise we would have been able to show McDonnel/Nicholson an open door to first team rugby.

Nsemba has massive potential but, IIRC, he is a year younger than most of the Academy team and needs more time for physique development - I'd have thoght he would be ready at the end of 2023 season at the very earliest. I don't see another 2nd row in Reserves/Academy just yet either.