Interesting. Wouldn’t add any size to the pack, but as you say it would add a lot of flexibility. Bateman does seem to gave burned his bridges in Oz.

I kind of like the sound of that.

A team only a season ticket holder could love.

I understand the cheap loan idea but not beyond that.

If we are going to sign a backrow it has to be different to what we have.

Depends what you mean by "not different". If you mean physically similar, yes. If you mean similar in ability and experience, no. Neither McDonnell or Bentley have played in the NRL or been a regular pick for their country. Hand on heart I'd rather have another big (non project) prop, but since our options in that regard seem very limited indeed, you can't blame Blease/Arthur for looking to strengthen in other ways.

Personally, I'd leave someone else to manage Bateman. I don't think we need what he brings. We should either look for another big unit for the front row, a pacy sizeable line breaker of a backrower, or keep our power dry in case something happens mid season.