No, we started the season 1 short on the salary cap and with Eastwood not coming we'll be in great shape salary cap wise. I'm sure we could even find space for Sam once he sees sense and follows his brother over here.

But will they want to keep that spare in case the Eastwood deal rematerialises into a perfect deal, or if another world class player becomes available?

If that happens you'll find me cryingand whining on the RAB board. Until then

Not many world class players become available mid season, and if they do it would normally for a bad reason. I'm not sure what's going to happen with Eastwood. What if he likes it at the Bulldogs?

Then you've lost a chance with a great player. But I'm sure when Sam comes you'll be able to use that extra bit of salary cap.

What about Tupou

I was told today that Saints have been sniffing round Smith for 6 months now. Now that would be an interesting move. It would be a shame if he goes to Union as rumoured, he's a good player despite how much I despise his cocky attitude.

A lot less cocky than he used to be TBH.

He’s maturing into a fantastic player – if he doesn’t spend the rest of his career collecting caps I’ll be surprised (unless he defects to the Dark Side that is).

I struggle to see him as a top centre though. He looks an out-and-out fullback.

If we can't accommodate him under the cap I'd much rather he went to you (or any other league club) than be lost to the game.

I can't see him going to another League team. As an England international he'll be offered a fair upgrade to what he is on now. That should satisfy him. He also has a good base to win honours and caps from, which wouldn't necessarily happen elsewhere apart from Saints.

The only thing that could urge him to Leeds is that he feels the club weren't that loyal to him if the stories of him being offered to Wigan last year are true. He may actually want out.