Why people are comparing this signing to Sam Tomkins and questioning if this is our marquee signing I do not know.

The fact he's signed for 18 months clearly suggests to me that we're giving Lomax the chance to prove himself (our "marquee full back") and McDonnell is simply a short term option to give us cover in an area we're short.

Saints can re-assess the situation in 12 months or so and aim to bring in a marquee signing should Lomax not recover well enough from his injury.

I really don't see the issue here?

Really quite sensible. Covers us this season whilst Lomax is injured. Should his comeback fail next year, we're not completely up creek for 12 months while we find a top replacement.

Exactly. Comparisons with Tomkins are meaningless. He's obviously not a marquee signing, but he is going to be handy to have around.

Also, you can argue about his overall quality, but his zip certainly makes him an exciting player to watch.
If the jet lag's not too bad, he could have a field day against Woeful Wakey if our big men get a roll on.

Every time i watched him last year, he looked useful. Similar style of player to Danny McGuire. Not the greastest defensively, but always in the right place at the right time offensively which isnt a skill you can teach as such, but can add a try a game.

Charnock will be at 9 I imagine mate.

Looking forward to seeing that. He may well turn out to be the main benificiary of Lance's retirement.

I'd prefer Charnock - but I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't Flash.

I believe it when see it.

Charnock (reportedly) has played 1,6 and 9 for the reserves, so should well move into Hohaia's squad position, but KC's reluctance to use him gives me doubts that he'll ever emerge.

So you don't think it'll be Flanagan then?

St. Helens management is fast becoming like the Cosa Nostra. Keep your nose down and play the game and it won't be long before you're a "Made Man". Make the mistake of crossing The Godfather and it's a quick double-tap to the head and shallow grave.