Lomax is a better player but McDonnell is an excellent back up player and will put Lomax under pressure next season when he eventually returns from injury.

McDonnell has fitted in exceptionally well to our style of play. He reads the game well, his support play is very good (probably his biggest strength) and the timing of his passing and knowing when to run is decent too. He's weak in defence but positionally he's fairly good and I've not seen many kicks get the better of him yet. I'm glad we've got him until the end of next season as it give us that insurance in the position and allows us to time assess Lomax & our options next season.

It's a tough one. Locke is the one that jumps out, but as KC has stated that is likely to be a bit of quagmire. It's a shame really, as it would be ideal for both parties. Perhaps this legendary press conference that's happening in the next hour will throw up some new possibilities on that front.

Eden has moments of brilliance but, as everyone has been saying, his defence is all over the place. And not just his defence, either: I've seen him make some jaw-dropping decisions in and around his own in-goal area while in possession. I've no doubt that he'd be getting flayed alive on here within weeks if we signed him. He's clearly got loads of talent, but if he was ever going to get moulded into a complete player then one of his several clubs would have managed it by now.

Lee Smith was handy in his Leeds days, but I thought he looked close to Championship standard when at Wakey. Needs must, I suppose.

There's a real risk we can end up hanging ourselves over the long term to fix a short term problem. I don't like Locke's attitude. I wouldn't entertain Smith or Eden under normal circumstances. So I'm not going to start now.

Play the kids. They are on the books. They wear the Red Vee. Replacements are what the juniors exists to provide.

If it doesn't work out during the playoffs - fine. We gave it a try. Ultimately we are right at the limit of injuries which we can endure whilst maintaining a credible chance for the GF. What we don't want is to hurt next season's (excellent) chances with stupid panic-buys.

McDonnell has been directly involved in more tries than any other player in Super league in the rounds he's played since he's been over.

Salford have now accepted Locke's resignation..........

If there is any possibility of a quick fix I would opt for Locke, just get the feeling he would be a much better player in a Saints Side than the Salford Bunch.