I agree he's been given a hard time by some saints fans but he's never played really poor but he's also never played like the half people expected.

He always gives 100% and people thought he could just slot in as a play maker but I knew he couldn't play that role.

I think he will he a great addition as utility player off the bench, he's made for that position in this modern game.

I thought he was signing for Wigan to replace Blake Green who's going back to Aus

I don't think Saints will have any competition from Wigan for him. There were a few rumours about us being in for him but I always doubted it due to the options we have with the youngsters. They've played very well in Greens absence which convinces me they'll be given that position to fight over.

I'm more then happy with any one of Powell, Williams or Hampshire getting first go at the position.

Wigan was 100% in for him

I remember you saying you'd hate to see Saints get Burns, despite you're apparent happiness with your kids.

'Was'?

I did and I would. I've not said I don't rate him because I do but we can't sign them all and I'd rather give those three lads we have a shot.

Hope Burns stays at HKR!

I don't doubt we were but I think Wane may well have pulled the plug after watching Williams and Powell progress at a rate of knots.

I'd guess Greens injury and the opportunities that opened up for the kids may have changed things.

Apparently not.

On the subject of Lance, as a World Cup winner, he is surely on a decent wedge. I sometimes wonder if the club would be financially better off if they had just paid Eastmond what Offiah claims he was worth at the time he was negotiating his first major contract when Lomgy retired. I seem to remember the rumours being that the club played hard ball and wouldn't offer him any more than 2 years. I wonder if it would have been better business in hindsight.

Burns will certainly be a great signing, in terms of his half back play, organisational skills, his leadership and his sheer competitiveness. There may be questions over whether he fits into the Saints type of player mould but let's be honest, I can think of more successful players who were thought to be difficult than genuine nice guys who are squeaky clean professionals. I'm sure we still have the management structure to cope with the odd Sean Long character.

We need some more players of this type, he's just what we've been missing. A niggly get who winds up the opposition. Wigan have O'loughlin, Leeds have Sinfield

Wane didn't pull the plug. The plug was pulled for him.

Burns is a good player but will be 31 years of age at the start of next season, so this will be his last big contract. I certainly (from Wigans p.o.v) wouldn't offer anything more than a two (or even one plus one) deal. If another club came up with a three or more year contract offer then if I were in Burns position I would snatch their hand off.

I think he's got a good 3 seasons left him in. 2yr with option of a 3rd is good IMO.

Not if it held back the development of Powell, Williams and Hampshire (even Shorrocks)