@RLW_Mole: For those asking, yes former @NZWarriors Lance Hohaia a chance to replace Lachlan Coote @nthqldcowboys

Would definitely go for Clarke at cas, just the type we need for Roby to train, like Kieran did him. Warrington have a lad (Dwyer I think) whom they all seem to rate as their successor, so if we got in quick there's a chance.

With regard Blake ferguson - I don't know if he was ever found guilty or how that would impact visa applications? Would obviously be an incredible signing and cover arguably our 2 weakest positions (centre and stand off) but we don't usually go for "disruptive" types - that said a 10 month play your way back deal would probably work out well for all!

This season just gets better
Transfer fee for lance would be a dream come true.
If saints could get a quality hooker to spell robes.
Bring Higham back (I know that won't happen)

For those jumping with glee at the thought of Hohaia moving on (and I would agree that things haven't worked out with him although I can't help feeling sorry for the bloke as he has had to put up with all kinds of rubbish partnerships when operating at halfback), when Wheeler gets his inevitable season ending injury, who then replaces him?

]
If he stays I hope it's not him. "
If he stays I hope it's not him.

Lance has has plenty of opportunities at 6 and its just not worked out. He's a 1 or maybe an interchange 9 but his lack of ability/desire to take on the line and having no recognisable kicking game doesnt really help him

Charnock if he's ready, try and poach someone from the championship (Ryan Millard had a good World Cup at 6, and we have ties to Rochdale), buy gob (I reckon wire would sell him for 25k), take someone on loan similar to last year, Wilkin or saddened.

All of the above options are preferable to lance at 6 (and in that order)

(I also feel sorry for him in a way of I want it to work out ... But I felt the same about perry - but that doesn't make him a stand off)

Can cover 1, 6 and 9 in case of an injury or resting a star, therefore unless we have a ready replacement or get a fee we would be crazy to let him go for the sake of it.

Been talking to a few people on the other hemisphere. By the sounds of it, cowboys are hoping to sign josh Hoffman from the broncos as their replacement full back, but lance is seen as the best option if they can't convince broncos for a release.

Bulldogs have been pestering broncos to release Hoffman the entire off season, so I can't see why cowboys will have more luck.

yes, but terribly!

Had Brisbane been able to get Anthony Milford for 2014 and not 2015 then I could see Hoffman going, but as it is I think Brisbane will want to keep hold of him.

I'm 50/50 on this. I don't think Lance is a bad hooker at all. If he were used consistently as an interchange 9 then I think he could finally make a positive impact at Saints. I'd also worry about the lack of cover at 9 if he were to leave suddenly. So if he was guaranteed to only play hooker then I'd be alright with him staying.

On the other hand, I get the impression Brown has no intention of using him consistently as an interchange 9. If he's still in the running to play 6 for us then I'd be happy to see the back of him - I'd prefer to see Wilkin or Charnock in that role if/when Wheeler takes a knock.

So if we get an injury we want to pay a bloke top money as cover , when;

1. Wellens or Makinson better option - with Gardner or Dawson covering wing.

6 Turner probably a better option - with Jones to centre. Dare say Wilkin a better 6 too.

9. Brown preferred Howarth first ??? . Personally feel Lance is our current best option as back up 9 . If not , when we signed Flanagan , it was mentioned he could cover 9.

Let him go NQC and hope it works out for all parties

Didn't Royce bring Mark Flanagan over because he could play/cover hooker?

But for me we need cover in the halves

He did say that, but then he also brought Lance over to play scrum half. Personally I can't see Flanagan as a hooker at all.