You're quite right but it doesn't mean that everybody retains the same level of quality as they age. I daresay one of the reasons that Menzies is over here is to prolong his career for a couple more years. How old was Gidley when he came over because I remember people complaining about his final year saying that time had caught with up or rather Super League had. Lyon would probably cost us megabucks and if we could guarantee he came over with the same sort of quality as first time he would probably be worth it but what happens if he doesn't? I'd rather chance our arm on someone else if we're talking about a big chunk of our salary cap.

Look what many said about Craig Gowers when the Broncos signed him aged 34, yesterday at the JJB he was
running the game and he is improving with every match, so Jamie should have no problems.

that's fair comment mate - it will be interesting to see the kind of ideas the new coach will advocate

But when will that new coach be in position? or do you mean the caretakers? or does the coach really make the final decisions any more, name signings may be approached quietly now for next season, we know it goes on or you may miss out.

Surely a club like Saints would give the coach the full rein to try to get the players in he wants if at all possible

Mr Guasch at Catalans is a difficult guy to please and Robinson knows his job is on the line if a few games are lost but at least Guasch gave him the responsability of approaching and signing future players - the Pryce deal was done halfway through last season for example cos' Robinson wanted him

the catretaker or new coach at Saints will have to use what he has available to him this seson which, if you look at the squad still isn't a bad set of players it just needs the right coach to instill the confidence - the team will turn around, even with someone like KC in charge

As our quota is full and lack of British players available the only solution is to withdraw sia contract offer and sign gaz Ellis.

That way we have a quota spot free.

Thoughts?

It's a possible, but I'd be more tempted to move Sia forwards and sign Gareth Ellis and a british prop.

I wasn't saying if do that but it's a option.

I think sia will end up in the front row and said it last year but I think it's a good few years off yet.

British prop?

Sorry not every site is as friendly as ours and put contracts on a sticky.

Larne Patrick Huddersfield
Mark O meley - Hull FC
Sam Moa - Hull FC, but not sure if he is pre-2008.
Bryn Hargreaves - Bradford
Micheal Koredas - bit left field, but basically you get the gist, you look and you can find OOC props for next year.

Tom and George Burgess are also off contract at Bradford and Souths respectively. If Souths aren't keeping George, it might reduce the likelihood of Tom going there as well.

Any chance of a BOGOF Burgess offer?

thats what we need a HUGE monster of a player in the pack, the sort that were only fed raw meat for the last 10 years

Lyon on a two year deal - fine. Anything else - no.

Look, I'm sure the spirit is willing and all. But thirty-year flesh is notoriously weak. And I'm guessing Lyon will be on far, far more than his initial contract (which even McManus accepts was modest).

In any case, the main priority MUST be a scrum half. Let's see how much is left in the pot before we go hiring expensive players teetering on the edge of their prime.