But you should surely know by now that McManus makes pretty meaningless statements!

Soward coming available is McManus worst nightmare. We are desperate for a top class halfback and one comes available and McManus knows the fans will demand we get him but he won't want to spend the cash.

If its true that perry has agreed a release, I bet McManus will be taking him into staying now, he has the quota excuse then

He's a spin doctor, he tells us what we want to hear. I don't believe much he says these days.

Can I echo these comments. I am growing more and more disillusioned with Saints by the day. What's the betting they announce new deals for Gardner and LMS in quick succession now.

I'm more positive about Laffranchi than most. However I'm also open to reason. We had a debate about him earlier in the year and I said at the time as a 2nd rower I would keep him over Flanagan. But basically we have no idea as to what position he has been signed.

It was put to me that on the money that he's getting we could get the same elsewhere for cheaper.

I don't think this year has been his best year, but he was not too shabby last year for a man playing above his weight, he could handle most packs bar the Wigan and Warrington Pack. This year it seems to have caught up with him and other packs have got on top of him.

He seemed to switch to the back rower in his last game, but then picked up an injury. I think it was the Leeds game and he was pretty effective as a sub for Manu's side.

If I was going to hold any of the off contract players it would have been TP. but I don't think we can afford to do that now with Laffranchi also signed up as that would limit our options. We still need 2 big yard dog props. You have to assume one will be overseas.

I'm not about to run about saying woe is Saints, but neither will I be running about throwing my hat in the air. It's a bit of an erm signing till we see what else is coming (or not).

That is a good point. It's only within the context of our other signings that Boof can be seen as a success or a failure.

As I've said, he'll go alright at second row, as a prop, he's not good enough.

I don't think he can play second row anymore after two years at prop

Given the decline in his performances since last year, I dread to think what he's going to be like next.

I pray we don't resign this guy. Flannery mark two

Club has announced he has already been re-signed, for another year.

When was this announced?

Um, on 10 June, and is the subject of this thread.

But, as established earlier in the thread, the club hadn't actually announced anything at that point - there was only a snippit in the St Helens Star saying that Laffranchi had said something about it in the supporter's lounge (or somesuch location).

I think he's signed mate. Think it was done weeks a go.