Dec Patton?! Oh god I hope not. I know beggars can't be choosers but I don't rate this guy at all. He tried and was a bit unlucky at Warrington but since his move to Salford all he has done is put on a ton of weight and created nothing.
He won't be cheap either. I know I'm not offering much in way of an alternative but I really hope we don't sign him.

My concern about Patton is that he's been around a bit but never kicked on and wouldn't be cheap. Makes me wonder if Keyes would've been a better option if we're going for another frontline halfback.

While I agree he's not kicked on with his potential, having someone who's made 120+ appearances SL appearances, who could also cover hooker, isn't a bad signing.

I think someone with our budget, a third choice HB is going to have negatives with them. Even Keyes, as much as I like him, how often would he be on the field? He's made 10 appearances in 2 years and the year before that with us, he missed about two thirds of the season with back issues.

A fair point.

If we do sign a third halfback that will improve squad depth. We seem to have replacements for Levy and Brandon too. I'd like to see us add another front rower so that we're not overly reliant on an aging Crossley and an undisciplined Fleming.

If we were to sign Patton I'm not even sure we'd play him in the halves. I don't think he was playing there for Salford.
Maybe JK has him lined up as Hallas' replacement.

Maybe being a senior pro is what Patton needs to get him to knuckle down? If it does come off we are making some, if not earth shattering signings, some solid signings.

I too have reservations with Fleming. Some games he doesn't turn up then I though he had a good dig against Batley and stood out.

Patton 1 year deal

The reserves are restarting next year also - another option for game time

Pleasantly surprised with that.

3 decent halfbacks for this level and gives us more cover at 9 too.

I think the competition will help both him and Lilley. Can’t expect Brough to stay fit for the season at his age either.

Patton at his best is a level above Keyes. Not sure what happened at Salford but if he gets fit he's first choice. I think Lilley's better suited to spell at 9.

Anyway, solid early business. Lots more of the same required.

1. Elliot Hall - Rumoured
2. Ryan Miller - Rumoured
3. Rhys Evans - 2022
4. Kieran Gill - 2023
5.
6. Danny Brough - 2022
7. Jordan Lilley - 2023
8. Jordan Baldwinson - 2023
9. Thomas Doyle - 2022
10. Steve Crossley - 2022
11. Sam Scott - Rumoured
12. Aaron Murphy - 2022
13.
14.
15. Dan Fleming - 2022 tbc
16. Brad Gallagher - 2022
17.
18.
19.
20. Brad England - 2022
21.
22.
23. Anthony Walker - 2022
24. Ben Evans - 2022
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32. Dec Patton - 2022
34. Joe Burton - 2022
43. Elliot Kear - 2022
44. Eldon Myers - 2023

Good antidote to the overwhelming sense of meh that came from our season fizzing out so poorly. As said above we'll need a bit more cheery news to undo that poor end to the year in people's minds and get some season tickets shifted.

I disagree.

Patton has been a regular SL player for 6 yrs, Keyes signed for a SL club and whilst injuries hampered him he has had his contract cut short and signed for a cHampionship club (rumours I accept)

I’d have loved to sign Keyes but I’m equally happy with Patton, especially if he is hungry to resurrect his career

I think Patton gives us more options as well. He can play hooker and it wouldn't surprise me to see him playing as a ball playing 13. He's certainly physical enough for it.

He made a 100 appearances for Warrington, who have the ability to sign 3 half-backs with the quality of Austin, Widdop and Williams. May not have quite worked out at Salford but that doesn't mean he's a bad player.

I really think this could be a coup for us, if he comes with the right attitude.