I`ve not seen any mention of a fee, so it gives the impression that we`ve just allowed him to go, the choice of words used by the Wigan chairman seems to suggest this also. It`s pretty common practice to let players who have given trojan service over the years go on a `free` when they semi retire (usually by dropping a division) or go into coaching, though perhaps not quite so common when they move on a playing contract to rival club.

Still, maybe we asked but Wigan refused pay a fee and we didn`t want the whole chain to collapse? Who knows, everyone seems happy though so maybe it`s just not important.

whats the crack with players who have been at the club over ten years, is it 50% or 50K of their salary comes off the cap? and if so is it for that specific testimonial year or for the remainder of his time at the club, so will this now apply to Langley?

I read the Op. Rules on this earlier. I think its ten years from when they first played in a "salary cap" match - in which case we have a bit to go with Jamie yet (was it 2002 he debuted?)

It was 2002 for Jamie. I presume that it has to be 10 years' [icontinuous[/i service. If it were only 10 years from debut, Sykes would qualify.

I agree on the Sykes at 6, Kearney at 1 - I reckon that Sykes could be an outstanding compliment to Orford - but would still have some concerns with Platt at centre. It's a while back but Reardon used to be a great centre in the academy and I'd rather see him or Crookes there with Platt or Sheriffe on the wing.

Also reckon that Donaldson should be pushing for the starting 13 shirt.

The spine of the side - 1,6,7,13,9 - suddenly looks really rather ok.

Continuous, yes. And just re-checked: yes its from debut season. So Sykes would not qualify.

Well, well, well. Its all quite exciting isn't it?

I can't be doing with all the positivity on here though. Bring back the doom and gloom.

Not really read much about the Orford deal as just got in from work but a deal worth £840k over 3 years news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 361832.stm

Not really read much about the Orford deal as just got in from work but a deal worth £840k over 3 years news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 361832.stm

the next question is how long is it going to take for orford to get a visa and how much of a part will he be able to take in pre-season. When we signed bird it was exactly 4 weeks from him signing to the visa being refused. I'd guess that an approved visa would take a week or two longer so we could be looking at mid january before orford arrives. I suppose if we did warm weather training in early january before the leeds friendly, there would be the option of him joining up with the squad overseas, where the visa restrictions are not as strict and gaining an extra week or so to work with the squad that way.

I would like to see Donaldson given a good chance at 13. Push Langley into the 2nd row with Menzies which will give Hall more chance to play at prop, where I fancy he'll be more effective.

I like the way that ever other teams fans can somehow twist the signing of a Dally M medal winning half back into being a sign that the club are on the slide. It's all the ensorsement I need

Especially amongst those fans of other clubs who were earlier hoping he'd sign for them.
It's odd how a player can go from a world-beater to a has-been just by signing for a rival club!

Indeed. Proof positive that we have signed a good'un, eh?