As a second row he's a big loss to our side

As a centre he's not much of a loss.

The big news today is Sam staying for at least 3 seasons. The loss of Joel created a major concern that Sam would follow after the Four Nations or possibly in 12 months but they've now been put to bed.

Time for Wigan to kick on now. We have some amazing young talent coming through like Matty Russell, Ryan King, Sam Powell, Jack Hughes and Greg Burke and they'll all hopefully feature in 2012.

No, he's signed an extension to his contract. That doesn't mean he won't be going to union in the next three years. I hope you're right and he does stay but contracts mean nothing. How long did Joel have left on his?

I'm not sure how much more binding this agreement to stay for three years is than a contract anyway. What's the difference?

It's a re-negotiated contract that makes Sam the highest paid player in rugby league. I doubt it's as much as Union could offer him though

Would Joel be in anyone's England team? He wouldn't get near mine so can't say I see him as a big loss.

I appreciate that but it's surely not just the money - the profile International RU players have is far higher.

I want him to stay in our game as I said. I'm just wondering about this extra agreement. Surely a contract on its own says "I will play for you for x years".

Sam's contract is higher then a lot of international rugby union players contracts and not just Ex Wigan players.

Lenagans words today.

Now as a game we need to make Sam want to stay in 3 years time.

Yes!

After witnessing first hand what the RFU are doing to undermine the work the RFL are doing in the North East, I wouldn't trust anyone associated with Union.

They haven't changed at all and would wipe us out tomorrow if they could, no amount of spin or statements of respect about us will change my mind.

Judge people by what they do and not what they say!

No good will come of this for Wigan or Rugby League.

the partnership makes no sense on Wigan's end!

What is there to gain from being partners with saracens!!

Couldn't agree with you more mate,it looks like the RFU's hidden agenda is coming to fruition.

Hopefully the situation with Sam in a few years coincides almost with the new NRL TV deal,if this is the case he could go down under which is the best scenario IMO.

Perhaps the 'partnership' bollox is a face-saving exercise on behalf of Wigan, that Saracens have agreed to as part of the deal?

Couldn't they have instead took the 'Mr Unpopular' of Rugby League, his odious brother Sam?

It's amazing how quickly this bloke has become the most hated player of all time.

Like the "partnership" Leeds struck up with Canterbury as part of the deal to release Greg Eastwood?

? Tell us more.