We all knew it was coming, but still sad when it's announced officially. Good luck and thanks Mick.

Ok, before I p*ss people off I'll say that Monas has been a fantastic servant and a player and was probably the key that turned the lock for us in 2009. He was sensational on Friday (his control of the midfield, along with Bridge and Ratchford's directing the troops wider out contributed in Myler shining, but oops there I go again) and he should have got man of steel during his time here.

But, I do think he's knees are in a position now where doing 80, tough minutes like he did against Leeds means he's going to be less effective, or need to be rested in the weeks after. On that basis, the decision to extend his contract was still a little sentimental in my view.

However, before I'm bombarded with posts labelled "bellend" and "heresey" I'm struggling to think of an overseas player in the recent past I've enjoyed watching more. In fact, I'd probably have to go back to the nineties to recall seeing a player in a Wires jersey, British or overseas, I've enjoyed watching as much.

bellend

You are right though, Mick Higham has been the best hooker at the club for the past couple of seasons. He has really stepped up and overtaken Monaghan IMO.

Monas was quality on Friday night and is a club legend, we will miss him. I hope he stays as a coach

Michael Monaghan has been brilliant for us. He changed the way the dummy half plays and not many players can play that way as well as him. He is not your typical quick PTB and scoot up the middle like so many we have seen. He plays on the toes of the defence which is why he gets clattered around the head so much. He commits defenders creating space for those around him. I can't speak highly enough of him as a player. I think players like Jon Clarke and mick Higham if asked would say their game improved by playing with him. I would like to ask him one question though. Was it his choice to come over here as a number 7 or was that the position that our coaching staff wanted him to play.
If there was one player out of our squad that I would like to have a good natter about rugby over a couple of pints it would be him. He appears to have so much knowledge about the game, it will be a sad day when he stops playing, it will be a tragedy if we can't find a role for him.
hopefully the rest of the team can give him the last piece of the jigsaw and maybe he will play one game next year for us in March in Australia.

Agree with all the praise... he will be a damn hard player to replace. Hookers like Higham or Roby tend to get the plaudits for any half way successful scamper... but it takes a special player to have the awareness that Monas does.