As the king of squirrel and peanut butter sandwiches once sang, "it's now or never" for Patton.
He's been handed (in unfortunate circumstances) a chance to shine. This will be his fourth season around the first team. Do it, or go to Widnes/Salford/HKR etc.

The issue now, is, who's the club's infield organiser. This WAS Brown's job. Is it to be Patton, or Austin, who (from what I hear) tends to be an off the cuff player.

Ball"s in his court, now

There is a lot of structured movement coming off Austin.

There may well be, but I'm on about actual organising, shouting out plays etc. This was obviously Brown's job, until a few days ago. We now have an issue.

obviously?

Did you not watch the Challenge Cup games last season, when Brown was mic'd up, barking out orders, plays, player's positions, and there was a camera following him round. Pretty obvious to everyone, that he was the team organiser.

Come on Rd, Roberts was dissapointing and definitely not marquee but he was still our best half last season.

I hope Dec goes well and is given a chance, BUT he absolutely has to take it now. Gutted for Kev Brown, id have liked to see him replaced this season really but wouldn't have been massively dissapointed if he was partnering Austin in our starting lineup. Horrible way for any wire career to end, he had a key part to play this season for sure.

I'm sure you are right. This is a blow to Wire and we'll have to think again. I think we'll be OK but we'll know more when we see Austin on a regular basis and we see who we bring in as a replacement back up.

Explains alot.

I was at them.

Commiserations re Kevin Brown. I feel for the player, a sad way to end a career.

As has been said, a real opportunity now for Dec Patton. I hope he delivers.

Really Dec should be like the proverbial dog with 2 "things" he is in the drivers seat and it is up to him now.

Well, sort of ...

He was used as a sub hooker last year, but has seen a new player join for that role, then he's being asked to revert to a halfback, where we've got a big money signing coming in next season.

Hope it goes well for him,, but I could understand if he's uncertain of his future regardless of his performance in the position.

Totally get your point Shiny but what better position could he currently be in? Last week he was looking at being a sub at best, this week starting halfback with no obvious contenders. He has to seize this opportunity either to stake a long term claim here, or put himself in the shop window for other clubs.

There aren't many good halfbacks around so if Patton wins Man of Steel he won't be short of offers for next year. If Warrington want to get rid of him in favour of a 30 odd year old from the NRL they will have to live by that decision.

Naughty.