Jon Clarke keeps popping up everywhere. He has done very well for himself since his playing days.

He will replace Smithies at 13 or replace Ellis at prop if he moves to 13.

another one, the usual suspects bagged as not good enough and "jobs for the boys"

Talking of coaching was there anything behind the rumours of Matt King or Sinfield coming as coaches.

Strange that when local lads aren’t being selected it’s bad and when we look to advance old players that is bad as well.

Jon Clarke - one of our most underrated players of the Super League era. Along with Sally's favourite, Chris Riley.

Was Jon Clarke in line for a coaching postion with us when he finished playing? I don't recall any discussion on it.

When has advancing old players happened though? I didnt think Darryl Clark was advanced due to age (Brad Dwyer is 2 months younger)

Clark was showing wear and a downward trajectory, missing games for the daftest of twinges, Dwyer seemingly hasn’t.

I’d rather have a 70%er 100% of the time, than a 100%er 70% of the time.

Advanced in the sense of going on to coaching staff.

Very true. I think he was steady or 'solid' at hooker but had some of his best games at loose forward.

His very best game was at stand off (or scrum half?). We beat Bradford away!

I worry that a revitalised Clark is going to be devastating for Saints.

I think that you are right to worry and that he will plug their post Roby gap at the top level for the next couple of years.

However I'd balance that with the comfort that we've had his best years and if we'd have kept him he more than likely not improved upon his previous years here. Which is fine in one respect as I still think he's a top player and never let us down.

Time will tell but the main thing is we should hope that we've spent his salary wisely as i don't think hooker will be our post Clark problem

Clark undoubtedly still has a lot to offer but would we be happy if we had given him a 3 year contract? I suspect not.