Then I’m glad we haven’t gone and committed ourselves for too long to a great, but ageing, marquee player. Widdop anyone?

A marquee prop at 35/36.
Was a big risk imo.
We shouldn’t be signing players older that 28/29.
I’m ok with it.
I ask you this, who would swap Vaughan for Burgess?

Not only has Tom Burgess turned us down, so has Tom Johnstone who's going to either Wakefield or Hull Kr.

So that's 2 out of 3 targets for 2025 that have said 'no' to us in the past week. The 3rd target is as good as signed, but I'm not over-sharing (sorry Ratticus).

Can you at least hint whether he's as big of a signing as the first two? Or is he just middle of the road stuff?

I've been gagged sorry.

Interesting to hear about a few things happening with Penrith while they're in the Uk. Ie, Hayes is training with them to assist in his development.

James Fisher Harris, Dylan Edwards or Isaah Yeo for the Wire in 2025 then? That's what you're hinting at, isn't it, Abe?

What a great opportunity for Hayes. I hope Cleary Jr. (and Sr.) have a few things to pass on.

Has your cover been blown by the powers that be?

The downside of Hayes being involved with Penrith is that it puts him in their recruitment headlights.

I have mixed feelings about this news.

It would be great if the entire Wire squad could train with Penrith

I'm happy with Hayes training with them, could be earmarked to take over from Drinkwater. Isn't he off contract this year?

I hadn’t even considered that. I guess they have plenty of decent half-backs coming through in Aus anyway. Hopefully none of our young forwards are catching their eye.

Hayes has already been earmarked, considerably. Have a read of Burgess’ comments on pre-season and his favourite players. Quite encouraging, and you feel Burgess is being genuine rather than the usual ‘we’ll give them a chance at some point’ rhetoric.

The other significant negative would have been if things don`t work out with Sam Burgess and he leaves, we would have had a Marquee player on a long contract taking the mick.

I thought the whole squad was having a training game against them. I thought I had read that?