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.

He chose to be a professional rugby league player - he has got to be used to fighting for a place.
He has a 2 year contract until 2020 - few get longer.
He has a 4 years 60+ game advantage over Danny Walker.

No, there are no excuses to be made for Patton ahead of 2019. This is a gift of an opportunity for him to prove, without doubt, what he can do a full 4 years following his debut.

Good post '71'

Appreciate the comments from shiny but now an opportunity has pretty much fallen into his lap and he has to either take it or end up elsewhere if he wants regular rugby. I hope, as many do, that he makes a real fist of it. We can worry about next year and how to fit them all in in 12m time.

W71
I'm glad you've come around to patience and a blank paper on Patton.
I hope for us and for Wire that I'm not bowing before you halfway through the season.

This is his biggest opportunity to shine and show he is capable of being a first team half back. I did think we was most effective going forward when he was on the pitch with Austin against widnes. If he builds on that then he will do OK.

I think he is playing for an extension and some assurances going forward once contracts have Been honoured. It would take something pretty huge like an mos or his partnership with Austin being accredited to our sussesses in two of the 3 pots available to give price a headache.

I'm not a massive fan of Patton and think he's over rated from what i've seen, but an extended run in th halves could be the making of him and i hope it is for him


Ratchford should stay at fullback for me as i think it's by far his best position.
Mamo is a funny one for me, i think he's too good to not be in the Squad week in week out.....but who would we drop to accomodate him???? It's a good headache to have though

For sure...if Patton does blow it...it'll be Ratchford going into the half's not Livett.
I'm a fan of HL but he isn't in the same class as Ratchford in the halves....likewise Ratchford isn't as lean as Livett to play any of the back 3 like as well as Livett can.