Would sooner sign Leyland than another journeyman like Drinkwater.

If we do sign him, then we will still have a Quota vacancy, to use if we want to sign a NRL player to boost our squad elsewhere.

Yes, much prefer this. Plus he is only 23, lots of time to develop still and should easily adapt at that age.

Kick in the teeth for hayes

Hayes may well be considered first choice still - we need cover in the position with currently only Hayes and Williams able to play half competently.

All healthy competition and both still very young

Club being very careful with him. I wouldn't expect to see him playing regularly till after Easter.

Very encouraging this. He is a good player, even if I don't necessarily like northern clubs pinching talent that's been developed by London or other non-heartland teams.

I don't think it is a kick in the teeth for Hayes. No club ever has two halfbacks who go a whole season uninjured or without need of a rest; you need depth in that position and there are always things that crop up.

Plus, isn't Williams' contract up in 2026? Future proofing the club, all good for me.

How come rubber duckie didn’t break the news of this signing? Speaking of which, he’s been quiet this week. Is he ok?

Re. Lachlan Lam. It was funny though seeing the saints fans on Redvee getting all excited over the rumours, only for hopes to be dashed. Really glad they've extended Wellens' contract though, I was worried they might be looking to appoint another coach.

He's probably still upset the club never signed Eddie Battye.

So just read an Article on Total Rugby, where Burgess said he spoke to Bateman about possibly coming next season as we are losing Nicholson.
This rings alarm bells for me and the first dodgy decision from Burgess so far.
This screams of old times where players got picked on former Glory, rather that their actual current form and performances.
I hope to god he goes back to Aus and we put faith in Holroyd and our younger guys.

Id heard Bateman was off to Souths - shocking signing if we end up with him.

What a way to ruin my weekend right before it starts

Without getting hyper cliched, this season's 'trial' could simply be a combination of 'try before you buy' and a 'marriage of convenience' given Fitzgibbon's injury and Nicholson's transfer (and one that applies to both parties).

A lot depends on whether Fitzgibbon's race is (permanently), run, but if we can get an injury free season from Fitzgibbon on current form I'd be taking a punt on Holroyd over Bateman.