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.

I recall Patton stating at the start of last season that he wanted to play half back. He would now appear to have the opportunity. Hopefully, he will make a success of it.

The clock is ticking for Dec to establish himself as a first choice half. His problem is this time next year he will be right back where he started as Austin and Widdop will the starting halves, regardless of how he performs this year. Your not going to have a Marquee player sat in the stands. He may well evaluate his career at the end of the season and see his future away from the HJ.

the ball is in Patton's court..give the coach a headache next year OR, at the very least, secure yourself a position in another Super League club. Otherwise its the Championship or worst. Dec its over to you. (If he gets picked!) Personally I would put Ratchford in the halves and Mamo at FB.

Understand the comments for Ratch at HB and possibly Mamo at FB but my reservation is that we might then get two vary similar players in the halves. If Patton steps up to the oche we will thankfully not need to take this discussion much further.

There are plenty SL clubs after Patton. He turned down a big offer from Huddersfield to stay at Wire. Wigan were also interested.

There's no shortage of top clubs for him.

Exactly - both outcomes require the same from Patton - having an outstanding season in 2019.

Do you take 20% of his wages?

You believe THAT, FFS.
In other news, the moon is made of cream cheese, and Keith Richards is on the wagon.

Seriously, duckie. Do yourself a favour.

So the current SL champions are after someone, whose input for the last 12 months, is a 10 minute cameo at the end of a game, win lose or draw, and to cop for a 5 match ban for a high tackle.

I'm one of the few who back you up on here, then you come out with this. Gee wizz.

I WANT Patton to succeed, bit this inflation of his abilities from you, is going to extremes.

Don’t suppose many foresaw the current SL champions signing Sammut.