because last off season it wasn't as bad and he felt it would not impact on his game as much, but itr may have got worse , posibly, who knows, ask him yourself dingus!

No, you said it wasn't really an injury, that was your point.

Not at all.

It isn't an injury in the sense that it doesn't prevent him for playing, and hasn't for two years. Similar to Paul Wellens for us. It was said near the beginning of the year that he needed a knee operation, it hasn't inhibited him from playing, so i wouldn't consider him injured.

I just thought the operation was strange timing wise, to not have it in the immediate off-season after the injury occurred but when he has a chance to impress his future club manager further and was almost guaranteed to be a starting centre for England in the four nations. I'm not suggesting any dodgy goings on, just making an observation.

Like when Cunningham conviently needed surgery during an Ashes Test, yeah?

I get what you mean.

If he left it another year, he'd have to miss.....the Four Nations! St Conroy talking out of his rear again

atkins is

atkins out

Good job no Saints players have ever chosen to have an operation at the end of the club season before, or mysteriously declared themselves injured, otherwise St_Conroy would like a tiny bit daft.

And that is absolutely the point.

This operation will be needed at some point, why not now?

I'm a big fan of International RL and it is disappointing when a player pulls out, but tbh he is hardly an established player yet anyway, and he may be looking at making a big push for the Test team next year, when fully fit.

you say that as if you have never seen him play before?

A lot of non wire trolls on here seem to forget that TS is both his new club coach and his international coach.

Given the amount of players that we had carrying injuries last season and still playing, I'm sure that TS would be more than happy to have his new signing get himself 100% before the start of next season. Plus TS's contract with England runs out soon but his warrington one is for the long term.

i have a feeling that atkins will play winger. i don't see why we need to move king to the wing, he's found some decent form in the centre, and i reckon TS will continue him there. Can atkins and king both play there, possibly, but bridge has also been very good there. if you looked at our backline, its fairly strong and atkins will have to work hard to get into it. i think, and again its harsh on him, but it will be riley who gives way for atkins, at least at the start of the season. so, my backline to start would be..
mathers - fb
atkins & hicks - w
bridge & king - c
briers & myler - so/sh

thats what i would go for,with the opition of Riley playing full back if called upon

Don't see him week in week out, only the handful of games that Wakey get on sky, lots of Wakefield fans have slated him...all I was saying was I've liked what I've seen of him this season. That ok?