Maybe he has encouraged him not to sign an extension so Smith can take him with when he leaves Warrington.

I am happy with all the signings. The only shocks are in terms of quantity of a few but I suppose it just shows the faith that the coaching set up has in some of our best players.

Higham has really played himself into a good contract and lets hope he hasn't got that illness Wilkin has (where he plays well in a few matches to get a good contract and then goes back to the usual dross play) I would have thought that a new number nine was top of the list of things to purchase for next year but he has given Dwyer the perfect opportunity now. (as an aside, who was that guy from Cas that a few people, like deckchair, thought could hook for us?)

On the ones missing, I would have thought that Williams would have been given a little more time to find his feet and so that leads me to think that he may have found a starting position somewhere else. We were bound to reach that point that Wigan and Saints are at, where we have to maintain a good quality in our youngsters and some good youngsters are let go, as we have better options available within.

Great news all round.

Oh and...
[sizeDon't feed the trolls people[/size

I'd say its the opposite, we've learned from recent history on the best way to promote our youth,

2006/7 cooper made his first team bow, we've brought him slowly through and when he's reached 21/22 he's established himself as part of the first team

so too matty blythe, he played at the end of 2008 in the first team, looking like a very very good second row forward, he struggled in the first team in09 and 10, spent some time on loan at leigh and has become a much better player for it, again around 21/22.

Tyke McCarthy, ousted paul rauhihi from the 09 cup final, struggled to stay in the first team after that. Been sent on dual reg at leigh, spent some time on loan at lwakey last year, now, again at 21/22 he's solidified his position in the first team, looking a very important part after people have spent the last 2 years suggesting we release him as he'll never make it.

We seem to be doing alright at the moment.

He has been regularly playing in the U20's since his return fromOz

The point is still valid.

I bumped into him (almost literally- he was waffling on a telephone) outside Halifax (the bank) the other day, he isn't as big as I thought he'd be up close. However, the beard is more mesmerizing that I had anticipated.

Watch where you park your car this year. We all know what happened last year.

Where is his contract up to? Has he resigned with Warrington?

Rogues has been on here often enough to earn a Sally Cinnamon apprentice certificate it seems.

briers wants to get into management as he is assistant to harris at wales i believe

It won't be a problem this year. Thanks for your concern.

how can you be so sure?

As per usual when it comes to contracts, none of us know any of the details. Two more years for Hodgson on top dollar wages would, IMO, be a mistake, two more years on a lower salary considering his age and anticipated appearances could be a great bit of business.

Similarly with players who are 'let go'. It could be because they're simply not good enough, or it could be that they over-value themselves and choose to go elsewhere for more than we are willing or able to pay.

Now can sir tony sign one please...

Very good news this.

Generally agree with the comments on here.
Hodgson - 2 years - is a surprise, but we don't know the details. After Lee, he's probably got the best footballing brain in the squad.
Lee has 1 year, but I would fully expect him to get another at the end of next year if he plays like he has been.
Cooper maybe a little fortunate but I'm not close enough to know the thinking behind that.
Mickey Higham has really stepped up this year and I'm pleased for the guy.

One thing I don't agree with though is the thinking that Rhys, Lee M and others are finished at the club.

Unless I have misunderstood they've announced 10, that's not to say there won't be more.

I'd guess Big Dave will not get a new one considering his age and the development of others in the squad. It's a shame he had such a horrendous injury at the start of the year.

I think there will be more announcements in due course.

The main one I want is an extension for TS, but given the rapport between him and the board (and SM in particular) I am not over-worried.