It is odd.

In the WG he says he wants to be closer to his wife and son and extended family. Perfectly understandable. I presume they are in Australia when he played for Penrith as he mentions New Zealand is OK because "he has a daughter there". Auckland is 1,500 miles from Penrith.

I suspect the NZ Warriors came in with an offer based on his recent form triggering the clause and the family thing is what the club tell the plebs like us.

Not slagging anyone off. Stating the facts. He can cite family reasons and I don't dispute their truth. It's fair enough. But even if that weren't the case my OP would be good enough reason anyway.

In any event, our club seem to be poor with their media strategy. In every case it's always after the horse has bolted and we know the details from our antipodean press in advance.

Watched him today for the first time.
Seemed to have a bit of fizz about him
Can only improve the NZ Warriors

So with Hiku going, thats a centre needed seeing as he replaced Evans there. Still think we would be better served putting Ratch there and buying a top full back but then again we need half a new team for next year so anything can happen

Huh?
How many fbs are there better than Ratchford whilst you could make a list as long a Pinnochio's nose of how many centres there are better than him!!

I'd say most other fullbacks in the league are better than Ratchford in that position. He can catch a ball, but his positional play in defence is awful. (and yes I did play at fullback). We have shipped in 30 and 40 points in the last two games, that should give some indication. I agree with the previous poster, Ratchford would be far better utilised in centre or halves.

Do people just post on here to have a pop or to wind rubber Duckie up, he is spot on with his comments about huki. Would will miss him more than we would miss ratchford

He's not even the best Fullback at Warrington

Yes lets hope the new coach wants a full back who doesn't ponce about ambling from a poor position or thinking he's cool with one handed carries and actively (and shamefully) avoiding one on one tackles. He needs to move away from FB asap - he's a liabilty there.

You just described Sam tomkins

Thanks Hatfield.

Re Ratchford.
He is indeed the most talented player in our team. Is he the ideal fullback?...perhaps not, but the point is...you put your best player in a position where they can get there hands on the ball....centre isn't one of those.

RD, I seem to remember conversations we've had when you've been adamant Ratch has to play at 6 as you want your best players with their hands on the ball - I always argued Full Back gave him that opportunity, you always disagreed!!

I still believe 6 to be the best position for Ratchford to be more specific, but if playing fb as a pivot will put him in a position to get his hands on the the ball, then I relent...!
However I hate his one hand ball carries that heightens a knock on off his own knee than he gets from a forced error.

perfect assesment