Totally agree and hoping that as they are not mutually exclusive, if it's true that he's not coming that we have a better plan.

If he is not coming give Leon Hayes a crack from the start. He looks like he has all the attributes and a player we can build a side around for the future.

Williams started for Wigan when he was 18 as did Lomax for Saints. Hayes will be 19 at the start of next season.

I have wondered for a while whether we would be better spending our spare cap and quota spot on a high-quality centre rather than a half back.

We have Ratchford, Dean & Hayes in the halves, we have very few options in the centre, and it is such a key attacking position.

Yeah with him saying he wanted to stay at Catalans, and Chan saying he's onboard for 2023 i'd say that's dead in the water.......Luke Gale here we come ha ha
Be interesting to see if he does give one of our youngsters ago.
I don't want to see Ratchford at halfback either and think we look weaker with minikin in the squad. If he finds form and fitness again he's a decent player, but looked well off the pace when he came back from injury.

I really am at a loss as to how me managed to get in this position of having 2 key roles up in the air.

I can't say i'm surprised Wires71 ,we've been very late in the recruitment stakes for quite a few years now & have finished up starting seasons with hurriedly signed stop gaps.

Was told the deal was agreed, but JD was wanting some severance pay from Catalan to plug some of the difference in pay. I believe he was on around £140k in France but we can only offer around £110k.

I heard that Catalan have made a deal and that it will be announced he a Wire before the weekend, just all about getting him a kit pic now.

As has been already discussed, this could be resolved by paying a transfer for him, and then Catalan giving Drinkwater the money as a severance fee.

Has there been any mention of a transfer fee?

Can't see Catalans wanting to stump up to Drinkwater if not as he's under contract to them for next season.

My post was being composed whilst yours was, clearly thinking along similar lines.

Deal done. To be announced before the weekend.

The dosh still comes from Wire. Seem to recall the Pies being adjudged to have broken the letter of the Cap Rule though not the spirit (and getting away with it). The above smacks of the opposite.

Josh has become relatively highly rated but, for Bongser, he was crud at Leigh.

Maybe we can both see our rejects playing against one another in the preseason friendly at your gaff?

As I said. The deal is now done and will be announced once he has a work permit.

There was nothing ordinary about him at KR or London imo. He was hot property.