Whilst he is undoubtedly a great player I did have concerns about ourselves signing him on a two year deal given that we are already a team with numerous players nearer the end than the beginning their of careers.

So we have missed out on him; I can console myself that we will have that salary cap space available to either persuade King or Anderson (with a bit of change from that one) to stay and that Saints’ arm has been forced to give Puletua a bigger and longer contract than they were planning to.

Win – win for me. I’m sure when we announce our signing(s) everybody will be happy. And let’s not forget that with the Aussie salary cap going up in 2013 then some of the top younger Aussies may just fancy a year or two in the UK now before the big Aussie bucks arrive.

That's the comforting reality we are faced with. Puletua would have been a good addition, although your concern over age is a valid point. So missing out on his signature isn't disastrous either.

It'll be interesting to see who comes and goes at the end of this year.

As ever, Nicky Kiss is spot on. Perhaps some arguments over Soliola or Wilkin for me, but I'd agree with the balance of Wire/Saints. Atkins could push Shenton if form stays good. And Roby/Monas could go either way.

I know its fashionable to talk up Lomax and talk down Myler but for me Myler has been top class this year and is in front of Lomax.

I'll agree with you there PY, what i've seen of Myler is top draw, i just wish people would stop thinking 'he's no Lee Briers', just let the lad play his game and stop comparing him to Lee.

Think Atkins is arguably infront of Shenton. I'd personally prefer him out of the two, only just, mind.

Roby v Monas is possibly the closest individual contest in the league.

Just heard a rumour that Saints may offer King a contract for the next 2 years at centre.

Unless he qualifies as completely off quota it's hard to see how that is even possible.

He has been playing in the UK since before the new rules on federation players so can have an excemption

The big consensus is he wants to honour this contract then go home, hopefully back to the storm.

The storm have managed to stay under the salary cap in 2010, so could be??

Alright lads, come on own up, who ordered the --------? The joker has been trying getting his tummy rubbed on the Saints board for being a wind up merchant on here.

The fun police are out I see.