Luke has really developed and I so agree with others that once someone is in a position to shine when someone leaves it is up them if they take it and I have no doubts Luke has raised his game even more and can have a real good season for us!

With Eastmond gone and the top clubs always going to Oz for their halfbacks it is quite possible he may have a chance in 2013. I'd also add that young Ellis will be in with a shout as well. He has clearly got over his injury now and has had a good preseason and got himself fit. He knows where the try line is and is distributing the ball fast and making good yards from dummy half. With the refs making tacklers clear the ruck quickly he has adapted very well.

Luke Gale is just 21 isn't he? Well, we have Jonny Lomax, Gary Wheeler and Lee Gaskell, each one around that age, all of them halfbacks (technically stand offs but what's the difference these days anyway?). I am hoping they will get a chance to show us all what they are made of at first grade level before Saints make up their mind as to who will be our replacement for Eastmond. In fact, I wish Saints would bench Eastmond for this season so that we can give those young guns who want to play with us opportunity to do just that. I know our chairman is keen to promote from within wherever possible.

I wouldn't worry about Luke Gale. And I wouldn't take any notice of posters claiming to have 'excellent sources' or whatever. It's always bollox.

I did find it strange that you don't have a few good uns in the wings, you do have a reputation for developing your own. If the big clubs leave our key players alone we may be able to build a really competitive team up around them.