Re the Eastmond deal, I think it works well for both parties to be honest. From Saints point of view, and virtually all our fans would agree, despite the massive potential he is still a bit unproven as a week in week out scrum half. He has probably only played in that position half a dozen or so times.

It gives us 2 years to monitor his development, if he doesn't come on as much as hoped then we aren't tied in to a massive contract for 5 years or so. On the other hand, if he shows he can do it, then we will have to lay down big bucks in 2 years time, but we do have a very good record at retaining good players

Like the earlier poster said though about Tomkins, it only takes a big offer to come in and perhaps the lad would be knocking on the door for more money, as loyal a Wigan player as I'm sure he is, it's a short career and a contract signed as a teenager wouldn't surely match up to one that could be offered to a world class player in his early to mid twenties

Widdop is being tipped for an International call up sooner rather than later, he is young non quota and off contract.

We do not have a natural top standard fullback at the club in my opinion.

I appreciate he is an unknown quantity by us in the UK, but were our coach the man that helped develop him and more than likely knows his game in and out willing to bring him to the club I would be more than happy.

It cannot have been easy for him as a Brit to be named in the junior Australian Club team of the year and also score the match winning try in the Grand Final, lets be honest the lad is clearly talented. The fact that he is young and British are also real draws.

If Maguire is as good as it seems he may be. Im excited by how he will develop Phelps game, he was one of our best players last season, is clearly the best fb at the club and has some skill with ball in hand.

Why oh why people keep going on about the fullback position is beyond me.

Centre & Prop are two that come to mind as more pressing issues for the next couple of seasons.

The reason that i point out the availability of a fullback is that Phelps is on a 1 year deal, and we will have to fit the reduced quota for 2011. I think a Prop is a priority but he will come from overseas and take a quota spot, as will no doubt a centre if we need one.

I like Phelps but he needs to be a top player to earn a quota spot, if there is a young British alternative available and our coach deems him up to the standard allowing us to use quota spots on other areas we need to strengthen for the good of the team then he is in a vulnerable position.

Indeed. As I said earlier, although Phelp's is likeable and solid, we need our overseas recruits to be of a higher calibre and Phelps ain't no Garry Jack or Andrew Ettingshausen.

I am not writing him off, and think he is capable of earning a new deal, but he needs a big season and the length of his contract extension clearly shows the club feel the same.