Smart move, done a Wigan, give your best player a long term deal and then if they do want a crack at the NRL you'll get a decent fee.
I'm sure that's why Thompson was given 4 years, proves his fitness over 24/25 and then when the NRL come calling again we more or less get our money back

I agree. Quite a few people now saying that he won't ever go. I don't see it like that, like you allude to it just means that if he does continue to develop then it means we will receive a substantial fee. Plus it gives us a bit more time to look at the next cab off the rank i.e Harry Robertson.

Well I am glad Welsby is staying just to see how he handles next season if all doesnt go well for ST Helens.

I am delighted that both he and Smith are staying. Hopefully this will strengthen the England set up and encourage more young players to rebuff the Aussie dollar. The domestic game will only get stronger if we can hang on to our developing stars. And I think that the myth that going to the NRL makes the England team stronger has been busted a few times in recent years.
And as a Wigan fan I think it’s fair to say that the Saints will be fine in 2024. They are a very well run club.

Still the Number 1 derby,cant wait should be some fantastic games with the old enemy