I think there must be behind the scenes arguments regarding Joel's departure! there is definitly a disagreement over the contract that Saracens will have to pay Wigan

It has a gone a little quiet. Still wouldn't be shocked to see him still here next season. I hope it is a record fee if we do have to let him go though. He signed a 5 year deal, they will have to give us quite a bit of money for him.

IIRC Sonny Bill Williams was just into a five-year contract before he was lured over to Rugby Yawnion and the fee was something like £300K.

If some RU team want to pay anywhere near that amount then let them go for it. More fool them.

Or maybe it was just rumours after all. Or am I being a little optimistic?

For me, Joel Tomkins pulling out of the England squad was the clear indication that this was more than just a 'rumour'.

Mr Lenagan isn't one for rushing and in this case that's great.

If he's going we must get every last penny out of them.

Unfortunately it isn't random crap. Joel wants to leave, but Wigan won't let him go until they receive what they believe is a fair transfer fee.

Negotiations are still continuing.

I agree, that settled it in my mind that he was going. Nothing I've heard since has suggested otherwise.

If he is determined to go ; then the clubs should get on with it. The last thing needed is for a prolonged departure that could drag to next season. The RU season is in full swing so next year could be an option for Saracens (if it is them interested); but a drop in Tomkins performance for Wigan at the start of 2012 could lead to crticism from the fans and leave him in a position similar to Eastmond.

utter cr@p

we should make saracens pay what he is worth to us (i.e. the value of his contract). If hes determined to go then he can rot in the reserves until his transfer is complete

we would have to pay him up until his departure anyway

let him rot in the 21s

You're very optimistic. I don't imagine negotiations will be increasing the fee. The greater the delay, the less you'll get I'd have thought. Of course Mr Lenegan may choose not to release Joel but I don't see that happening.

Supply and demand, we have the supply and Saracens have the demand.

We hold all the cards and I would wait as long as possible to get the right amount. I reckon around 200,000 would do it. Couldn't give a toss about Joel now, if they don't want to pay then make him rot in the reserves or loan him out to Swinton.

Second rowers are ten a penny and I think HH is a better second rower #foffjoelyourboringmenow