Fair enough, all I meant was I highly doubt that was the reason anyway. I don't think Tommy would leave as it would leave a gaping hole in our side without an extra quota spot (ignoring Phelps) making it very difficult to fill.

It could be related to my post at the top of this page.

Could be, but from a team point of view surely Phelps, Pryce, Roberts and Leuluai out and Slater in makes little sense.

I'm sure that any chairman put in this predicament would be torn with indecision.

I agree, we'd obviously need a quality hooker to replace Tommy and Piggy ... but seriously, if you were offered Billy Slater, what would you do?

You'd be mad not to sign him. He'd add 2,000 fans a match with his name alone.

I still think it's pie in the sky. From a Melbourne POV, they'd have nobody left except Cameron Smith. I thought they were supposed to be selling the likes of Finch and Hoffman so they could keep their top 3 together.

They are already under the cap aren't they? They've been given the go-ahead to accumulate points again next year haven't they?

I can't see it happening, why would he give up rep honours? You could maybe say it would be just for a year and then go back but would you risk Jarryd Hayne having your position for a year and then trying to get it back?

I'd be surprised if we let Leuluai go.

I'd be even more surprised (but feckin' chuffed) if we managed to lure Billy Slater to replace Amos Roberts with Pryce/Phelps also leaving. But that rumour is very Warrington-esque.

Still I can't resist:

1. Billy Slater
2. Darrell Goulding
3. Martin Gleeson
4. George Carmont
5. Pat Richards
6. Sam Tomkins
7. Brett Finch

That backline would be amazing. But wed have only McIlorum for hooker and probably no cap space or quota space to bring another one. If Tommy and Roberts both stay then I am more than happy with next years squad.

I honestly don's know what people are concerned about wrt Tommy at 9 with Micky on the bench for next year. One of the best coaches in world RL has just picked TL as starting hooker for the Kiwis and MMc has come on leaps and bounds over the last couple of seasons.

warriorcraig, people are worried because they are judging him when he has moved from SH to 9.

give the guy a long run at 9, let him focus on playing 9 and dont force him to play two roles and he will be a different player at 9. For me he showed a lot of promise at 9 when he moved there this season, but give him a full pre-season and i think he could be a great 9 with his speed off the mark and low centre of gravity.

What people are concerned about is that, according to the rumour mill, Tommy might not be here next year.

Aside from that, I'm sure everyone would agree with you.

Billy Slater?

Yeah and Warrington will win SL next season

I honestly wouldn't be that bothered if Leuluai left, if we kept Deacon on and signed a decent hooker/halfback it wouldn't bother me in the slightest.

Sign me up for the mental asylum if you want but I don't believe we should be after Billy Slater - we don't need him. Sam Tomkins should stay at fullback - we only need a hooker, simple as.

Don't believe for a second there's anything in it though.

I'm already on that bus.