It was purely a financial decision, and H did what was best for himself and his family. Wigan wouldn't (probably couldn't) match Salfords offer.
Wigan then went and signed Bateman, and it's now looking a smart move.

I'm, glad i'm not making these decisions, i was very disappointed when H left.

So was I but for the reasons I alluded to it was understandable.

Yes, and some posters at the time did suggest that it was possibly for the best. I talked to him once, and found him to be a really nice bloke.

I would have hoped we would have gone for Bateman regardless of the H situation. I still feel we are an experienced backrow short this season.

In relation to H he has left a club with such a strong work ethic and culture to join one with seemingly no culture. Until Salford get that they will never challenge for honours.

H must be a key player in trying to bring that to Salford but it will take time.

It must have been a considerable increase, given that he passed on what would have been a very lucrative testimonial.

This pretty much sums it up.

Very disappointed to lose H at the start of the season, however if it meant Hansen stayed and then we wouldn't have brought Bateman in, then I think we made 100% the right decision. Hansen played his part for Wigan and then some.

It wasn't a case of Wigan letting Hansen go then signing Bateman because he signed for us seven weeks before Hansen departed so the original plan was for them both to be in the same squad. So in the end Hansen's departure has probably helped us because it's allowed Bateman more game time than he perhaps would have got. I also assume we've a good bit of cap room spare given Hansen was planned to be part of the squad?

Don't wish him ill, but I haven't seen any evidence the club treated him badly so on that basis I don't feel sorry for him.

He had a good career with Wigan. Many very good or and even great players don't win league titles (just think about Wire's record!) but even if his Salford career is a failure Hansen will have a lot of achievements to look back on.

I thought Bateman was a replacement for Tuson, and as you said H departure was not planned for in terms of the squad.

For the interest of truth, H loves Wigan and ideally did not want to leave, having said that none of you really know how much the lads that come through Wigan's youth setup are paid.

After a while, watching the likes of Lima, Hoffman, Luaki and Feka come in and earn double what you earn takes its toll even though you play for the love of the Wigan name.

With 2 young kids he had a decision to make with probably only 6-8 years max left in him, of course it was financial, you cant buy a bigger house for your family with Challenge Cup & Super League winners medals can you?

Wigan had the opportunity to raise his salary to be level with the rest of the senior squad members and chose not too, ironically the peanuts that you are paying Sam Hopkins would have probably kept him.

I don't think that anyone would question any of your points, and we all accept that all parties had a decision to make. As for players coming in and getting better pay, it was ever thus. It does now look as if clubs can't compete to do it, but if they don't, fans will moan about a lack of marquee signings as well.... Hard to keep all parties happy.. As i said in an earlier post, i'm glad that i did not have to make the decision...

This is so true, I certainly dont see how people can begrudge Hansen for leaving. He was a model professional and first teamer for 10 years and did all he could for Wigan, he certainly does not deserve abuse.

Rugby players have such a short career and for a good portion of it arent earning particularly good money. It is actually quite ridiculous what some younger players get paid when you consider they are sometimes playing in front of 20,000 people or more. They may get 2 or at best 3 decent/good contracts. Young players often show great loyalty to the club but loyalty is also a 2 way street and after 10 or so years they dont always feel that this loyalty is repaid.

Also when a player has already won everything there is to win and players are nearing the end of their career then money becomes a lot more important. Trophies are nice obviously but when a player has already won them all, and sometimes on multiple occasions, then an extra 40k or 50k at another club sure is tempting. Players do become stale as well and sometimes actually want a change and a different challenge, even if they love Wigan.

Famous and Binosh have it spot on IMO. He's won the medals, now time to look after his family. He's a top bloke who I have met on many occasions and I wish him nothing but the best.

Testimonials aren't that lucrative for players. Certainly not compared to the extra money that he's getting at Salford.