Andy Greg?

Shaun Johnson is off-contract for 2019. We'll probably just sign him. Or Cooper Cronk.

Got to call you out on this. As good as Bateman is, there's no way he was "far better" than O'Loughlin at the same age. He too played in multiple positions including the halves (Something JB simply doesn't have the game for). Where it not for injuries, Lockers' career would have been the equal of any. Even now, aged 35, and at the very end of his career he's still a better player than Bateman who is coming into his prime! JB is a wonderful player and I'm a big fan but nowhere near the quality of O'Loughlin.

Our style of goes out of the window when Sam T leaves. Hardaker is not the same type of full back. If as assumed he signs for him to be effective he needs to be the receiver of the ball not the link man and provider like Sam T is. His success at Cas was largely down to the likes of Gale setting him up. Powell can't do this and so we need a new 7.

As to who, why do people ask this question whenever anyone says we need a new player? How are we supposed to know who is available or who can be prised away from another club? I bet none of Les Cats fans thought Sam T was available until he became so.

I think the club ought to be looking for an NRL half just outside of rep football standard. I think that would still cost marquee money and if that is the going rate, that is what is required.

I know he’s a fabulous player and he’s a better player then Gildart but the point I’m trying to make is that there are a large number of ‘good’ second rowers kicking about the game but very few good quality centres. I’m not trying to down play Batemans quality but rather just highlight the lack of quality in the centre position game wide.

It would be devastating to lose Bateman without question but I have far more confidence in players of the quality of Farrell, Isa and Joel Tomkins plugging that gap then I do in Sarginson and Forsyth covering Gildart loss.

Let’s hope this conversation is irrelevant and Bateman stays but I’m not getting a good feeling.

Don't agree. Bateman is far better than Lockers was at 24. Lockers only became the player we know in his late 20s. Regardless, Bateman is one of few WC players in SL. Very hard to replace, if at all.

Another poster underestimating Hardaker, believing he's an 'old school' running/supporting FB. far more to his game.

You mention a marquee 7 but can't even name one.

Fair point. I agree, we're very short in the centres.

I honestly think Dec Patton would be a shrewd bit of business, seems a little under rated by Price/Warrington and paired with Williams, would make a superb 6/7 combo....just my two pence worth, but I don't think we need to throw silly money at it.

Funnily enough - Said the same thing today in a conversation
Also threw in Joe Mellor

2 players who wouldn't cost a lot and who I would hope would relish the chance at a Big club