It’ll be sad to see Hastings go but you sense there will always be huge speculation surrounding him and it makes it difficult to plan long term when you’re main creative player always seems to be on the verge of leaving. We get Bateman back long term and with little risk of losing him again before his contract is up, so you get stability with one high earner. Totally different positions but on balance, I think I’d rather spend the money on Bateman.

We’re assuming Hastings definitely goes and he may not but if he does then they’ll need to look at what they can do. If it financially had to be that Leuluai and Harry Smith are paired then so be it, we cannot have it all ways but hopefully we’ll have the finance to bring somebody in.

Fantastic news. Very important for the club also, having a player like him just boosts everyone on and off the pitch.

Can’t wait to see him back on the field although I will be nervous watching him in a Canberra shirt and seeing how that shoulder holds up.

Great signing, well done IL & KR.

As to affording him, Flower going, Lockers retiring, likely Greenwood to Leeds then Bateman can be afforded.
Should Hastings go then and Tommy retires then another hb signing could be made. We have been linked with Benji Marshall. Harry Smith can be given game time this year and the 7 shirt 2021. Marshall and Smith could be an outstanding hb partnership.
Never the less Bateman returning is excellent news.

Going to Salford

Why would you assume that?

I’ve seen nothing from Hastings himself about leaving,the only thing I’ve seen from his social media is the new house,the new pup,not the things I’d be buying if I was jetting off to warmer climes

It’s a shame as he had the potential to be a top winger. Maybe a change of surroundings will help reignite his career. One thing for sure is that the Joe Burgess that went to Australia wasn’t the same one that came back, sad really.

Yes fingers crossed it will kickstart him again and who knows we could see him back for a 3rd spell.

Big well done to IFL and Rads for making this happen. another example of our owner stumping up big money of his own to bring the very best players available to the club. Wont suit all the Lenagan bashers i am sure but just remember as you gaze across town the grass is not always greener. Thank you IFL.

Signed the best Second Rower in the world, whose a natural leader, on a 4 year deal.

Made up, we’re the envy of super league today.

Not for me. I’m happy to see him go off and do well elsewhere but his time has come to an end with Wigan. As hatty said, the JB that went to Australia isn’t the one that returned. I can’t help but feel he came back already angling for a move back and was so concentrated on that that his mind just wasn’t on Wigan.

It’s sad but it’s given rise to Marshall whom despite my early thoughts, is proving to be a far better winger.

Burgess scored 26 tries in 26 appearances in 2017 on his return from Australia
In 2018 he had score 8 tries in 9 games until that injury on the famous plastic pitch at Widnes.

Those are superb stats for any winger.

He came back in great form as you say before the injury. His stats aren't that bad now I don't think he's just come back when Marshall is flying and Dom is getting back to his old self.

Sorry. Was on the Wigan warriors official Facebook page

By your reckoning ade gardener was an AAA winger. The reason Wigan want rid of burgess is because he is utterly woeful in defense and you can’t have a liability like that on your team if you want to be a top team. Salford is about his level and Wigan could do much better