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

I think you need to reacquaint yourself with his career. He was England A captain at 20, made his full Great Britain debut 2 years before Bateman and won Man of the series for Great Britain at the same age JB is now. He did not 'become the player we know' in his late 20s at all and certainly not just because you choose to remember it that way. On the other hand, if you prefer to ignore the facts then be my guest. The fact that he is STILL better than JB, aged 35, really should tell you the full story.

Couldn't agree more. I'm a Bateman fan but come on......

Do you think it’s possible that someone could have a different opinion than you?
I stand by my comment. I do think Lockers only came into his own later in his career. It’s not uncommon; especially for a forward. And I do think at 24 Bateman is a better player than Lockers was.

Is it your goal to change my opinion to agree with yours? Not going to happen.

Bateman is clearly underrated by several on here. Who See him as just a strong running backrower, hes a versitile player who can pretty much do it all, at 24, no where near his prime.
If anything his ability to play mulitple position (at international level as well) is to his detriment.

Me too Jimmy. He's a fabulous player and I hope we manage to keep him. However, I'm sure he would agree himself, saying he is 'far better than O'Loughlin' (at any age!) is a bridge too far..

Well if Bateman is nowhere near his prime at 24 why would you hold it against Lockers to improve in his late 20s?

You clearly do hold a different opinion to mine and no, I don't think I'll change your mind. Someone admitting they're wrong on these boards would be cause for a national holiday it's so rare! However (and we've been here before) why do you think you should be able to post anything you want and not have it challenged? Is your opinion more important than anyone else's?

You're wrong. I can give you factual information that essentially proves you're wrong. Your opinion is also contrary to the opinion of every coach he played under who, almost to a man, made him their captain. Yet for some reason you think we should accept something just because you say it. Why is that?

Not convinced about Patten (although I may be being influenced by someone who played alongside him) but I've always thought we let Mellor go a little to quickly. Depending on cost, he could be a good shout.