This actually gives me hope.

Let's not forget that 4 years ago or so, Saints were a good side but not like the one we see today. They moved on from a flashy FB to one that can create and work the ball, saw a massive development from Thompson & made a couple of "here and now" signings like Taia and Naiqama.

Oh they also moved on from a crap coach who happened to be a club legend.

Now I'm not saying that we'll see that up turn, but there are similarities with the situation we find ourselves in today.

Bevan French (potential 1 year option in players favour) - He'll be off
Dom Manfredi - Too injury prone. Get rid unless he plays 90% of all games this season, then 1yr deal.
Jake Bibby - Give him a year's extension
Tommy - Time to retire
Sam Powell - 2 year deal?
Willie Isa - 2 year deal?
Tony Clubb - Not a hope in hell of another deal..

I cannot remember a season where so many clubs have been chasing so few targets. The uncertainty is likely to lead to some poor decision making along the way with average players being overvalued. Add this to the general feeling that as a club we are just not in control of the recruitment hamster wheel and as a fan I lack confidence in our ability to upgrade the team. It is a worrying position to be in because decisions will need to be made now that will affect us for years. When I hear that we may be in for the likes of Richardson, Mason and Thornley I worry. Although they each have their good points we would be setting out our stall for the next few years and it does not look good.

I've heard similar. He's in the right place at the moment though, getting regular first team games. Hopefully, we can start to reap the benefit from next season

Now that Leigh seem to be having a fire sale is there anyone else who might end up at Wigan. What about the other Greenwood? Is he still there?

Manfredi has a clear run for the rest of the season as he won't really have much competition for his place. If he stays injury free and shows some decent form then keep him. If he sadly breaks down again then it perhaps makes the decision for us.

Widnes posted pictures of him on social media yesterday saying how incredible it is that the lad is only 18 years of age. They said he’s been unbelievable so far. I read a few replies from the Widnes fans saying he’s the best loan player they can remember. All very positive and you’re spot on that he’s in the right place for this season. I’d imagine after his year there, that he’ll come back here and challenge for a spot next season.

One other factor is how patient Manfredi will be. If he gets a good offer elsewhere, then he may well just sign that and you can’t really blame him. I can’t blame Wigan for not wanting to sign him up just yet. I’d want to have a look at him for at least another 6-10 games and then decide.

Think I saw a comment from Manfredi along the lines of "not worrying about it, just want to concentrate on rugby"... not sure that's the best way to manage it considering offers might disappear.

The fact we haven't just offered him a 1 year deal means we're unlikely to offer him anything IMO.

Surely if Marshall regains fitness, then Manfredi and Bibby will be battling for the right wing slot?

Without French you’d imagine they’ll be paired on the right side with Manfredi on the wing and Bibby centre.

The problem with that is contract extension decisions are made in June, well before the back end of the season. The club need to either bite the bullet, hope he stays injury free and puts in good performances or let him go.