I’m going to disagree here. I think it’s far better for Richardsons development NOT to chuck him in at the deep end v NZ and help nurture his talent with the Knights, at least for this season.

And we have sufficient HB options so it wasn’t a necessity to replace him

Personally really hoping to see Jake Connor hopefully get a game in the halves.

I really rate him. Kind of player capable of producing something a little different and who really winds up the opposition.

I think he's a cracking player, really looks to have a bit of X factor about him. Think his long-term position should be in the halves.

Has the potential but needs to get a grip on himself - tries to hard to wind up the opposition then when they fire back at him tends to disappear, needs to concentrate on his own game more to be a top player.

I’ve never seen Connor go hiding especially when the opposition react to him. If anything it fires him up even more and he continues poking away with his play and sledging.

What I meant was when the opposition react to him and things kick off he then does keep trying to wind people up but at times too much and I think it detracts from his play - he needs to tone down the wind up a bit and concentrate on hurting the opposition with his ability.

Question is though what is his best position - seems to have played in various positions without really nailing down one.

Bateman played Centre Second Row and Hooker plus the full 80 minutes, and scored a try.

The kiwi commentators all but confirmed Bateman departure to Canberra maybe best if Wigan announce it now rather than letting it drag on and on.

I just don't see it. Who is Bateman going to replace at Canberra? Whitehead? Papali'i? I don't think anyone would claim he is better than either of them.

He won’t replace anyone he will no doubt drop into their reserve pool of players.

Can't announce it until Canberra pony up the transfer fee.

He is a half back for me (and I thought that before yesterday). Fairly big for a half, can tackle but has the X factor.

For me he is easily the most suitable style of half in SL that will make the transition to international rugby league.

Talented footballer. Stepped up well.

On the other hand Percy was a turnstile. People have often criticised Bennett's decision to play Bateman in the centres instead of Percy, but I feel after seeing Percy exposed on numerous occasions I feel Bennett as an argument.

Sounds increasingly to me as if Canberra's unwillingness to pay for our best player may be what keeps him at Wigan.

Though, in truth, I doubt that will happen.

I'm not sure what planet Canberra are on, thinking Wigan should just write off his contract so they can get him on a free, but at some point I suspect they'll realise that British clubs are not just here at their bloody convenience.

Pretty sure it's all a done deal. Just a matter of Wigan making the announcement.