I don’t think Farrell will come however I was led to believe he wouldn’t count on the cap for his first season and only half would count the year after if Thomson does come I do think that it’s another clue that Smithies is gone. Aussie agent, O’Neil doing stint at 13 (possibly try to get Shorrocks resigned for cover for SR,LF), Leeming signed at 9, Thompson as prop and 13 cover. Maybe means Walters will be an out and out SR for us. Probably clutching at straws.

Ellis can cover 13 too. He was quality against wire at 13.

Building a great side for next year. Hope that RFL make positive changes to the cap rules don’t even have to extend it. Sick of having to rebuild each year due to players leaving for the NRL

Re Thompson, would be worth the £££'s just for the reaction on redvee when he signed. However, i think it would soon turn into comments like "haha, hes signed for Wigan and isnt playing because he is injured" etc...

Quote: NickyKiss "Luke Thompson has a 4 year deal on the table from Wigan and is seriously considering taking it according to Matthew Shaw just now.'" https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... d-27777680

Quote: NickyKiss "Luke Thompson has a 4 year deal on the table from Wigan and is seriously considering taking it according to Matthew Shaw just now.'" https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... d-27777680

As a Saints fan Wigan signing Thompson doean't worry me

Fair play but it worries me

Eseh has signed for Saints. They need to start plugging the gaps that experienced federation trained forwards will leave when they retire e.g., LMS and Walmsley. There are not too many good young forwards available in SL at present especially given Wigan’s recent recruitment.

Says in the "serious" article that he is tempted to go to the Roosters for less money where he would join up with Holbrook his previous Saints coach. I do think this is a re-hash by uk journos and he will stay in Austin.

With his recent injury record I'm surprised we are even interested in him.

Heard this in Dave’s Convenience Store Tunstall Lane in Pem so it must be true!!
Sounds like too much of a risk to me injury wise so a no from me.

Irrespective of anyone else coming in, Smithies leaving would be a huge blow. He's turning into a machine.

As a Wire fan if you lost Smithies and signed Thompson I’d be very pleased. Thompson is a Warringtonesque signing, big name on a huge downward curve. I’m glad we’re not touching him.

Smithies isn’t going

Posted this on Redvee a while back and all of it still applies.

Not sure what to think about the prospect of it were it to happen, the old mother in law driving off a cliff in your brand new car scenarioHis family is minted and I would hope his next move isn't just about money. That said he is on a relative fortune and it's only natural to be reluctant to take a drop, or to accept the best financial offer made to him. I'm sure he would command a better salary over there but he must also have looked at our success since he left with more than a little envy.

Frankly I find it difficult to make a judgement on his ability any more as he's been out so long. Between Bulldogs and internationals he's not even played 50 first grade games since he left. He could get back fit and get back to his best again and he's got plenty of time on his side but it would be a risky investment assuming his high wage demands. Cap relief makes it a bit more manageable for us but not the owners in terms of the overall package and I could see McManus balking at his demands.

All things considered I'd definitely be making him an offer but not be held to ransom, and not be expecting him to accept when he weighs up his options.'"

I can't believe there's any Wigan fan anywhere who wouldn't want to see Luke Thompson in cherry and white.