One swallow doesn't make a summer though.

I think he is finished - its been far too long since he was consistently a very good player.

Bateman may not be the player he was but Warrington are unquestionably in a stronger position to have a real crack now. Yates and Bateman are players you would think help to toughen them up mentally in the big games.

I’m not so sure. Bateman is finished as a top level forward and as his body let’s him down, as it is doing continuously I t he recent past, his frustration is coming trough with penalties and poor decision making in games. I’m glad we’ve stayed well away.

Bateman seems to be getting stick for moving mid-contract again but this times it seems more like he’s being pushed out by the Tigers due to his big wage and average performances. It’s a no lose for Wire, signed till the end of the season so if he’s crap I’m sure they won’t offer a permanent contract and it’s just a nice addition to the squad, if we didn’t have the history with him and got him in until the end of the season I’d be happy as it’s a no lose imo.

If anyone get get a tune out of Bateman it’ll be Burgess like it or not he does huge presence like no other coach in the super league

I think regards our recruitment we only need to bring in a secondrow to replace Isa.

We have a decision to make in regards Walters, Eseh and Chan who are all middles and I don’t see the need for 3 of them.

Chan for me is the one that we need to move on as he takes up a quota spot.

We need a natural second row to play alongside Faz and Nsemba beyond that I think our squad is complete

We've only got three centres, and we've playing one of them at full-back!

Got to say the last few weeks have changed my mind in terms of recruitment. I think we need a second rower. Faz is getting no younger, Nsemba is still really young and probably needs dipping in and out and Walters isn't cracking any pots. It looks like Hampshire will follow Isa and Cooper out the door and I know much of that cap space will be used on upgrades but hopefully there is room to make a move. If it came down to it, I'd be comfortable if they could cut a deal to move on one more middle forward to then bring in a second rower. I think that would bring a far better balance to the squad. Currently we look like going in to 2025 with 9 middle forwards (Ellis, Havard, Thompson, Byrne, Dupree, Mago, Hill, Eseh, Chan) and only 3 second rowers (Faz, Nsemba and Walters) and one of those second rowers may be better suited to play in the middle anyway).

If there is a proper grafter of a second rower available from the NRL, who wouldn't cost the earth, I think that would round the squad off nicely.

I am not sure Isa leaviing will be a given, a one year extension might be a possibility as he would be a no cost option for next season, just a feeling I have.

A second rower who is also capable of shifting to the centres on occasion would be ideal.

The NRL is full of young, powerful, goal-scoring second-rowers.

chans not on the qutoa as he played in france before 19

Eseh and Chan are back from loans. Think they’ll get game time during the 3 games in 9 day spell.

Hopefully bring fresh energy

I think Chan is still on loan at Hull, if that is the case his time at Wigan may be up.

Hastings to Leeds? https://www.totalrl.com/ex-salford-red- ... ue-return/

Hastings to Leeds? https://www.totalrl.com/ex-salford-red- ... ue-return/