I've argued here before that KPP hadn't been all that in the NRL, and most disagreed with me. But I have noted that his performances have certainly improved since Jackson Hastings left the side, who, frankly, didn't seem to trust him. But then, we know that's a common trait with Hastings. I still don't think KPP has pulled up many trees compared to the many excellent second-rowers in the NRL, and yes, I do think Nsemba has the potential to be a better player.

Isa, Cooper and Hampshire are leaving (to my knowledge) so you would think it would leave us with a decent bit of room to extend and improve others contracts, iv heard a rumour Byrne might be going to Salford and if so I could see us signing a second rower. It would be a kick in the teeth if Eckersley leaves and also a little disappointing that Douglas is apparently surplus to requirements but in a salary capped sport these are the perils of being a top team I suppose.

cooper is 100% going to wire

My daughter is friends with eckersleys girlfriend. I showed her the post about saints being in discussions and she did some digging. First of all his brother never said such a thing because the whole family know they are close to agreeing a new multi year deal with wigan

Go on then I'll bite

I know this is a dig at me but let me clear up a few things...

Firstly it wasn't my rumour, I heard it from someone else and simply asked the question of Eckersley's contract status on here as I couldn't find any details online. I've said on here and on RV that I would be very surprised if he doesn't stay at Wigan. My only hope from a Saints POV was that he was out of contract at the end of this season and we threw more money at him and the promise of game time every week something that may not happen with a full strength team at Wigan.

Secondly isn't the idea of a rumours thread to discuss rumours?

Wigan Today have confirmed Douglas has had his contract extended by the years option and have said it just leaves Cooper, Isa and Hampshire without a deal, so I don't think Eckersley is OOC this year. It could come down to a decision for Wigan next year as to whether they extend Adam Keighran's deal or give Eckersley a pay increase and a starting shirt.

Local paper has just run a story that we have taken up the one year extension option in Douglas' contract. The article also says that this means the only players that are now off contract for next year are Isa, Hampshire and Cooper, so that might suggest that Eckersley still has some time to go on his Wigan deal.

Obviously this isn't to say that the interest isn't real. Eckersley is only one injury in several positions away from being a first team player for the Champions, so he's entitled to expect a half decent contract at this point. If - and it's obviously a big if - Wigan are telling him that he needs to wait because the cap space has gone elsewhere, I'd expect a club with cash to burn to be interested.

Hopefully though he should at least be under contract here for 2025, which should give us time to sort out something more long term.

Exactly that. He would start every week in our backline but not for Wigan and we have loads of cap to play with. Dodd and Makinson have been replaced with Sailor and Feldt but that should still leave Blake, Hurrell and Matautia leaving with probably at least one or two of Bennison, Royle, Ritson and Davies

That said and judging by how highly rated he is I'm sure he will sign a new deal at Wigan.

I do believe we will have made enquiries though.

Eckerlsey is not ready to start every week IMO.

He missed a few tackles against Hull and I’ve yet to see classic centre play from him yet.

He’s in the perfect position of being 3rd choice winger/centre/full back so will see plenty of game time.

He should continue in that role for the next season at least.

Agree, although I'd be surprised if game time comes into it to be honest. He should know that he'll get plenty of that. It's not so often that you have a fully fit 1-7, and I think that's the only situation where Eckersley doesn't play. Maybe if we're a half short Farrimond gets the nod now, but we're just as likely to play Zach and move Keighran. And that's just where we are now, in 12 months it's very possible that he'll have taken either Keighran's or even Miski's shirt.

But financially he's definitely at the point where he shouldn't have to sell himself short, and like you say Saints have got plenty of cash to play around with.

He is under contract mate.

Extension announced for Douglas. Really glad about this as he's a great prospect who I think will be pushing for a starting spot in the next year or two.

'NRL veteran' Kyle Feldt to Saints, then? Another short-term move, going for a 32 year old?

Risk of injury obviously increases for any player approaching mid 30s but looks to be a great finisher.

Shame he'll never get a pass