[quote="Zig":1me7o3gq]I cannot understand the resigning of Hurrell, he looked shot last season and, by all accounts, he suffered a very bad injury. I am sure that Saints could have made better use of their last non-federation trained spot, perhaps there were no suitable players available for the amount of salary Hurrell commands. Maybe he will prove me wrong and fair play if he does.[/quote:1me7o3gq] Probably no one in their academy that can step up and no cap space for a decent replacement

Hurrell will still be difficult to stop with a head of steam. Lateral defence is a big problem though and hard to see him playing a full year without injury.

[quote="MadDogg":irkdk3ek]Hurrell will still be difficult to stop with a head of steam. Lateral defence is a big problem though and hard to see him playing a full year without injury.[/quote:irkdk3ek] Field managed to stop him 2mtrs from the line and force a knock-on in the CC semi

[quote="Zig":1xn4cnhk]I was told this earlier in the week but took it with a pinch of salt. Redvee is already in meltdown.[/quote:1xn4cnhk] lmao Where is the meltdown?

Not a rumour but noticed Toby King saying he hasn't been offered an extension by Wire yet and he doesn't know if he will move on or not. The talk is that he's on a big deal currently but you'd imagine that will drop by a fair amount going forward, wherever he ends up. He could be an option here if Keighran were to head home, even if they decide to give Eckersley the starting spot. If they do promote Eckersley, you do still feel like you'd want the option to use him as a back up fullback or winger (along with the younger players like Douglas, Lowe, Hodkinson etc) and to do that you need another option.

[quote="NickyKiss":27rl03ke]Not a rumour but noticed Toby King saying he hasn't been offered an extension by Wire yet and he doesn't know if he will move on or not. The talk is that he's on a big deal currently but you'd imagine that will drop by a fair amount going forward, wherever he ends up. He could be an option here if Keighran were to head home, even if they decide to give Eckersley the starting spot. If they do promote Eckersley, you do still feel like you'd want the option to use him as a back up fullback or winger (along with the younger players like Douglas, Lowe, Hodkinson etc) and to do that you need another option.[/quote:27rl03ke] That would all depend on what King's expectations are. If he's prepared to be a squad player (i.e. not automatically first choice) and take a salary that reflects that then I could see Wigan considering it given how well he did in 2023.

I think wing might be the position Eckerlsey starting out. Would love that out and our pace on the right wing. Miski turns 30 this year but has another 3 years on his deal (2025,2026 and 2027). That contract feels quite long.

[quote="MadDogg":1n48mc5e]That would all depend on what King's expectations are. If he's prepared to be a squad player (i.e. not automatically first choice) and take a salary that reflects that then I could see Wigan considering it given how well he did in 2023.[/quote:1n48mc5e] As much as I rated King at Wigan I think with the development of Eckersley that ship has sailed. If Keighran departs our centres need to be Wardle and ZE as at his level of ability and age he needs to be rewarded as the next cab off the rank. It may well be Keighrans shirt again in 2026 if he stays but if not ZE is the only man that should replace him, whenever he departs.

[quote="NSW":41igzx4f]I think wing might be the position Eckerlsey starting out. Would love that out and our pace on the right wing. Miski turns 30 this year but has another 3 years on his deal (2025,2026 and 2027). That contract feels quite long.[/quote:41igzx4f] I’m guessing that contract length will be reflected in his salary. I’m thinking he will have sacrificed a few £ for that career ending security at a club who should be competing for trophies throughout that period.

[quote="MadDogg":3s1dckxm]That would all depend on what King's expectations are. If he's prepared to be a squad player (i.e. not automatically first choice) and take a salary that reflects that then I could see Wigan considering it given how well he did in 2023.[/quote:3s1dckxm] I think you're right. He will drop in money but would he drop down to being on squad player money? If other offers were on the table then probably not. He's somebody worth keeping an eye on. One thing that certainly isn't a worry nowadays is his fitness. He seems to have turned in to a fitness fanatic away from the field, which certainly didn't look the case in the year or two before his loan move at Wigan.

[quote="jonh":lheegz73]As much as I rated King at Wigan I think with the development of Eckersley that ship has sailed. If Keighran departs our centres need to be Wardle and ZE as at his level of ability and age he needs to be rewarded as the next cab off the rank. It may well be Keighrans shirt again in 2026 if he stays but if not ZE is the only man that should replace him, whenever he departs.[/quote:lheegz73] I think it would be sensible to extend AK’s deal. Zac is only in the first year of his four year contract and needs time, and competition, for him to fully develop.

[quote="NickyKiss":3bs1dp5n]I think you're right. He will drop in money but would he drop down to being on squad player money? If other offers were on the table then probably not. He's somebody worth keeping an eye on. One thing that certainly isn't a worry nowadays is his fitness. He seems to have turned in to a fitness fanatic away from the field, which certainly didn't look the case in the year or two ybefore his loan move at Wigan.[/quote:3bs1dp5n] More likely that he will end up at Saints.

[quote="Zig":16fihegz]I think it would be sensible to extend AK’s deal. Zac is only in the first year of his four year contract and needs time, and competition, for him to fully develop.[/quote:16fihegz] I wouldn’t be against retaining him for 2026 with Eckersley taking the shirt in 2027.

Interesting developments in the last few days. Couple of youngsters gone out on loan to London and now Isa going. We look to be going into the season as it stands with only 3 front line secondrow players. 1 of who in Walters has yet to really hit the straps if we are honest. We also now have a quota spot to play with. Potential for mid season signing or maybe sooner. Invariably some quality players become available from the NRL 2/3 months into their season.

[quote="jonh":1bvzmg66]Interesting developments in the last few days. Couple of youngsters gone out on loan to London and now Isa going. We look to be going into the season as it stands with only 3 front line secondrow players. 1 of who in Walters has yet to really hit the straps if we are honest. We also now have a quota spot to play with. Potential for mid season signing or maybe sooner. Invariably some quality players become available from the NRL 2/3 months into their season.[/quote:1bvzmg66] Watkins from Salford? He probably will want a 2 year deal which could make it a non starter.

[quote="jonh":1g3htvii]Interesting developments in the last few days. Couple of youngsters gone out on loan to London and now Isa going. We look to be going into the season as it stands with only 3 front line secondrow players. 1 of who in Walters has yet to really hit the straps if we are honest. We also now have a quota spot to play with. Potential for mid season signing or maybe sooner. Invariably some quality players become available from the NRL 2/3 months into their season.[/quote:1g3htvii] Wigan are working on an overseas signing as we speak.

[quote="The Yellow Giraffe":3bufygvp]Wigan are working on an overseas signing as we speak.[/quote:3bufygvp] Any clues TYG?

[quote="Itchy Arsenal":wfvmcb9u]Any clues TYG?[/quote:wfvmcb9u] That’s all I’ve got at the minute. I’m not being deliberately vague. Just been told they’re hopeful the quota spot won’t be empty for long.

[quote="The Yellow Giraffe":1hrodry0]Wigan are working on an overseas signing as we speak.[/quote:1hrodry0] If that’s the case this would suggest we have him. I don’t see any other reason for Isa to retire if we hadn’t. No mention of physical issues in his retirement release just opportunities away from the game.

[quote="The Yellow Giraffe":2itbqnjy]Wigan are working on an overseas signing as we speak.[/quote:2itbqnjy] If true I'd be surprised if it was a big name - doubt Isa would have been on a big wage at this stage of his career.

[quote="MadDogg":33batgjf]If true I'd be surprised if it was a big name - doubt Isa would have been on a big wage at this stage of his career.[/quote:33batgjf] Wouldn’t anticipate any big names would be available or interested in a move to SL at this stage of the off season. If true it’s a player without a contract (of which after having a quick look none look to fit the bill) or a player who has been told he’s surplus to requirements beyond 2025. A good experienced secondrow with a strong work ethic but maybe not the profile to match would be fine. In my head now I’m thinking 28-31 year old secondrow from a club with a good system and 100 NRL appearances fits the bill.

[quote="jonh":1dck39b2]Wouldn’t anticipate any big names would be available or interested in a move to SL at this stage of the off season. If true it’s a player without a contract (of which after having a quick look none look to fit the bill) or a player who has been told he’s surplus to requirements beyond 2025. A good experienced secondrow with a strong work ethic but maybe not the profile to match would be fine. In my head now I’m thinking 28-31 year old secondrow from a club with a good system and 100 NRL appearances fits the bill.[/quote:1dck39b2] Think it's more likely to be a younger player from NSW/Queensland cup looking for an opportunity - there's enough experience in the squad to cover Willie.

[quote="MadDogg":2zz5kfmd]Think it's more likely to be a younger player from NSW/Queensland cup looking for an opportunity - there's enough experience in the squad to cover Willie.[/quote:2zz5kfmd] We have our 2 younger secondrows in Nsemba and Walters. Ideally, in my head anyway, someone who falls midway between the age of those 2 and Faz would be ideal. Can’t expect Faz to play every game and 3 young lads to me is a risk. Time will tell I guess. Will liven things up on here nicely before the season starts. Left field (and total 2+2=5 possibility) would be Sam Stone at Salford. Peet likes tall forwards by the look of it with athleticism and mobility and he has all of them. Was good enough to tempt Melbourne to enquire about him, but to be honest not really sure how he went at Salford last year.

[quote="jonh":3l8b0o23]We have our 2 younger secondrows in Nsemba and Walters. Ideally, in my head anyway, someone who falls midway between the age of those 2 and Faz would be ideal. Can’t expect Faz to play every game and 3 young lads to me is a risk. Time will tell I guess. Will liven things up on here nicely before the season starts. Left field (and total 2+2=5 possibility) would be Sam Stone at Salford. Peet likes tall forwards by the look of it with athleticism and mobility and he has all of them. Was good enough to tempt Melbourne to enquire about him, but to be honest not really sure how he went at Salford last year.[/quote:3l8b0o23] 100% agree that we need someone with some good experience. Apart from just doing a Quick Look on Wikipedia I know nothing about Stone or his capabilities but his profile for me looks like someone who could add to the squad without causing medium term issues to the SC. Interesting times.

[quote="The Yellow Giraffe":1w90nulw]Yeah new deals for him and Knowles to be announced before the season starts.[/quote:1w90nulw] Hi mate, I spoke with one of the coaches at Wigan tonight and he told me that Matty Lees’ agent has approached Wigan about a deal. It would appear that Matty is currently on a below average salary at Saints. I’m not saying that he won’t extend his deal at Saints but they will need to triple his salary.