I stand corrected on the fee.

I do however stand by that Bateman won’t be a Wigan player in 2019.

The status as it stands is that he wants to go to Canberra and Canberra want him but don’t want to pay the predetermined transfer fee in his contract. If Wigan allow him to leave without them paying the fee it’ll be absolutely pointless including such clauses in any further contracts as NRL clubs will know they can just refuse to pay it.
It’s a simple scenario for Wigan. If Canberra don’t pay up, Bateman stays at Wigan. I suspect they’ll pay up.

Somebody on the Total RL forum is saying Wigan have made a play for BJ Leilua for 2019. I believe he not long ago signed a contract extension so it’s unlikely but things change and I wonder if anything could be worked out as to a swap deal.

Posted it here rather then in rumours due to a potential link with Bateman. It feels very much a long shot though.

I’d take that all day! If we do have to lose Bateman which does seem likely, Leilua would soften the blow... a lot!

I said before that I couldn't see where Bateman would play for Canberra; they have four very good players at centre and second-row. But if Leilua did leave... even though I read about his contract extension too.

But of course I'd rather have Bateman than Leilua any day.

2019 - Lam (Edwards part time in background)
2020 - Edwards

The problem is with that is that who would actually sign up for it? “Here you go XXXX you’re the head coach next season but next year you’re being demoted to assistant for a coach who’s been out the game for the best part of two decades.”

It just doesn’t seem morally or professionally right to me. A ‘temporary’ head coach for 2019 would need to stamp his mark, play the style he wants, sign his players and then it’s all change again in 2020. It’s either Edwards next season or not at all IMHO.

If he won’t be Head Coach until 2020 then we walk away. Simple as that.

Furner been told.

Lam nearly done and dusted

DaveO seen with IL and KR in MackyD

I also saw them together and witnessed DaveO refuse to say thanks after IL bought him a McFlurry.

What a load of rubbish!

We all know its Frankie & Benny's where all Wigan's deals are made.

I am just letting you know what I have heard is happening the moral or professional aspects are not being discussed.

Lam will be the main coach 2019 and Edwards will work along side but not in public view until 2020 maybe we will end up following the Leeds Rhinos director of rugby style.

I am just letting you know what I have heard is happening the moral or professional aspects are not being discussed.

Lam will be the main coach 2019 and Edwards will work along side but not in public view until 2020 maybe we will end up following the Leeds Rhinos director of rugby style.