I cant believe how blase people are being about Joel leaving! He's one of the most talented players in the squad who had an indifferent season in a new position. To lose Joel and Hoff in the same season is devastating on the squad! Two irreplaceable players imo (with the salary cap anyway)

Me either. He is not some make-weight back row forward. With Hoff gone his loss will be a serious blow. IL could stop it though. JT has a contract and IL should hold him too it.

3-4 years time he will go to the NRL.

NRL has a massive cap now and they tend to sign more SL atm. Joel would struggle to get a decent offer from the NRL. Sam wont as he is already well known in the RL media dowun under.

If he is leaving I would definitely prefer him to go to the NRL over RU anyway.

I do NOT agree with Mr Frisk.

I agree totally.

And if I were a player with the talent Sam has, I would be on the next plane over there!

Well given this is the rumoured signings thread what else do you suggest we base the discussions on? Or should we not discuss the rumours?

IMHO I think Joel would do a much better job in the NRL than Sam would

Sam
Charnley
Thomas
Carmont
Richards
Finch
Tommy
Fielden
Micky Mac
Lima
Hansen
Hock
Locky

Prescott
Mossop
Mellor
Farrell/Tuson/Dudson/Flower/Luaki/Marsh/Hughes/Amos Roberts/Crosby have i missed anyone?

How does that look? Looks well short of a hooker or half back for me not to mention a centre.

Thomas shouldn't be anywhere near the first team squad. He's just not good enough!
Still rackon that if Roberts is fit then play him at 2 with Charnley 3 and HH our right sided 2nd row man. Josh would then have experienced men around him.
Tomorrow will be interesting to hear the reason we have signed him.
Surely it can't be for playing reasons.

What about playing Roberts at centre? He's certainly got the hands and rugby brain for it and I'm sure he's played centre in the NRL in the past.

First of all, let me get it out the way, I don't think Thomas is good enough for Wigan to be going out of their way to sign him.

However, I actually thought he looked decent for Crusaders this season, big, physical presence who could pass the ball. Full preseason working in our system and he could well be decent. He shouldn't be any more than backup mind, but if the RFL are paying his wages, I'm all for it.