I get why some people are a bit dubious about JA, but, given what was available and his talent, it is a bit of good news in my opinion. The guy absolutely killed us in the Derby last year and his kicking game is the best in SL, according to many. I also don't get why people want rid of Sao, for me he is a very good prop who is being used wrongly as a second rower because of our problems. I wonder if we may actually play Okunbor on the wing at some point? His strike rate in the NRL isn't shabby and his size should be an advantage if JA kicks to him, All in all I think Myler has done well, get big Chris back and we will have two strike front rowers with Ashworth and Sao as the grafters, Sign another back rower and a centre and we'll be halfway decent.

Bateman has a club for next year and the year after, he’s at Wests until 2027 unless they decide to pay him his two years. They’re maybe looking better recently but Wests recruitment/retention has been a horror show for years, especially considering the players they’ve let go has made ours look professional.

Wests have recruited really well, don't think they will trouble the 8, buy I don't see them bottom.

Ryan Sutton i heard again yesterday. Again, be very surprised if anything in it.

Would be a great signing, not without it's risk, but I don't see a better domestic option.

Like I say seems a lot better for this season but they’re still having to to try and pay clubs to take big earners like Bateman and Sullivan reminds me very much of Hull recently, especially looking at the players that have come through their system and let go as well as the horror signings. Hopefully we’ve both turned a corner.

On Bateman specifically, if you believe the figures the Aussie press are saying another back rower isn’t our top priority but he would still be decent value IMO. I read yesterday that Wests are willing to pay 300K Aussie dollars of his 600K salary (just north of 150K) if he wants to stay in Aus though he’s every right to dig his heels in.