He is indeed out of contract at the end of the season. Not sure if he has been making noises about wanting first team games but Radders commented on it a few weeks ago.

Sunday was the first time I got to see Jamie Shaul in action (I wasn't at the Wakefield game) and he looked outstanding as you said. I certainly hope we get him signed up on a new contract but if he does indeed want first team action then we have a problem on our hands with McDonnell being at the club. He's been a good signing for us so far has McDonnell but I believe Shaul will turn out to be the better player in the long run.

Thats kind of my point too - it may be black and white glasses, but you cant help feel this simply wouldnt happen at Wigan or Leeds, perhaps Saints too?

They consistenly produce young talent that do well, so there must be a model that works, keeps the players happy and part of something but at the same time bringing them in as first choice at the right time?

Perhaps on loan may be the better option, but personally if it came down to choice and we could only have one or the other I think I would realease/sell Mcdonnell and get Shaul into a LTC.

Giant

The problem we have for Jamie, is a problem for all players over 19 and not duel reg.

We have to have quality competition for places, but that would mean some not getting any game time for long periods.

Would it be difficult for a few teams, to start having some sort of unofficial A team friendlies?

Maybe fortnightly mid-week games

Given how AP reacted to Leeds signing Briscoe last year I would be very surprised to see Shaul go to another SL club. I have to say that in sport and business there should be no sentiment and if its a question of a guarantee of regular first team action I would give it to him for the good of the long term future of the club. If that means Shannon is paid off with a year to go on his contract then so be it.

We simply can not afford to lose local talent because we have an Aussie on a contract. He showed enough quality at Wakey to indicate he has the skill and confidence to do well in SL with us and not with any other team thank you.

Can't see that when they still have an option on Billy Slater II.

Are you saying Hudds think he's better than Eden?

I agree that Shaul is a great prospect but does it have to be at fullback ?
Why not convert him back to scrum half - great acceleration off the mark and good hands
Look at Lomax, Tomkins, Hohia who can all play in the halves and fullback

Pay Shannon off to accommodate this youngster!?
Is it me or is shaul the most hyped kid in yrs. Not knocking him, certainly looks good albeit against a poor wakey side on a low key Easter Monday game n a lower league team. We definitely need him signed up but at the cost of one of the season's best performers?
How good is shaul under a high ball at super league level, putting others away at super league level, directing defences at super league level,1 on1 defence at super league level.
People need to calm down a bit, because could be setting the kid for a fall, I'd think if he was as absolutely ready as some suggest he wouldn't have been playing for skirlaugh not much more than a yr ago.
Wigan contrary to some people's beliefs didn't throw their youngsters all in at the same time. They phased them in under the wings of the outgoing players n when reasonable opportunities arose. Not just luck n hope the kids come good.
The very biggest sticking point is this ridiculous situation with having no means of playing players if over 20 if you can't get them paired up with another team.!!

The players you mention all can play half back but do it poorly n not at a fraction of how good they play at 1.
Also if it was that easy to make a half back....well it's just not!!

How many would have him as full back for the game against Wigan?
I'm not saying he is ready or isn't

it would be daft not to sign him up, aside form needing cover at full back he could eventually take over from McDonnell as first choice. yes it could mean not playing for a long time but we need strength in depth, injuries occur and have occured for us in every position this season, hence him playing at Wakefield,

as for trying him in halves, has he played there before and would moving him away from full back to there at super league level be the best thing for him at this moment. maybe he does a good job there maybe he doesnt but i would be against that idea at the moment

Don't think he's anywhere near as over hyped as McDonnell. I don't think Shaul is better better option yet, but I think he has far more potential, and it's up to us to harness that.

Saints fans don't seem to think so judging by their board.

Hoahia is an International half back is he not? Though his defence left a lot to be desired against the Dobbins on Saturday.

As for Shaul. As good as Mcdonnell has been i can see him missing almost as many games as he plays. Just seems to pick up the odd injury.

Therefore, Shaul MUST be signed up.

I personally think that the likelihood of him leaving is being blown out of proportion. It seems that the most negative rumours/situations are always the ones to be given most credence, but if you look at this situation calmly I really don't see why it would be in Shaul's best interests to leave us at this moment in time. I still don't see many (if any) other SL clubs where he's that much more likely to get a regular game barring injuries.