IMO Westermans defence is the reason that he's not playing 13 at the moment. His attacking ability is clearly there, but his defence isn't great, and so defending as a wide second row isn't required as much as it would be playing 13.

Would agree with that.

Got to disagree there, would much rather have Sam Tompkins (spit!!) than Shaun Briscoe, say. Not saying I dont think Phelps is right as I think he is far more than 'safe' and would keep him for sure unless someone of the calibre of Slater or the young kid at Canberra who's name escapes me (Duggan??) became available and affordable.

thought Phelps was solid at Widnes and seems to get better with every game, glad he got the try at the end he deserved it

Keep Phelps no need to spend big money on a NRL fullback.
A class halfback is still priority. I have been impressed with Phelps give him a 2 year deal.

I agree he is playing well and we feel safe with him, he could have scored earlier if Sam had passed the ball, he was up for it all the way through

TBF I think there was a defender inbetween them. Difficult ball to get to Phelps.

I think I would give him a year deal, then less to worry about over recruitment for next year.

Agreed, I was all for Bowen to replace him but the more he plays the more I'm inclined to go with what we know rather than taking a risk.
He can't be on a big wage either.
Recruitment depends on retention. I'd give Fitz, Phelps, Dowes, Washy and Horne new 1 year deals, release Long, Lauaki and Burnett. Replacing them with 1 of Kent/Green/Cunningham and a Top Halfback.
Edit: Moa to get a 3 year deal aswell.

Washy and Dowes are like first reserves, they're very good 18th men IMO.
I really hope Fitz stays, only a Paul Gallen or a Luke O'Donnell could replace him. Keep Fitz another year and try and convince Luke Lewis to leave Penrith.
If we signed Chase, couldn't we just name Horne at 7? Either that or forget Chase and sign Seymour.

Don't think he did but I was joking about that anyway, and both tries that came down his wing he was unlucky with, especially the first one when there was a 4 on 1 against him and he still tackled the man, just not the ball!

If phelps stays fit and is in form he'll want a pay hike to stay I would have thought. Need to balance that off against what a better full back would cost

Would you rather sign him for a year or two, or pay more for say Bowen and have less money for a half?

I'm thinking sign him up.