It's a strange call if you decided not to offer him a new deal, the more likely option is that he chased the money again like he did whilst he was at FC.

Can't blame him for that.

I'm not saying you can its just most FC fans forgot this fact and think he was forced out when it wasn't the case at all.

Not really he signed his last extension whilst in and around the England squad, can't see him commanding that sort of wage from us now so you can't blame him

That's why I tried to use ' ' meant informed they wouldn't be staying and able to officially sign elsewhere for next season!

For RL players approaching their 30's I think length of deal becomes most important. Say KR offered a 12 month extension whereas Widnes matched it for a guranteed 3 years, mote likely to take Widned offer in that scenario I reckon!

The length of the deal is still cash value.

You've lost me a little bit?

Say 1 year @ 70k = 70k guaranteed.
And 3 years @ 70k = 210k guaranteed.

Or is that what you where getting at?

That's what I'm getting at.

If Widnes are offering 3 years you can't blame him for going, wouldn;t have wanted us to give him that long especially seeing the way he gets beaten up every season. I'd maybe have liked to have seen another year but no more.

I can undrstand that for an established club in Superleague.Widnes on the other hand only have youngsters playing fullback this year, and someone experienced for a few years is required to bring on Hulme and Jack Owens.Owens is only just 17 and is a great prospect, but i would not want to throw him into Superleague to be bashed.

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 537543.stm?

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 537543.stm?

Of course money is a big factor its a short career after all, but moving home to his native Wigan and getting his kids settled in schools from a young age may have had a big bearing.

Has been very good for Rovers and a real joy to watch at times, hope he continues his career in good fashion at another club.