On paper, that's as good a team as the one that won last year's GF. It just depends on what level our coaching staff can get them to perform.

I fear we'll get a sharp reminder of just how good Wellens has been for us if we go with Lance at full back. If you watch NRL Fulltime he seems to be making Amos Roberts-esque howlers on a pretty regular basis. He was directly responsible for letting in two tries last week. I suspect Lomax at 1 and Lance at 7 would be best, although I'm torn because I like Lomax at 7, and then there's the kicking-game problem.

He's a dreadful full back in my opinion. Good runner, but MASSIVELY ropey.

If we think Meli costs us tight games, we'd better hope Lance isn't our full back or there'll be a whole new level of scapegoating on here.

Lance will have to play in the halves but, like you, I don't like that as it means Lomax is likely to play 1 when I like him in the halves.

Realistically (with and without Pryce) I reckon we'll go:

1 Lomax
6 Pryce
7 Lance

or

1 Lomax
6 Gaskell
7 Lance

Don't you think Gooners questioned the move of Rat boy from halfback to fullback?

True enough.

Why do people keep talking about the possibility of Hohaia playing full-back?? When he signed, Simmons said he would play in the halves. Hohaia said the chance to play in the halves was a big factor in him signing. HE WILL NOT PLAY FULL-BACK!!

Thank good god for that.

Leon won't be at Saints next season.

Meli said at a Forum last night "Its certain Leons leaving, he's deciding his next step in a few weeks"

Although until I see the Official confirmation I'll cross my fingers.

Some still do.

At least it gives you some versatility if injuries hit.

So it's

Wellens
Lomax
Lance

or

Lomax
Lance
Gaskell

then.

Thanks for the memories Leon - great player.

Not just the ball he can't hold on to then

FWIW on Saints Twitter feed yesterday Royce hasn't ruled out further signings.

Royce has also recently said that he sees Lomax as a 6 or 7 so I think the obsession with him going to full-back will disappear as long as he is the coach.
I would be amazed if our starting half-back partnership next season (injuries permitting) is not Lance and Lomax.

But who plays fullback then?

Wellens. You may not like it, but thats the reality.

As my coloured cousin states, I think it will be Wellens. Despite what some of our fans have been saying about him, there is nothing to suggest that he wont keep his place.

The only other alternative is Pryce, on the assumption that he re-signs, which is looking less likely at the minute.

I think this will be how it starts but depending on the form of all 3 (wellens, lomax, hohaia), plus the form of Gaskell and Wheeler and also depending on injuries, this could well change a few games into the season!!

Missed out Waterhouse and Chris Hill.

And T.P,oh hang on , he's In there.

Another season with Wellens at FB? Jesus... where did I put that gun?

Exactly. If he kept himself fit, he would be yet another showing of how inferior our outside backs are compared to the NRL.

As professional as Carmont is, the fact that a 33 year old who was hardly tearing up trees over there is currently the best centre in the league says it all really. Besides Senior, there hasn't been an England centre anywhere near good enough to compete with them for years.

I would have Cooper in a flash.

Carmont best centre...classic. We have four at Wire better, and two are playing on the wing.

you must be well ahead of wigan in the league then?

Would saints allow wellens to leave next season if they could get a full back in ?

What do you mean?