[quote="Stu M":31svxn9w]Thinking about it a bit more, Wigan were well stocked with back rowers and had a succession plan but losing as many as they have means you can understand why they have looked at Vaughan. Shane Eccles will have coached him for England Academy and will know him well but over the last few years they've lost Isa, KPP, Nicholson, Bateman, even James McDonnell. I may have missed some more out there Mason and Kerr are backrowers I believe? Vaughan will add to the competition particularly if Farrell's minutes are more limited in 2026.[/quote:31svxn9w] Kerr's a loose forward I think, albeit a versatile one who could easily be played at second row to begin with. He's played in the halves during preseason, so all being well he'll be able to get his chance irrespective of our plans with Vaughan.

[quote="Zig":2lawxeu6]I think I may have been wrong about Stephens Stu but, trying to fit Robertson in at centre seems a mistake (square peg in a round hole). He is a natural fullback or standoff. Saints should have signed a centre and played Robertson as a pivot.[/quote:2lawxeu6] As I've said before I don't think there is any intention to play him at centre regularly, it would merely be to increase his game time to cover for the inevitable injuries that Hurrell and Percival will have. I think they will look at trying to give him game time across the whole backline Good to see Stephens signing a 4 year deal. He will have a good season I feel and is in really good shape physically to kick on.

[quote="WWste":1eyk2h87]I don’t think Salford is a walk in the park as made out. They are a decent side and I imagine will be itching to settle things down on the pitch. I can see Saints getting beat in that game as they did in the pre season game with them[/quote:1eyk2h87] I don’t for one second think that Salford are a poor side. I just think that Saints will be highly motivated to deliver a big win and to get their season off to a really strong start.

[quote="Zig":2zusxcd0]We may be looking for a fullback![/quote:2zusxcd0] I’d be disappointed if Field was to exit but I’m pretty sure that if he is going that we will be already working on his replacement.

[quote="Itchy Arsenal":1uzrp6fc]I’d be disappointed if Field was to exit but I’m pretty sure that if he is going that we will be already working on his replacement.[/quote:1uzrp6fc] We have French, Farrimond can go in the halfs

[quote="The Whiffy Kipper":yot0xz8f]We have French, Farrimond can go in the halfs[/quote:yot0xz8f] Think we would need a 1 or 2 year replacement whilst we introduce Farrimond. Ideal situation Field stays for the 2025/6 seasons then Farrimond steps up.