McIlorum and Warea-Hargreaves in the same pack will be interesting!

What's this I see about Tristan Sailor going to Saints? Is it kosher? That's a surprise, I thought there'd be a place in the NRL for him.

Sam Tomkins has gone full Radlinski and come out of retirement to play for Catalans.

17 games at 26 years of age doesn't indicate that he would be in demand in the NRL.

Or this year's performances

John Bateman to Wire this season

Really, what's your source?

Quite a few reputable sites are saying it, loan until the end of the season at the moment. He might not be the player he was but it’s a great mid season addition for them, especially if it’s only for this season and they can take a view on him.

Matt Shaw reporting it as done and he's on the money usually. He could be a real game changer for Wire in terms of experience in big games. I've not seen much of him recently but from what I hear, he doesn't seem to be playing anywhere near his best but maybe some time back in the UK will kick him in to gear. It feels like he's unsettled wherever he plays in these recent years, which must be difficult. Having an Australian partner and a child on either side of the world must be some challenge.

He'll add some big game experience - and cover for Fitzgibbon who seems to be off for a while. Big questions around how effective he is now. Certainly been underwhelming ever since his 1st season at Canberra which is quite a few years now......

I’ve decent sources at Wire, unfortunately I’ve none at Wigan

He's all over the place really isn't he? Goes back to Wigan as he misses his family, cuts his contract short to fly back to Australia again, goes on loan to Warrington as he misses his family before flying back yet again.

Bateman is an interesting signing at Wire for sure, it really is dependent on what attitude he turns up with. There is an excellent player still in there even today and i feel Burgess could get that out of him.

Coincidentally, i was browsing Youtube last night and the 3rd test vs. Tonga was recommended to me from this off season just gone. Bateman was causing Tonga all sorts of nightmares all evening, setting up tries with his offloading and had a brilliant game.

Get that Bateman lining up for Wire and he will be an excellent loan signing for them, plus the experience of winning the big games he brings could be invaluable for them when it comes around to the playoffs.

Is there? How do you know this?

I give a very recent example in my post?

One swallow doesn't make a summer though.

I think he is finished - its been far too long since he was consistently a very good player.

Bateman may not be the player he was but Warrington are unquestionably in a stronger position to have a real crack now. Yates and Bateman are players you would think help to toughen them up mentally in the big games.

I’m not so sure. Bateman is finished as a top level forward and as his body let’s him down, as it is doing continuously I t he recent past, his frustration is coming trough with penalties and poor decision making in games. I’m glad we’ve stayed well away.

Bateman seems to be getting stick for moving mid-contract again but this times it seems more like he’s being pushed out by the Tigers due to his big wage and average performances. It’s a no lose for Wire, signed till the end of the season so if he’s crap I’m sure they won’t offer a permanent contract and it’s just a nice addition to the squad, if we didn’t have the history with him and got him in until the end of the season I’d be happy as it’s a no lose imo.

If anyone get get a tune out of Bateman it’ll be Burgess like it or not he does huge presence like no other coach in the super league

I think regards our recruitment we only need to bring in a secondrow to replace Isa.

We have a decision to make in regards Walters, Eseh and Chan who are all middles and I don’t see the need for 3 of them.

Chan for me is the one that we need to move on as he takes up a quota spot.

We need a natural second row to play alongside Faz and Nsemba beyond that I think our squad is complete

We've only got three centres, and we've playing one of them at full-back!

Got to say the last few weeks have changed my mind in terms of recruitment. I think we need a second rower. Faz is getting no younger, Nsemba is still really young and probably needs dipping in and out and Walters isn't cracking any pots. It looks like Hampshire will follow Isa and Cooper out the door and I know much of that cap space will be used on upgrades but hopefully there is room to make a move. If it came down to it, I'd be comfortable if they could cut a deal to move on one more middle forward to then bring in a second rower. I think that would bring a far better balance to the squad. Currently we look like going in to 2025 with 9 middle forwards (Ellis, Havard, Thompson, Byrne, Dupree, Mago, Hill, Eseh, Chan) and only 3 second rowers (Faz, Nsemba and Walters) and one of those second rowers may be better suited to play in the middle anyway).

If there is a proper grafter of a second rower available from the NRL, who wouldn't cost the earth, I think that would round the squad off nicely.

I am not sure Isa leaviing will be a given, a one year extension might be a possibility as he would be a no cost option for next season, just a feeling I have.

A second rower who is also capable of shifting to the centres on occasion would be ideal.