Matt King is in talks with Wigan.

Source?

I had a drink at dinner

HP

From both the Wigan and Saints clubs.

Matt King would be an interesting option, but I don't think he's been the world-beater that Warrington expected when they splashed out, or that Wigan were expecting when they were involved in the auction.

Given IL's normal form, I'd be amazed if we offered him anything like the deal he's on at present, which presumably means that he wouldn't be interested in coming to Wigan.

Matt King has stated publicly in an interview that the only clubs he would play for would be Melbourne Storm and Warrington Wolves

It's pure BS that we are talking 2 King.

It's exactly the same kind of crapoola as the Pauleta to Wire rumours a month back.

If you care to dig up them rumours you'll see I said Puletua will sign a 2 year deal at Saints, I also stated Laffrinchi had signed about 2 weeks before it was announced.

My sources are reliable, I have no reason to believe otherwise. You can believe whatever you like. King was also in talks with us.

He isn't anymore? Any idea why Saint's pulled out?

I hope we don't sign King. I'm really not a fan of his.

I think Wigan offered him a more attractive deal than we did. He's struggling for offers back home.

I quite like King, big, strong, tall, fast clever centre. Prefect for replacing Georgy

I'd love for the rumour about Carmont staying to be true(which I can't see tbh) and King to be replacing Hoffman in the squad. That would allow Joel Tomkins to move back into the pack taking Hoffmans place and then King could play centre(or wing with Charnley at centre).

FWIW though I don't see Carmont or King at Wigan next season.

We do need a world class centre tho.

Joel for me is the only guy we should replace Hoffman with.

It will be interesting to see what positions the club do feel needs strengthening as alot of questions will be anweared by who we go for.

Do we see Sam as a long term fullback?

Do we see Joel as a long term Centre?

Do we see Tommy Leuluai as a Hooker?

Where will Hock play?

And also will Deacon, Carmont and Coley play on?

If we signed Matt King on the right contract (not too long and at a reasonable wage) as a replacement for Martin Gleeson and George Carmont was to re-sign for another year then I would be very pleased.

Matt King didn't live up the hype in his first few seasons, but was still a decent player. However his form in 2010 was excellent and he made the Dream Team too IIRC. Out of all the OOC Super League centres he is the best option without a shadow of a doubt. He's perfectly adept on the wing too, which provides us with options when giving Josh Charnley, Darrell Goulding, Stefan Marsh etc games. I can't work out whether Joel Tomkins will make it as a centre. His acceleration just doesn't cut it and is getting throw into touch too many times. With time I think he could do a reputable job as a Super League centre (never an international centre) but with Hoffman's likely departure from the pack (plus Andy Coley) then it does leave us short in the back row. So it makes sense in terms of the balance of the squad.

Let's face it we need a centre. Matt King is the best of the OOC players available and on the right contract (length + wage) I wouldn't be adverse to signing him. However I'm not convinced at all that he will end up at Wigan next season. I'm sure he has openly stated he would never lineup against Warrington.

But next season with Matt King in the side, Gareth Hock returning and the possibility of George Carmont re-signing I would be thrilled. I'd only look to move in a new halfback to partner Finch.

Sam Tomkins
Josh Charnley
Matt King
George Carmont
Pat Richards
Joe Mellor - New signing?
Brett Finch
Stuart Fielden
Thomas Leuluai
Lee Mossop
Joel Tomkins
Harrison Hansen
Sean O'loughlin

-------------------
Paul Prescott
Jeff Lima
Gareth Hock
Mike McIlorum

Amos Roberts, Darrell Goulding, Stefan Marsh, Ryan King, Matty Russell, Sam Powell, Logan Tomkins, Eamon O'carroll, Chris Tuson, Liam Farrell, Ben Davies, Dom Crosby etc

Very strong if you ask me.

If I answeared my own questions I think i'd say-

Sam will stay at fullback

Joel Will stay at Centre

Tommy won't go fulltime to hooker and will continue to play both 7 and 9

Hock will be backrow to replace Hoffman

and Carmont and Coley will retire but Deacon will sign for another year.

A very fair and evaluated post. The reason he's looking around is he is struggling to find offers back home in the NRL. Lets face it, they have a plethora of young talented outside backs there and there isn't necessarily going to be a demand for him. If Warrington aren't prepared to offer him the contract he needs then his career and well being will come before his pride.

I know if I was in King's position and there was a better contract offered at Wigan, bearing in mind Warrington may not have offered him a contract at all, then I know what I would do..

But are your sources better than mine ?

I think king is winger who does a ok job in the centre. He's not a clever centre and doesn't know when to give or go.

IMO he's a very very good winger and top quality finisher and would go very well for you lot on the wing.

I'd say no on the Saints one

I see Jamie Ellis signed for hull as I said way before the rumours came about. In fact I think the rumours came from me putting it on the hull and Leigh boards.