Saintly position

Sione Mata'utia is off-contract at St Helens and the club are looking to keep him. That's no surprise as the forward has been in great form this year and has been sensational since arriving from the NRL. But there are whispers about interest from other Super League clubs, and that Hull FC and Warrington are definite admirers of the Aussie. 



Most outrageous rumour yet? Would be a great replacement for Ma'u if we decide not yo renew.

I'd think that on current form Mau is certainly be worth renewing for another year. For me I wouldn't like to offer more than a years deal due to his age.

I do think we need another back rower even if Ma'u signs up. We should have a quota spot but will we have cap room?

Ma'u, Savelio, Lane & Griff is plenty. We also have Scott who has done a job there and Severs is coming through who we are really excited about.

A lot is depending on injuries there. After the halfbacks it is our weakest position right now. One more experienced player would really help I think.

Sione Mata’utia has signed a new deal at Saints. The only question is whether it’s the 1 year extension Saints had in their favour from the original contract or a new deal for longer. It’s the same as Paasi. We’re also expecting to resign Lees and Grace. LMS and Roby are expected to retire.



We haven’t announced any resignings yet however, as I suspect the announcement yesterday of Amor is paving the way for us to bring in another halfback for the year since Dodd is out. Once that’s all sorted we will be looking to announce the deals in the next few weeks.

What are people's thoughts on Gale?



I'm not sure what the situation is regarding how many games he has to play to be offered a new contract but If it's in our hands would you give him a further year? I'm really not sure.



With Reynolds likely to be going that would free up a quota spot and Trueman (if signed) would play off half. Quota scrum half to come in?

Gale. Hard one. Hasn't set the team alight. But if he keeps injury free and improving which he is then if it doesn't break the bank then yes. There is not many halfbacks who are available ATM. If it's true we are bringing Trueman in and we get Mac fit. Throw in Hookem seems ok

The fact Gale has already played with Trueman goes in his favour big time and I think he will get another year to help Trueman bed in.

It would be easier just getting one half back up to speed than having to start all over again with two.



Can anyone name someone better than Gale who is available and would fit in?

A recruit like Brodie Croft would fit the bill. I didn't realise he played over 60 games in the NRL and is only 24 the majority of which was with Melbourne as well. A real coup for Salford.



I'm sure they'll be others of his ilk



As you say though it would probably be easier and less disruptive to keep Gale. He really needs to up his game. In my opinion he hasn't offered anymore than Sneyd. Sneyd's place kicking and kicking in general play is far superior plus Sneyd plays more games.



Of course all this is dependant on finances!

Brodie Croft actually looked half decent while we smashing them at home. Not sure he'd be what we need without seeing him at 7 though.



If we are looking to pay a fee then Lino could be an option too.

Trouble is we aren't a Warrington who spend spend spend. Pearson already said we are going to have to cut the cloth accordingly. Looks like Trueman isca done deal but if we sign most up what we have and release a few who are surplus then can't see a lot coming in. Think bringing the young ones through is the way forward

I've been impressed by Lino. Also he may be available if Wakey go down which is entirely possible as Toulouse are continuing to improve and strengthen their squad.

Hadn't thought of that. Now I have another reason to cheer on Toulouse. (The main one being that the French teams boil the urine of flatcappers.)

I agree with you you entirely.



Just add nothing against Wakey. Great club.

My thoughts too.

This is why I would have liked to see Hookem or Litten get some game time, could have seen if they were ready, then we wouldn't need to recruit a half or FB.



If we could sign anyone it would be a French type FB, but think we will go with Gale and have the 3 young pivots as backup.

Indeed. Looking forward to getting to Belle Vue this year.



Also, I'm missing out on the trip to Toulouse which I'm gutted about so if they can stay up another year that would be a big help.

I definitely want to see Toulouse stay up

Maybe the R/L should change the rule and give the promoted team to S/L a free non relegation pass for the first season to give them a chance of staying in S/L otherwise we are just going to have the promoted team relegated the next season.

It would also give a bit more interest in the bottom of the league relegation battle

Agreed





Would be such a backwards move for the sport to see Toulouse go down. Hopefully they can get a few more wins and stay up.



RE Gale, I think the plan was that he eventually joins the coaching team so another year with McNamara and Hookem as back up would be OK with me.

Weren’t Catalan fortunate in that it was the 3 year franchise system when they entered Super League or were they given a 3 year hiatus. It’s a little bit more difficult now. If Toulouse finish bottom and Wakey finish next from bottom, your post suggests that Wakey would be relegated? That definitely would not go down well, especially if they didn’t get promotion at the first attempt. Not sure what the answer is. If the proposed system of 2 Super Leagues of 10 teams is brought in, chaos reigns.

Cas were relegated in 2006 despite finishing above Catalans, who finished bottom but were exempt from relegation. Wakefield beat Castleford in the last round of games to climb above their local rivals. There was no relegation from 2008 to 2013.

Yes I understand the franchising system came in 2008 and had 2 3 year cycles but did Catalans get exemption for 3 years prior when they entered in 2006 or was it only for the first year?

They got 3 years exemption.