I think the only advantage Nicholson has over Yates is age. At the moment Yates probably is a slightly better player. I think Nicholson could easily surpass him but as a replacement I think it’s a very good one. Softens the blow.

Different players with different roles in the team

Also this is likely Yates last big move. We should get a solid few years out of him playing 100% and at the top of his game.

Nicholson always had that next move on the horizon.

For team stability, this is a very good signing.

The question of who we would rather have is irrelevant. Nicholson isn’t leaving because we didn’t offer him enough money, he’s off to the NRL to show off his undoubted talent at only 20 years of age. Hopefully the fact we let him go early, means he’ll look favourably on us when he returns.

Plus, the biggest loss we are facing happens at the end of next season when Burgess goes.

we have 2 years here dont we?... if we continue to be a good side under him, he will be at the Rabbitohs before we know it... its just one of those things.

Of course it’s relevant, losing one player and gaining another has a bearing on the team/squad. Also, the salary Yates is commanding will be in excess of the salary Nicholson receives. You also need to factor in the loss of a non-federation trained player. Regarding your comment about Nicholson, I assume you don’t think he will make it in the NRL?

My own view is that you have lost a lad who I believe will become an international forward but you have gained a workaholic. Nicholson has a super smart agent, I can’t believe that Fitzpatrick agreed to such a clause in his contract. In effect, Fitzpatrick agreed to pay Wigan a transfer fee without any guarantee that Nicholson would stay more than 18 months. I call that poor business.

Why do you think they won’t have to pay a fee? A release clause would normally contain a trigger fee.

Why is it poor business when we’ve probably trebled what we’ve paid for him eighteen months ago. He would have left the year after for nothing if we had stood in his way.
There is no doubt the lad is going to be a very good player if he stops getting these little niggling injuries.
Matty Peet was visibly annoyed when he left Wigan. You don’t often see a coach express those emotions.
Hopefully Warrington will still get a fully focused and injury free player for the rest of the season. Looking at celebrations on social media he his still fully committed.

I’ll turn that on its head, why do you think they will? As I said, his agent is very clever.