We are picking injuries & this is likely to continue. I am happy to get more cover as they will never all be available so I won't bother playing the silly game of who will be first choice.

Yep, a career in American politics is looking more likely for me, or, is it a carer with background in politics that I need!

I have been moaning that we are light in the pack for a while, so I am not going to complain when we import Bateman to patch up one of the holes. Yes he is close to the end of his career, and no he is unlikely to light up the field of play with sparkling breaks. But he has a vast amount of experience and know-how and he should certainly give us a much better chance in the play-off's. As has been said, he could also pass on a lot of tips and advice to our upcoming Academy players, so all in all it's a thumbs up for me.
That leaves the possibility of him continuing his stay into 2025 dependant on form, and perhaps Wests coughing up some cash to seal the deal. That would certainly put up a barrier to our Academy prospects coming through, but there again, we will always have injuries and I certainly don't think Burgess can go into 2025 with the equivalent level of pack experience that we have seen this year. Tough decision, unless of course Burgess really only wants him for the play-offs.

Are you saying Bateman is going to steal a wage for a couple of months, slag us off constantly for 6 months afterwards and then become the world’s worst co-commentator in Rugby League?

Sorry a bit off topic, but with the sponsors for the players, is that just companies paying us to have their names appear against a player, or does the player receive money from them. Just curious as i've never been sure?
Back on topic an on form Bateman, Fitzgibbon fully fit and back on the left with Currie at 13 and Yates on the bench, i think thats a beast of a back row/ front row combo, With Vaughan, harrison, Musgrove, Wood, crowther etc
I think that's a massive handful for opposition to try to handle.
With Dufty, Williams, Ashton and Thewlis when fit Running riot off the back them, We're looking the best i've seen us in a very long time

I cannot see the downside. Experienced international player, two time GF winner, who can play centre or second row. Same age as Ben Currie. Strong as an ox, hits hard in defence. Bit of mongrel about him.

If his form isn't good enough he won't play but I suspect it will be.

He really does not like us does he?

I think we can safely assume Powell was not a people person.

Pack is definitely improving. Best it has been for a decade.

We have come a long way from the likes of Matt Davis, Oliver Holmes, Jack Hughes, Jason Clark, Billy Magoulias et al

The improvement in Currie, since Burgess started coaching him has been unbelievable.

I was one of the fans that wanted him to leave Wire, and was really disappointed when he got a new contract.

How wrong was I.

Yes I didn't want the extension when it was given as I didn't think it was deserved, but he has adapted his game and is a lot more involved.