I mean we all know everyone hates Leeds but can you imagine the sheer amount of shithousery we would have with Bateman Connor Newman and Bentley in the same team

I kind of like the sound of that.

A team only a season ticket holder could love.

I understand the cheap loan idea but not beyond that.

If we are going to sign a backrow it has to be different to what we have.

Depends what you mean by "not different". If you mean physically similar, yes. If you mean similar in ability and experience, no. Neither McDonnell or Bentley have played in the NRL or been a regular pick for their country. Hand on heart I'd rather have another big (non project) prop, but since our options in that regard seem very limited indeed, you can't blame Blease/Arthur for looking to strengthen in other ways.

Personally, I'd leave someone else to manage Bateman. I don't think we need what he brings. We should either look for another big unit for the front row, a pacy sizeable line breaker of a backrower, or keep our power dry in case something happens mid season.

Bateman was utterly shocking for Wests before he left. He looked like a 50-year old at times. That might have been down to lack of interest, which is even worse as a fan. Do we really want someone who only plays if they feel like it?

Don’t get the Bateman interest don’t see what he brings he’s past his best and just another rafter like Bentley and Mcdonell. We need another prop. The two new signings can also play second row and add size. Win win

I wouldn't be against signing Bateman if the deal was right. He was dreadful at West's, but he could still definitely do a decent job for us.

Gosh, Blease is a real wheeler-dealer isn't he. Fair play if he can get another signing where the previous club is paying a proportion of the wages. Wests were awful, and it's hard to look good in such a bad team.

My concern with Bateman would be signing him for the same reasons we signed Austin and Sezer. To a degree both NRL and SL proven talents and big names, but probably at the wrong stage of their careers to really be up to much.

BA/Blease seem to be going for some big name signings, but all of them probably have question mark over them.