Here's the argument: Ratchford is comfortable as the extra play maker at fullback. He had never thrived in the halves, not going to happen now.

Agree with all of the above except I’d tell Widdop to do one now if he as approached the Dragons himself already.

Well, we don't know whether he spoke to us first before he approached St George, we shouldn't cut our noses off to spite our face here if we can have him to the end of the year we should, unless there is an opportunity to replace him, for example, would Cas entertain a cash bid for Trueman given the current situation?

I've been critical of Ratchford in the halves before, but thought he looked better at the start of this year, plus it would solve the Matty Ashton conundrum and free up money for a front line prop / back row as Longbarn mentioned. Getting a bit fed up of signing marquee halves only for them to disappear a year later - stick with what we have in Ratchford or sign British would be my preference.

It’s why I said IF

Ashton was a revelation at Full back ... and must play. Ratchford played well at half-back vs. Wigan & Saints at the start of the season. What's not to like?

If he isn’t happy. He can return with my blessing. It isn’t for everyone, and he gave it a go. We don’t want another Roberts scenario on our hands. A season of playing shat.

Leg injuries!

He may just have realised he'd picked the wrong club. Some rumours suggest this.

Widdop will last about 4 games back in Aus...they will target his shoulder...and that will be his career finished.

I wouldn’t be too bothered about losing Widdop. Wouldn’t want Norman though. I’d like us to sign Trueman from Cas.

Agree, we cannot have anyone in the team whose hearts not in it.

I hope we try and get one of the worlds best props in as a replacement Marquee, maybe Blake can try and talk his mate Papalli over? I agree with what others have said ratch and Blake in the half’s and let Ashton continue at fullback, leave Widdop on the sidelines if he wants to go protect his shoulder.

Dear Mr Moran, please can you sign Reagan Campbell Gillard for us (I have been a very good boy), thank you

My God can you imagine pulling that signing off, i'd be a very very happy boy

Even his moustache is absolute quality.

ha ha ha ha ha

I still say its bollox. It doesn’t make any sense to me. Widdop said he came here to be with family as one of the main reasons.
The agent trying to stir up a frenzy to get a good NRL deal for Norman elsewhere imo. Just using Widdop as leverage.

Sounds to me like the recent negotiated player salary reductions have played a part in this a bit like the Luke Thompson move. And if that is the case I don't blame him, he has 3 years to earn as much as he can why would he take a reduction here if he can earn it in Australia. If this move comes off the revolving door of half backs is getting a bit tiresome.
Good job we didn't offload Dec Patton

About time to give Riley Dean a chance as back-up half to cover Ratchford/Austin. Looked impressive in both defence and attack, and seemed to have that air of confidence that good half-backs need.

Since this season is essentially a leveller across the league table, it's a unique opportunity to try out some of our academy talent.

I wouldn't question anyone reassessing their life choices under the current C-19 situation.

It's strange times and sometimes you just have to do whatever feels best for yourself, your family & career.

Good luck to him regardless of whether he stays or goes.

No doubt all will be revealed in due course but I agree that this may have more to do with Norman than it does Widdop and the fact that they share the same agent.

Also, too early to say whether or not the Widdop signing is worth the money anyway.

I think you’re all following a pied piper. I don’t believe it, it goes against everything Widdop said last season.
If you remember he wouldn’t be drawn into any discussion about his signing to Warrington because he was intent of giving everything for St George.
When the NRL 2019 season finished, he was lapping up being a Wire and wanting to engage with family here.
I don’t buy it. I might look a lone tool again, but I’ve had that before and came out smelling of apple blossom.

What's that old saying??..

..'If you throw enough sh!+e at a wall, some of it eventually sticks??'....

Getting a little tired of our continual search for the magic bullet former NRL half-back only for it fail and fail again. Would like to see either Patton or Dean fill that third HB role or if we are going to recruit, how about a return for Gaz O'Brien? Shouldn't have been allowed to leave in the first place imo.

Tough guy GOB, but over Ratchford?..and now over Ashton/Ratchford/Widdop?
No no no.
Keep going forward, improving, not returning to failings.