He's class, no doubt about that. He's been rumoured to be NRL bound since before he made his debut. His recovery from illness delayed his first team progression, which I think has thrown a spanner in the works for him. If he is leaving Saints, it's no doubt financially motivated, but nothing wrong with that. The 'dodged a bullet' bit is just daft isn't it. If a young player wants to move to the NRL he's got to show he's worth it. Only way to do that is by playing consistently well and standing out. Win win for Warrington IMO if you sign him.

Heard this one too.
Can't blame him for wanting to paly for his hometown club (where he still lives).

Only problem for him coming into our back row is his forename. All our backrowers should be called Ben. I believe Laithwaite's middle name is Ben. Why else did Philbin not play for so long when he started out so well? It also explains Grix's long recovery period - he's going through the legal process of changing his name. It also means that those of you who want Atkins in the second row have got no chance.

to be fair, it WAS mugwup that said it..

win win for warrington... if he signs for us and plays well enough to get a move to the NRL, then we will have fully earnt the salary he gets paid (whatever that is)..... Him and Currie would give us 2 excellent young backrowers.. it would also give our pack some much needed impetus.

Gidley, Lineham, Sandow, Savelio is certainly bringing that refresh we need. Ben Evans and Simon Grix will be like two new signings too.

Asotasi leaving will be like a new signing as well

Just lacking a quality prop or two on there, then I'd be happier.

It's looking extremely promising with those signings, especially if Sandow signs as well. Should be a huge boost to season tickets next season.

Another positive signing by the club if this turns out to be true. Lads earned some excellent reviews for his Saints performances this season.

Let's get the half back announced (sounds like it will be Chris Sandow) and give everyone a massive lift going into the final games before the split.

Fingers crossed, next seasons side is shaping up well. Still need a massive (and agile) prop mind.

Where have these Sandow rumours come from? I know he's supposedly leaving Parra but are people just putting 2 + 2 together or has someone with decent credibility reported it?

a few sources from down under on twitter saying we have offered him a 2 year contract, which paramatta are supposedly telling him to accept... So nothing concerete, no.

It's come from the media in Australia. Channel 7 specifically, look for Josh Massoud on Twitter.

I prefer half-truths and rumours tbh, helps me sleep better at night.

His latest tweet indicates that Sandow is staying at the eels.

I find it astonishing that we may not have sourced an hb after the last two and a half seasons.
I convinced myself we must have had someone lined up.
It's quite saddening really.

And to think we had all this excitement in 2013 when Roy was signing for next season ,to replace Trent .

We've only had two years to sign a quality HB. Should be offering Cronk a shed load of cash.

We may have one lined up... all this sandow interest from us might be hot air from his end to try and make the eels think twice... Lets face it, were an easy link to an out of favor HB.

The reports of a rift between Sandow and Eels seem credible, if they have told Sandow to go and or take the Warrington offer then would they be in breach of contract, perhaps Sandow is saying I can play that game I'm staying.

Cronk still a SOO half, and prob an Aussie half as well

Problem is that SL is becoming more inferior to the NRL by the week, and despite the marquee ruling don't see the top levels coming

Did you expect a sudden influx of world class NRL players after the Marquee ruling was announced last month ?

The rule doesn't come into play until the start of next season. SL teams have plenty of time still to approach & sign there Marquee player.

As was Matt King when he signed for us.

Good players will come over because money talks and careers are short.

Exactly. The marquee rule allows you to go out and spend as much cash as you want on one player.

I'd be throwing the cheque book at him if I were SJM.