That's a fair point. Dec needs game time in a settled side. He should get this now for this season at least due to KBs unfortunate injury. Next year though - where will he play especially if he rips it up this season with widdop coming?

Who has knocked him? I've not. He had not stood out in any positive way for me but I've not seen undue criticism.

What is to lose by de-registering Brown and keeping an eye out for talent?

No there wouldn't, but you'd be itching it to be true, come October.
If we were lucky enough to win one pot, I'm pretty confident nobody would be knocking Patton, or Hughes/Walker/ Goodwin etc.
As you would say, wake up and smell the custard

We can shelf this discussion, for the time being anyway. FWIW I think we should be seeking dispensation just so we have flexibility for a short term signing later in the season if required.

Already granted 2 days ago.

I've seen, I don't think we should be in a rush to spend it, wait to see if we lose someone to a serious long term injury.

Rangi Chase available from July...

Is he suspended until then?

I can't see us signing a starting half back. With Widdop and Austin on the books for next year we'd be looking for someone on a short term deal. On top of that we'd probably be looking at someone who has fallen out with their present club (which might suggest a problem) or we'd be paying a transfer fee. Then there's the fact that we'd be bringing them in with the season already underway and they would need time to settle in, plus, there is the small matter that Castleford are without both Gale and Ellis and have dispensation (and Gale was probably on more money than Brown).

Price had already suggested that, prior to Brown's injury, there was space for one more under the cap. I wouldn't be surprised if talks weren't already underway on that front (I've no idea with whom, I'm merely speculating) so the additional space resulting from Brown's injury may, or may not, alter that. I would expect that the club would move for a suitable player to provide cover (maybe more of a utility player in the mould of Mitch Brown or Pomeroy) if and when somebody becomes available.

Mitch Brown is out long term I think.

Sandow? [Whistles

Tyrone Roberts?

Do we have our full allocation of overseas players currently, or do we still have a vacancy?

I think the limit is 7, which we currently have (Goodwin, Austin, Tasi, Sita, BMM, Clark, Mamo). That's assuming the RFL haven't moved the goalposts again (again).

I dont think he's allowed to play or indeed train with any club before the ban is up in mid July.

It wasn't a serious suggestion!

he probably would be allowed to, the pies managed to get hardaker cleared to train pre ban ending and pre season,

mind you that was dodgy as anything, so probably not the best example.

kyle eastmond

who will then move to centre next year

Thanks Alffi.

OT but of interest possibly.

I read the other day that out of all Super League teams London Broncos have the least number of imports with four. Goes to show how they have transformed the direction of that club over recent seasons and makes their promotion even more impressive.

Lol...OK
I think SJM has moved on from him now.

I don't think we need to look for cover for Brown at all. Sit on the money and if we're looking slack in an area as the season goes on look for a loan signing to strengthen that area. But don't just throw money at a half when we've won 2 games with Patton in the halves, and he's doing the job we need him to. Give him a chance rather than just saying he's failed and try to replace him before he's done anything wrong.
And for the record i'm not a fan of him but he's done well in his first 2 games, and given time in the position he will settle in and get better.

We said...exactly my sentiments except I'm in the Patton camp.

Dec is in his fifth year with the first team and has made 75 appearances. I know he's moved from half-back to hooker and back again, but I think we can say he's well beyond his "settling in" period. Will he get better? I genuinely hope so.

I remember post after post on here about Ratchford pre a lengthy run at a fullback, he's not a fullback, 'his defence is rubbish, he can't kick goals, he's a centre, he's a loose forward, get shut....'

Touching base here with a few in denial?
I've said it plenty times that he is the most talented player we have, marquee or not. Continuous playing at 1 has finally paid off as he's developed into arguably the best fullback in SL....to reach that level he's been at the club a lot longer than Patton and benefited from continous repetitive 1 starts over the last 2/3/4 seasons.

Don't expect Patton to hit the heights of Ratchford when he just hasn't had that responsibility put on him for long enough.

If Price was happy with Patton. Why did we sign Widdop? He is only there for cover & is not 1st choice.