I'll wait and make judgment after he has played half a season at Wigan. The only reason for this is that quite a lot of Hull fans (who have seen far more of him that I have) seem to think that he is a decent player who needs conditioning and coaching.

With that in mind it may be prudent not to prejudge, particularly when you see some of the comments re Lima early in the year.

On the other hand I couldn't and wouldn't back the move for Lauaki. He has shown himself to be a useless lump over these past couple of seasons and we simply don't need him.'"

I remember Lauaki early on in his Hull career against Saints and he was absolutely devastating. I think we lost the match and I'd say he was the difference. With some good coaching and used in the right way he could be a good player.

I do believe those lovely folk in Leyth are looking for a new coach

Bet they are sweating about that

I thought we were looking at Lauaki's brother who plays French RU, who's apparently a centre.

Sione is a flanker or loose forward and absolutely huge.

According to BBC Sport basil is Castleford's new head coach on a 3 year deal.

Announced yesterday pal

You mean we'd send him to Quins?

I can only assume that if Thomas arrives at Wigan - and it's looking like he's going to - he'll be here as part of a publicity stunt to attract interest in Wales, much like Hanley famously 'signing' for the London Monarchs.

Given that it's rumoured he won't cost us anything, I see no harm in registering him, but I can't see him ever performing on the field at the level we play at (not at the age of 37!!!), and I firmly hope it doesn't send the likes of Stefan Marsh elsewhere.

Official according to Sky Sports News.
One of the biggest names in rugby joins one of the biggest clubs.

To be fair if Marsh (or Goulding perform) they will be in the team. If Thomas performs then he will be in the team, and that's how it has to be.
Centre is a position in which we don't have much decent cover, and that is the reason I believe Thomas has been signed, plus he's not costing us anything, and will be taking Pryces place.

It's was what I was explaining in my "famous" pm

Thanks for that. Thought i was going nuts i glimpsed it rather quickly going through on Skysports.

Nothing on anyother sites atm though.

dont see the problem with the Thomas signing to be honest (first names aside). one of the best known rugby onion players of all time joining the biggest club in rugby league. Great publicity for us!!!

IF he works his way into the team ahead of the others 'home grown' lads then fair play to him

Its all about squad depth next year, I'd love to see us sign a half back and a prop/second row

think you missed out "decent" in the statement

Expect an announcement that you've signed Thomas in the next couple of weeks.

You missed the 10 page thread on it then?

Hope you didn't mind my wind up /Deflection of attention Rogues...

Haven't looked to be honest, I don't tend to go on other forums much.

Epalahame Lauaki is yours.

There are now a few rumours around with a Welsh connection.
Harris as asst coach, Gil Dudson 2nd row/prop and now Thomas.
I do think Thomas is seen by the club as bait to catch one or maybe two half decent Welsh Union players. Maybe the RFL/SL will class Union players coming over to League as "club trained" rather than fed or non fed.

IL mentioned a few weeks ago he'd like to sign Union players. There's one thing we do know about IL and that is he's ahead of the game leaving the rest of us playing catch up. Bearing in mind IL's statement and suddenly all this Welsh activity at the club, I do think a coincidence it is not!

Well im pretty shocked that we are being so strongly linked with Gareth Thomas, don't think i have been so suprised with a signing since Ian Millward joined Wigan if it is confirmed.

Is the lack of available centres really that bad or is there more here than meets the eye?

Willie Isa to Widnes.