Personally i would be happy to see how MM and TL get on rotating at 9 for a season.

Only thing that concerns me about this is the disruption that would be caused if PD gets injured. Lets be honest, there is a pretty high chance of that happening.

Bad move if he is signed-on IMO. Then again i would be happy to be proven wrong.

If he gets injured then we would hopefully bring a youngster in to cover (Mellor) the same as if anyone else got injured. Or we would have the option of moving Sam into the halves.

I would hope Deacon would still only be 3rd choice HB.

That is true, but if it did happen i think TL would more than likely get put back in the halves, instead of getting a regular shot at 9.

Saying that mind, Sam could well partner Finch next year with Amos at 1 and Deacs acting purely as cover as you alluded to.

Which would be better IMO

agree with this, I still don't particularly like having Deacon in at 6, especially starting in a grand final. His kicking game might be good, but there's a reason Bradford didn't want to keep him around. You could see how much Leeds were targeting his defence and running right at him all game, Saints are just going to do the same, I hope we don't come unstuck

Considering we've been out-kicked in a lot of games this year, I'm delighted he'll (probably) be starting.

I thought he stood up to the tackling job pretty well to be honest. In fact when called on I think considering he has never been seen as a tackler he has done well all season in that department.

True, but only if he is fit enough to actually kick a ball.

He never really had the kicking duties against Leeds and TL / ST did most of the kicking.

And when he did kick donald shat himself and Joel scored. Deacon should be kicking every time when possible.

Spot on. If he plays he kicks imo

If our kicking game is good that will make it very hard for Stains.

Timana Tahu's contract with the eels is up apparently, what does anyone think to getting him in?

He is 30 next few weeks but I reckon he's looked good in a poor eels team (from what I've seen), was doing very well up to the Origin incident and definitely has the class like George to do very well for the next 3 years.

If Deacon plays on

1 Sam
6 Finch
7 Deacon
9 Tommy

??

Sorry mate but it has to be a player like ennis for me

Depends whether Roberts comes out of pre-season like he did this year. If he does, then:

1. Roberts
6. Sam
7. Finch
9. Tommy/Mac

If Roberts is still here.

where's Roberts going ? he has another 2 years on his contract , and as said in earlier posts if he get through a good pre season then there should me no reason why he won't get the nod at fullback and that's not forgetting Cameron who himself has shown he can do a job at 1 . I personally think that there is plenty of cover all over the park , Tommy and micky mac with maybe Logan coming through the ranks at 9 . Sam , Finch, deacon, joe Mellor and Tommy ,oh and maybe Phelps if needed covering the halves . could go on all day but like I say all over the park there is decent cover .

His wife isn't.

She cant tackle anyway.

Just seen on twitter that Cameron Phelps replied to some girl from Leeds who asked if he knew what he was doing next season, he himself said he doesnt know and will tweet when he does....

It seemed by the language used in the message as if he was being casual and makes me lean towards believing he hasnt been offered a contract by anyone as of yet, as opposed to him being diplomatic until the club officially announce him signing a new deal or something.

He's been saying it for literally months.

Making it quite clear nothing has been sorted

It doesn't surprise me in the slightest he can't find a club.

Salford

Where would he play?

They've signed Luke Pattern at fullback. Holdsworth and Smith in the halves.

Centre - Both Salfords first choices have left .

He will get a deal somewhere, if Roberts does go, Id expect one of Phelps/Pryce to get a new deal here.

Heard a rumour tonight that Madge and Roberts aren't on speaking terms.