I have been moaning that we are light in the pack for a while, so I am not going to complain when we import Bateman to patch up one of the holes. Yes he is close to the end of his career, and no he is unlikely to light up the field of play with sparkling breaks. But he has a vast amount of experience and know-how and he should certainly give us a much better chance in the play-off's. As has been said, he could also pass on a lot of tips and advice to our upcoming Academy players, so all in all it's a thumbs up for me.
That leaves the possibility of him continuing his stay into 2025 dependant on form, and perhaps Wests coughing up some cash to seal the deal. That would certainly put up a barrier to our Academy prospects coming through, but there again, we will always have injuries and I certainly don't think Burgess can go into 2025 with the equivalent level of pack experience that we have seen this year. Tough decision, unless of course Burgess really only wants him for the play-offs.

fancy making that noise when the deal wasn't even done.... Marvellous.

What noise was this?  Williams just answered some questions put to him about him not being here next season.  Same for Sam.  It was the RL media that were doing all the noise making.

Perhaps both could have answered "I'm not discussing speculation and rumours, I am currently contracted to Warrington and my focus is on delivering for the team". 

But I think you are wrong about Sam. As soon as Brad Arthur tipped his hat into the ring for Perth, Sam couldn't wait to get his name out there too.

Tomato Tomatoe

There was no hope at all of Williams escaping criticism on this one. No comment or telling it as it was at the time ... he was going to get stick.