Chris Hicks 'retired' before the season though.



From what I remember Hicks said he wanted to go home, something related to his wife's career I think, then u turned and signed a deal. We signed Monaghan and Hicks had an opportunity to continue his career with the Eels. Not sure Hicks was paid off as such, just a move back to the NRL worked out for him, us and his mrs.

Announcement imminent. Here we go.

For Mata'utia . . .

Judging by Twitter you’re right!

And Holmes.

Meh.

I'm not over impressed by Mata'utia to be honest and not sure where Holmes fits in (J.Clarke replacement?) but Powell has clear ideas so he'll be judged accordingly.

Shame that it looks like Mamo will go but I can't blame him as I can imagine he doesn't want to remain a fill-in utility always behind the 'first choice'.



So - onto Williams.

I just hope he's improved over the last 18 months and lives up to his billing.

I may be in the minority but whilst I thought he was ok at Wigan, he was far from the finished article.

Such a shame Widdop looks to be off as he is now playing to the standard I expected when he joined us, but in the big scheme of things as I cant see us winning a trophy this year with the current coach so him going now or at the end of the year is not a big a deal as it could have been.

Widdop has reminded the NRL of his capabilities, which is what he needed to do if he was to get a contract over there. A half back combo of him and Williams would have been mouth watering.

I thought the same at Wigan, he was a little overhyped.



But he looked the finished article in the NRL.

Williams was the best half back over here before he left. He can pass, his short kicking game is fantastic he can break a hole and can put people away. He’ll be an even better player for playing in the NRL.

I always thought of Williams as above average, but not spectacular and maybe not quite with the Sky hype. However, there aren't any better half-backs available so if we have to pay a premium so be it. We'll get his best years at least. Shame it looks like Widdop will go though, he's looking every bit the marquee this season.

At Pies I thought GW was outstanding or anonymous. He was much more high consistent in the NRL.

I’ve recall ever seen an ‘average’ ‘just above average’ game from Williams.