I think history shows that it's backs that can make the transition far easier then forwards. I don't understand why Union ever go for Rugby League forwards because the game is far too complex to pick up quickly enough to make a move worthwhile.

It's not doing ourselves down to say it's easier for Union players to adapt to League then vice versa. It's an easier game to understand and it's that simplicity that makes it a better sport to watch.

I've said it before and I believe it's true- some league players are too good and too skilful for Rugby Union. The ideal example is Sam Burgess. The sport isn't good enough for him not vice versa and he will always be wasted playing a game that doesn't allow him to showcase his ability.

Was told last night that Isa has been signed as a potential successor to SOL at 13.
If true then I am assuming that Bateman will become a centre permanently.
Personally I prefer Bateman in the forwards where gets more involved in the game.

Bateman will 100% be a centre permanently. Probably left centre long-term when Sarge leaves.

If he plays there from the start of 2016 would probably keep Sarge out, who do you think will be on the left wing.

Depends if we release Sarge before the start of the season (which I think will likely happen).

Barring any surprise signings I think we will line up as:

Tomkins
(R-L) Manfredi Gelling Bateman Charnley

Gelling has some making up (and growing up) to do but he is still a quality centre when fit and Manfredi probably sealed his right wing spot this season so Charnley will be moved.

Developing Bateman as a centre is one of the reasons we were so confident releasing Thornley I reckon.

I'd be happy at that. Bateman has shown that although he was originally primarily a defender, he has ball skills too, and, crucially, a 'rugby brain', which have enabled him to find himself at home playing in the centres.

Also if Charnley on the left wing doesn't pan out, I'm sure we could put Gildart there. He's certainly not short of pace or skill. And yes, Manfredi certainly deserves to have cemented his place on the right.

Hopefully Gildart will get 12-15 games next season ready to be a starting centre in 2017.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Gildart start as first choice next year. He gave him the last 8 or so games and was obviously impressed enough to trust him in a play off semi and the grand final.

Stranger things will have happened then Gildart and Bateman being given the 3 and 4 shirts (what I think happen).

Well, yes, G and B didn't do too much wrong at the end of the season, did they?

Just seen an Ozzie news report saying Souths are in talks to bring Sam Burgess back and he wants to come back,although Bath want to keep him.

Hope it's true. Realistically we've no chance of getting him and I doubt any superleague side really do so him going back to the NRL is the best we can hope for.

If we had him in this current England side I think we've got everything we need to lay down a major challenge to the Aussies/Kiwis over the next few years.

What would also be nice is if he then holds a press conference (preferably with Russell Crowe in attendance, to atttract worldwide publicity!!!), in which he highlights every negative aspect of his experience in Rugby Union, particularly with regard to the World Cup, and finishes off with something like: "I now realise that it was a huge mistake. I was earning very good money here in Australia and was the star of the roughtest, toughest sport on Earth. Then, overnight, I found myself a spare part and scapegoat in a very different game which is run by slick professionals but played and coached by complete comedians, none of whom would last two minutes in the NRL. I urge any RL player considering the switch to think long and hard and be very skeptical about everything your agent tells you. Just because it worked out 20 years ago for Jason Robinson, who was essentially a wide-runner and only had to do in RU what he'd always done so well for Wigan, that doesn't mean it will work out for you. Think about all those others whose careers seemed to end prematurely when they went to Union: Lee Smith went from hero to zero in what seemed like six weeks; Iestyn Harris appeared to lose all his speed overnight; Henry Paul went on record about how poor the training regimes where and how they were damaging him as an athlete; and it's anyone's guess what happened to the boy-wonder that was Kyle Eastmond. Don't throw it all away for an empty promise.'