HEAD COACH STONE WANTS TO KEEP TOP PLAYERS ON BOARD

possible year-by-year deal for the 35-year-old – and Stone revealed there is still plenty of work to do.

“We had a fair few players coming off contract this year – I think up to 10 players coming off contract – so ideally we are sort of picking those off,” said Stone, whose side have lost three of their first four matches going into Friday’s trip to Widnes.

“Some are a little bit easier than others and there are some who have interest, whether it be from this market or in an Aussie market outside the club’s situation.

“That is something we can’t control. We can sort of evaluate what we think they are going to be worth and try and secure a deal if we think it’s appropriate.”

The pressing issue for Stone is getting back to winning ways at Widnes Vikings tomorrow night (8pm) after his side lost their third match in the opening four Super League outings when they were beaten 22-4 at Wakefield Trinity in the West Yorkshire derby.

“It is a tough place to play and I don’t think anyone goes to Widnes expecting an easy game,” said Stone, as he prepares his side for the clash on the Vikings’ Desso iDNA artificial grass surface.

“They generally do well on their pitch and their pitch does play differently, so it is something they are used to and are good on and have a good record there.

“I have had a good look at their game at the weekend and they led against Wigan and, even though they were beaten in the end, they played well throughout and defended really well.