WITH Chris Sandow gone, attention now turns to who could be Warrington’s next number 7.

The talented but unpredictable Australian walked out on the club last week, but head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith says work on his replacement is already well underway.

We take a look at seven contenders who could possibly fit the bill:

DEC PATTON Current club: Warrington Wolves.

Despite Sandow’s return to fitness for the Super League Grand Final, Smith opted to stick with home-grown star Patton against Wigan and he repaid his coach’s faith with a try and another assured performance.

They had become the norm as Patton impressed in Sandow’s absence at the business end of last season, but it is unclear whether the 21-year-old will be ready for the start of the season after having wrist surgery.

Will Smith put his full faith in him again?

BEN BARBA Current club: Free agent.

Like Sandow, Barba is a star on the pitch with tendencies to misbehave off it. In fact, his contract with NRL premiers Cronulla was cancelled in order for him to seek help for “various off-field issues”.

A positive drug test for cocaine means Barba is currently banned for 12 NRL games but is free to play in Super League.

It would be another gamble, but will Barba’s ability to sparkle tempt Wolves?

KEVIN BROWN Current club: Widnes Vikings.

A consistent and reliable performer, Brown’s stellar form for Widnes led to a recall to the England side and a start in the Four Nations game against Australia.

Although he can’t be described as a running half, Smith has spoken of his desire for a “steady Eddie” and Brown fits that bill perfectly.

St Helens were reportedly close to signing him, but would The Wire be willing to pay what Widnes want for their skipper?

JOE MELLOR Current club: Widnes Vikings.

If Brown does not take their fancy, how about his half-back partner?

Mellor, who was born in Warrington and played his junior rugby for Latchford Albion, is certainly the more dynamic of the two Vikings halves and is blessed with elusive pace and a good kicking game.

A transfer fee would, of course, be involved but will a move to his hometown club be enough to tempt Mellor?

JACOB MILLER Current club: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

After an up-and-down spell at Hull FC, Miller seems to have found a home at Belle Vue alongside the experienced hand of Liam Finn.

With the Irish international marshalling things, Miller has license to roam and has proved himself to be a creative force, scoring nine tries and coming up with 18 assists.

Kurt Gidley would provide a similarly wise head to allow his countryman to thrive.

TODD CARNEY: Current club: Free agent.

In an injury-hit spell with Catalans, Carney showed only flashes of his undoubted quality before returning to Australia at the end of last season.

He, too, has had his off-field troubles and left the NRL under a cloud two years ago. He has expressed his desire to play in Australia again, but could he be tempted by one last crack at Super League?

KYLE EASTMOND Current club: Wasps (rugby union). 

Probably a fanciful option, but perhaps the former St Helens man fancies a return to rugby league for the first time since 2011.

Wolves made no secret of their desire to sign Eastmond before he switched codes, so would they be prepared to re-ignite that interest?