Juan, I simply back who I think will win - I guess that will on occasion be the perceived favorites but as I don't check the odds before-hand I wouldn't know if and when that is the case.

It's good for the sport that the pre-match favourites are turned over on a regular basis. Rather that than a series of exhibition matches even if that means I'm a terrible tipster.

As for anyone other than the coach making team selections they remain purely hypothetical discussion points.

I think you'll find that Delaney had a major role to play in allowing Farrell to build up the speed that enabled him to brush Watkins off so easily.
Watch Delaney's reaction after the try was scored to verify that.

He's just beginning to frustrate me how indirect he is when taking the ball up. What happened to the JJB who ran head on in. He was like Delaney is now, just with an offload game on top of it. Can you imagine them both playing like that? They'd be the best 2nd row partnership in the league. Before the WCC last year he was one of the best forwards in the league. Since that injury, he hasnt been the same player IMO. Tthe reason im maybe being overly critical of him is probably because I know what player he can be.

What are your thoughts on Liam Farrell.
Up until Friday he had made 676 metres, 182 tackles and not missed any.
It'll be interesting to see (and add) Fridays stats.

My opinion, for what its worth, is that Farrell looks a damn good player. He seems to punch well above his weight, is hard to put down, runs good lines and is never found wanting in defence. Your stats back up what I already thought.

Phil Clarke's latest love-child.

Farrell - wasn't he the guy that reluctantly committed the offence that took Leeds to Old Trafford last season?

Playing very solidly this season on Wigan's left. Very much in the Carl Ablett, Brett Ferres mould - good efficient club players but unlikely (IMO) to trouble major opposition at International level. Sadly for England SL is full of that type of player.

I should have added that to the end of my comment. Spot on.

As I said on the Wigan board, which a number of your fellow posters took offence to & led to me getting banned, he is a great club player but not big enough to be an international class back row player. However I do think he has the potential to develop into an Andy Platt type prop forward & the time to progress to the next level.

I think Farrell looks a good player, I don't rate him as highly as some. He's fast and runs good lines, he also has a good late side step. He's small and pretty light weight, doesn't have much of an offload and isn't very effective in a direct collusion, and I think this maybe what holds him from becoming an international. Stranger things have happened though and he seems to be improving so who knows

Agreed, he needs to work on his collusion if he's looking for an offer to play in the NRL.

Why didn't Wigan target Vickery like Huddersfield did, bizarre tactics kicking it to Hall all the time. Delaney is a machine, it's time the media give him some credit.

He's playing very well this season but as for Stevo saying he's establishing himself as one of the best players in the World

They had Jack Hughes over on that side. I think they were playing to their strengths as opposed to playing to our weaknesses. That's how it read to me anyway.

Yes.
Had Sam played at fullback and Richards on the wing with Thornley at centre then I suspect the point of attack would probably have been different.

I like Farrell, he's started to really take to this level of competition, provided he keeps his progression going he should be in with a serious shout of a stint in the England team for a long while to come.

You won't probably be aware of it but Farrell is the strongest and best athlete at Wigan. I was surprised when I was told of it at an u18 game last season. It was only when I was watching the tv of the training camp in America that I recognised the person who told me and why he would know.

He's very ugly.

A back three of him, JJB & Westwood would be awesome.
Frighten the Aussies to death

That's very unfair on Farrel.

He does look a fine player, but on present form I would rather have Delaney.

A very astute observation regarding flogging JJB whilst Achurch and Ward burned some calories on the exercise bike/warming up.

I've also commented elsewhere that the very impressive and hard working Delaney was having a breather for the Farrell try whilst Achurch and Ward sat on the bench.

Still, Moore got more minutes this week and took advantage. He even got on in the 1st half. Maybe the coach was stung by Griffin's observations.

JJB got man of the match at the ground. I wouldn't have said he was MOM but thought he was excellent.

Get a job/girlfriend/better porn collection.



Wasn't aware and don't give a monkeys what the kid can do in the gym. On the field he's already starting to look like a top performer in this league, and also seems to be getting better all the time, which is suggestive of a good mental attitude. If he keeps that up he could be a big star. England RL need more of those, so good luck to him.

I wonder what Ablett thinks of Farrell after his tackle, as 4th man in, to his unprotected kidney region?
It led to Ablett eventually having to go off.

To be fair, Ablett along with two or three others of our players have also done their fair share of similar cheap shots. Great players, give it and take it.

Not too concerned what Ablett thinks about it but I would be interested to know what the RFL video review panel and/or the RFL disciplinary panel think about it.

Farrell doesn't miss the opportunity to take a cheap shot into an unprotected area. He did so on the =#FF0000D of the referee's call of HEEEEEEEELLLLLLLL=#FF0000D He did so using only the shoulder with no attempt to wrap the arms. Dangerous, borderline late while also using an illegal technique.

As you say the player was injured in this incident and it would be inconceivable if this was not picked up by the relevant authorities after the event and looked at in detail.

If they're unsure when it occurred it was at 74:32 according to the Sky game-clock.

The sort of challenge you'll see a dozen times a game.

Farrell just executed it really well, as you would expect from a player brought up under Michael Maguire's tutelage.

We may very well see several game but in my opinion this challenge should be banned. Two players up top and a third round the legs, tackle completed and the player isn't moving with his sides exposed without any protection or way to escape.