[urlhttp://www.superleague.co.uk/article/wigan-quiet-over-thomas-link/23398[/url

Wigan Warriors are refusing to comment on speculation linking the Challenge Cup winners with a shock move for veteran Welsh three-quarter Gareth Thomas.

The 37-year-old former British Lions captain is a free agent following Crusaders RL’s withdrawal from Engage Super League and is reported to have agreed a 12-month contract with the Warriors, who are expected to appoint Thomas’ current club and national coach Iestyn Harris as their assistant for next season.

Both Wigan chairman Ian Lenaghan and Thomas’ manager Emanuele Paladino issued “no comment” responses to queries, while Warriors coach Michael Maguire expressed ignorance on the subject at today’s press conference.

Maguire, who is returning to Australia at the end of the season, said: “I’ve no idea about that.”

Thomas, who switched codes 18 months ago, is currently sidelined with a broken arm but is hoping to play for Wales in the Four Nations Series.

Lenagan said today he anticipated an announcement on Maguire’s successor to be made before the end of the season. Former Wigan prop Shaun Wane is expected to be promoted from the role of assistant, with Harris taking over as number two.

That would be a very queer signing at his age

Yes, it really would be scraping the bottom of the barrel!

Do we really need to sink to gay jokes on here?

Strange one, the rumours of them getting him with the RFL paying his wages are scandalous however. If the RFL are paying his wages, they should recharge it to Wigan.

Again as Saddened says always it seems a few have to bring the forum down to such a low level with some comments! how can you knock players who may do something wrong when you cheapen threads?

I feel that Gareth Thomas has been committed to the rugby league since he joined Crusaders and performed well at such at his age, he has done a good job for our game as well as himself of course, he has broken down barriers except to the few bigoted ignorant few, it would be sad to see him lost to Rugby League he still has something to offer and then when he retires.

You'll all be wishing you'd signed him when he's tearing it up for next year.

It'll make a great ending to the film.

"Gareth, what do you think?"

"Unbelievable. I'm privileged to have just signed for the greatest and most famous Rugby League club in the world. I've just spoken to the best of them all, Billy Boston and that in itself is an honour"

"Shaun Edwards has text me from New Zealand, wishing me well, but also telling me what an honour it is to wear that Wigan shirt"

Thrilling stuff.

Whilst as a player you might not think he's up to it, i would guess that he could bring a lot to the squad in terms of proffesionalism.
I doubt you'll have to pay much for him. At 37 the offers won't exactly be rolling in.

He's a pretty good player IMO and could do a good job.

If he stays fit, it could be the bargain signing of 2012.

You've really let me down.



No doubt your other half will more than make up for it.

ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

As dull as always 1/10 for yet another poor attempt

Personally I hope it's true, all of it . Wane as head coach with Harris as assistant will be a chuckle

I don't actually think it will be a bad as a signing as some people are making out.

He is about to explode worldwide when his movie is released, which ever club he is playing for at the time of the movie release are going to see a massive boom commercially, revenue is key for any club at the end of the day and this could significantly increase ours he will be massive and it will promote our club and also the sport.

His experience is second to none. We are about to lose Coley and Deacon two vastly experienced players whoose experience have been key through our rise to success over the last 2 years. Thomas experience is key in these areas, he has played at the very top of his sport representing and captaining the Lions and will be a massive leader behind close doors and also on the pitch.

Strength in depth in the centres. At the end of the day we have 2 front line centres and one of those is a converted second rower in Joel Tomkins, so he gives us some depth in that position. He also can mentor the younger centres coming through e.g Marsh and assist them in developing their game.

At the end of the day thomas isn't going to cost alot (if anything at all) and it could be a very astute signing to have him around the dressing room next season.

Announcement in next two weeks, I am assured! we will see

I think Thomas has done well and I admire the commitment he has shown, but I don't think this is a good signing for a top four side, he's not upto that level.

I would have thought Widnes or Salford would be more his standard.

As a Saints fan I don't give a **** what Wigan do but lets just say I'd be disappointed if we signed him.


S57

Yes Mr Mandelson.

He will be performing on the pitch at half time - on his harp.

And it'll still cost us nothing, but will attract more publicity than the Saints undertaker.

Just figure it out.

We already have. Next season will be great fun.

You don't need anymore publicity, you've had enough this week, Shame it was bad publicity.

Personally I think he's a great signing....................for Wigan

Always a Negative St pete, does it give you a personal kick? Just glad I never grew up with such a personal dislike I won't use hatred of any other club than the one I supported.

When it comes to criticism of 'support' negative or otherwise I would suggest a turncoat like you has 0 credibility.