Yes, very. When was the last time we lost by 20+ to Wigan?

Last season we lost one tight game and won one tight game with Wilkin/Moore in the halves, then we lost by 12 with Wilkin and Smith in the halves.

People aren't half believing the hype with Wigan - do we really think they're so good that they will swat aside all their main challengers by 20+ points? I certainly don't.

Depends on who plays for us though surely? Is it too early for Kyle for example? Perry isn't playing for certain so we're down to 2 props.

They beat us by 20 in 2009 and they weren't even that good then.

I don't think they'll smash everyone all season but at this early stage they will make their new found dominance count.

Well, he's playing so I would guess not.'"

Saints 20-12 Wigan

Forgot about Murrayfield, with our players spending the build up saying how much they didn't want to play there (we beat them the other 3 times we played in 2009); I doubt we'll be taking that attitude into the game again.



Fair enough, don't agree, but fair enough.

Purtill says Kyle and Leon are playing (yes it could be smoke and mirrors) but as for props, i count Jammer, LMS, Tony P and almost certainly Cloughy as well, all in all non too shabby.
Wigan definitely have Finch out, Deacon will really struggle to do 80 minutes and Sam tomkins i'd guess will be at full back leaving their halves missing alot. I very much doubt mr gleeson will be playing for them either.

Our friends on cherry & white think he will play as Charnley isn't travelling

The only definite's out for us are Finch, Pat, Fielden and O'Carrol. Everyone else including Gleeson and Hansen are up for selection. Normally I think we'd allow the latter two more time off, but seeing as we've got the WCC coming up I'm sure Maguire will wan't to make sure everyone get's some game time under their belt before that match.

I forgot about Richards and Fielden as well!, In theory we are in much better shape than Wigan going into this match

Have you guy's got anyone else out other than Perry?

No, worries are lack of minutes for Leon and Kyle, other than that - full squad.

On paper, although I don't think any of us trust the fitness of Kyle or Wheeler even when they're named. Also, Leon's coming back from surgery on his neck, so I think we're all a little nervous about how they shape up.

First match of the season is always a weird one to call. I wouldn't really be surprised by any result.

I am in total agreement with Fear The Vee about the mythical status Wigan seem to have assumed over the off-season. They were the best side last year, and they beat us soundly in the Grand Final, but invincible there were certainly not (in fact, they lost 3 out of their last 10 games last year, 2 of those at home). They've improved on paper, but so have other teams. They're the team to beat at the moment, but there's no reason why either Saints, Warrington, Leeds and possibly even Hudds couldn't do that.

Personally, I'm just looking forward to seeing Saints running out with four good props, two half backs and two centres.

Too true!

That would be a novelty!

I wonder when was the last time we managed that??

2006?

First game of 2010 for about 35 minutes before Sia got injured?

It feels like it was!

Yep. And none of us could see anyway.

Saints 22 Wigan 8

The Hull fans made me laugh with their song that night. It was the only thing that was entertaining that night mind you.

I think we'll go pretty well this year and depending on how the players react to the coach, we could have a really good season (especially if we're luckier with injuries too!). But I get the feeling this game could be a little bit too early for us. We're naturally slow starters and we've basically got 2 new centre's lining up and two new half backs (haven't played together in a competitive game since June last year), which makes me a little bit concerned about our edge defence, particularly the left hand side. Wigan are preparing for a WCC and will be going into the year almost full tilt.

It's a game we can win if we defend well, but I don't think we're anywhere near favourites going into this one. If we won this one, I'd be delighted but it isn't the end of the world if we dont.

Now that's what I call hedging my bet.


BTW Blob I agree with you, because the first games of the season are normally a lottery and Wigan in previous years have been caught cold. Like you I'd love a win but won't be slitting my wrists if we dont.