I must admit I didn't notice at the time until someone at work mentioned it but Gary Wheeler's celebration seemed pretty muted after scoring. Odd given it was a good try that also appeared a match-winner.

Maybe he is a true team player and doesn't feel the need to jump up and down after scoring a solo try? Or maybe he was just too knackered? Or maybe he was wise enough to know just how much Saints had fallen apart and that there was still way too much of the match left to be celebrating at that point?

Who knows. I can't say I noticed. I just noticed the fact that he was one of only a few players in the last 20 minutes to actually be alert and working hard.

Maybe Wheeler was wondering if the ref would go to the video ref to check how far offside he was at the ptb.

To be fair, he would only have injured himself celebrating.

I wonder if we'll all abuse Wheeler as much as we did poor Kyle when his move is announced?

He's a quite lad and I'm not surprised one bit he didn't celebrate.

He's not the kind of person to give it the jumping up and down rub it in your face football style celebration. Had it been in the last minute of a huge game v Wigan/Wire and he had scored the winner i'm sure you would see a bit more excitement and celebration. As it stood we were under huge pressure and he probably didn't want to end up looking like a tool.

As for this signing for another club talk unless it's the NRL or a huge offer elsewhere (not likely) I can see him being at Saints for the next few years.

Bit OT, but was genuinely wondering - any change of heart re: Wheeler's lack of ability? Are you now seeing the natural talent that everyone has been alluding to for the last couple of years that you seemed oblivious to?

I saw the same as you, a couple of decent steps and half-runs against Salford and pretty much nothing in the other games. He did well to score the interception against Catalans, but did nothing of note other than that. And his defense is very poor for a centre and him and Foster will never make a partnership.

There is alot of talk of Wigan being interested, but I'd be surprised if they have offered anything yet. Ball is in our court till september. He can agree what he likes with Wigan unofficially, but he can change his mind at anypoint after that as it will not be official.

If he goes, then there will not be the same as Eastmond as we (the club) have held our fire on this one due to injury, hence why I'd be surprised if Wigan have offered anything as they will be just as aware of his injury record and having maxed out the cap on Tomkins they may have less room to offer something based on academy potential.

I'll bet with all the messing about the RFL and Wigan did, half Tomkins earnings are probably not touching the salary cap. It certainly won't limit their squad as it hasn't this year.

Maybe he was thinking about helping the homeless. Or rescuing cute and cuddly puppies. Or clearing landmines in Somalia.

He denied having any approach from Wigan or being interested in going to Wigan when asked about it at Gardner's forum last week. He said he had no idea where the rumour came from but that it is just a rumour. He also said that Saints had yet to approach him about contract negotiations.

To be fair, he's hardly going to admit to being tapped up by Wigan to a group of Saints fans, even if he has.

Wigan should have a bit of room on the cap with Leuluai and Roberts leaving, together with Carmont retiring. I'm sure they are looking at all potential options in terms of half backs and centres. Wheeler potentially fits both those needs and could be available, so I'd be surprised if there wasn't some interest.

No doubt, but also they would have the same doubts as Saints over his fitness, so I would be surprised if Wigan have made an offer yet.

agreed, no team will even consider him until he's put 10 games together after his last 2 years

Don't see what the mystery is.

As I've said in another thread on Friday night, he looked pretty fed up with what was going on around him with Jamie on one side of him having brain farts and the pack falling apart on the other side. He knew what was coming and was not impressed with some of his team mates efforts.

I've got sneaky feeling that carmonts replacement might be English but not Gary wheeler.

Who then? Sargison?

True but he wouldn't lie about it either. If he'd been approached he would skirt around and avoid a straight answer like that. If he says straight out that he hasn't been approached then I believe him.

The rumour came from Rogues.

Nuff said

He was approached in 2009. I was told by someone "inside the Wigan club" The reason I remember it is that it was the same day as the video link to Maguire confirming his appointment as head coach of Wigan.

I can also remember where I was when I heard of Eastmond to Rugby Union, another "rumour" that was pooh poohed on here.

The breadstick boy was probably thinking "please don't get hurt, please don't get hurt"

I really hope your wrong Rogues! If you have him lining up at Stand Off/Centre next year and we still have Gaskell someone at our club needs to be axed.

As I've said many times I'm not a Wheeler fan, and I think Gaskell is a far better all round player.