You're right, given the wind I thought that wire would pepper him all game long but they seemed to ignore the problems that could have caused, i found it a little odd to say the least.

I was asking why Wigan didn't test the wire fullback. Hastings can throw up a towering kick

'Bombing the hell out of him' seems to be a tactic that has largely disappeared from SL full stop. I can't recall the last time I saw a good example,

As for French, I would say to poster post; we'll keep him at full-back,and as to what to do when Gildart returns, well, we'll wait and see. We may well be suffering other injuries by then. But I certainly think that Zak is a much better full-back than he is a centre, despite a solid display on Thursday.

Yes there's an element of square peg - round hole. But I have far more understanding of the signing of French now that we can see what a talent he is. It was a case of taking the opportunity and figuring out the logistics afterwards.

It's great to have in your team someone who can magic up a try out of nothing, as French has shown he can do. It's not how you are going to win games week in, week out (that has to come from the much trickier business of good organisation in the halves, and is yet to be determined, as we know), but it's a good addition to your armoury.

Where has this idea that French is going to play #6 come from? Lam has stated in his interviews on Wigan t.v. that he sees French as a fullback, and French himself has said the same thing.

The number 6 on his playing jersey?

French is the best fullback we have, his blistering pace and his knowledge of when and how to link into the line is better than Hardakers, Zak was very good last season but he’s lost a lot of his attacking ability and French is the most dangerous player we have. French will stay at 1 and when Gildart is back it’ll be bibby that drops out

What if Bibby is having a blinder?

Drop Zak

And if he is having a blinder?

Don’t bring Gildart back in straight away, knowing our luck with injuries though either French Hardaker or Bibby will be out at that point

.... do you think Hastings is a reserve?

Lam has mentioned it a number of times in the off-season and back end of last year about BF playing 6

Spot on. Let’s hope we have that problem were everyone is fit and they’re flying. If that’s the case then you don’t change it as nobody has an automatic right to a shirt. As you point out though injuries happen and it’s unlikely everyone will stay clear of them all season. There’s also the option of Bibby playing on the wing like he did at Salford. In short, when Manfredi and Gildart are back we’ll be in a terrific spot.

Of course not. Totally different situation. Hastings Specifically wanted the 31 shirt.

1-13 are still a general representation of preferred positions. Mostly.

Back to French, another interview with Lam stating Hardaker is going to remain in the centres, and he thinks he will do well there, French has X factor at fullback etc.

I’m still not convinced about it to be totally honest. I think I’d prefer French in the halves with Hastings. Time may change my mind (it did from last season as I didn’t want French anywhere near the halves then!) and I do think when Gildart is back he’ll go centre, Zak to FB and French in the halves.

It’s great we have so much versatility these days though. It’s not a luxury we’ve had many times before

Can't see Lam changing things until Gildart comes back, even then it might be Bibby who's under pressure with him playing on the left.
Anyway it'll be a nice position to be in having multiple options.

Must already be an early contender for MOS, the poor lad must be sick of receiving the MOTM award already.

Genuinely not seen such an entertaining player for years and looks like he his loving his rugby at the moment.

Should remain at FB for me regardless of who that may upset.

I wanted him at fullback before the season started and even more so now. He’s done what he’s done in these first few rounds on the back of a pack who're not really firing, with some baffling selections going on. If we get him behind a pack who are winning more ground it could be carnage. I had a bet on him before the season for Man of Steel at 25/1, it’s early days but with it being a points system and him catching the eye regularly in our side, he should be a chance.

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I’ve had a fiver on him too. Made a great start.

Not seen excited from the crowd when he gets the ball since 2012, Sam Tomkins

It’s a refreshing change to have a threat from FB. Zak is a great defender but I watch sport to be entertained and there is little doubt who’s more entertaining. It’s day and night the difference between the two.

Please for heavens sake Lam, don’t move French from #1.

To play fullback without any real pace is tough and sadly Hardaker has lost his. If you can’t be a threat via your pace and running game from there then you need to be more of a creator like Lachlan Coote is or the modern day Sam Tomkins but Hardaker doesn’t have that ability. He is solid under a high ball and defensively but he reminds me of Paul Wellens late in his career and if we want to challenge Saints, Wire, Hull or whoever else may be up the top end of the table you need more.