I'd even have the balls to release Roberts now and put Patton straight in at 7.

I think the issue is that not everybody shares the view that he has all the attributes to be a halfback for a SL winning team.

That's nothing about having the balls to it would be stupid unless you're suggesting you're a better coach/manager than Steve Price?

Is there any question?

The Patton camps seem to be two very divided types. Pro Patton or anti Patton.
I'm in the pro camp....I was a staunch Roberts truster...he has let me down...the club and if he cares, himself.
I'm more than happy to put Patton in at 7, there are a couple of respected players/coaches said likewise.

Who are these respected players/coaches? Holbrook, Powell and Wane? Are they also advocating sending home our best half and marquee player 2 games before a play off semi final whilst we're in possession of a threadbare squad? Balls for brains more like.

Exactly. Brown is currently injured and so it makes no sense to deplete the squad. We would not save any cash either even if that was a consideration.

Not a fan of either Roberts, K Brown or Patton at half back, as I've said previously.
By the look of things, we will have K Brown and Patton next season. Brown and Austin will start, with Patton on the bench. Its up to Walker to take that bench spot off Patton, by waiting for an opportunity.
That's how I envisage 2019 starting. We'll all have to wait and see how it pans out.

Coincidentally I caught up on last night's SL show. One coach many of you know I regard highly is Jon Kear. He said it.

I had my fill of Roberts...I'll stick back him when he plays but...no voice for him anymore.

I'd put Walker straight in on the bench. Patton would be my 7 with Austin at 6 but if we go Austin and Brown, so be it.
I'll support either...I wouldn't go Patton before Walker at interchange 9 though.

Well thats 1 coach...a part time coach at that. If Price takes that advice he'll find his main source of income is the Super League Show as well. Who else is wanting Roberts home and Patton at 7 right now?

Let's just forget, if we can, that Roberts is our marquee signing.....

All things being equal he is a much better half back than Patton.

End of argument.

Oh ok.
That's it then. Futile in having a forum for debate then.

I agree. When you remove the marquee label, Roberts is the best of an average bunch.

Blake Austin has been seen at the Halliwell Jones Stadium with his family. (according to Facebook)

Hes holidaying in Manchester, London, Paris and Dubai according to his instagram. Currently at the HJ and off to the Etihad for the game tonight.

For anyone who hasn't seen much of Blake on social media he is a real character. Him and his family seem very keen on the move to England are all really confident people and really prepared for living away from home. Definitely less chance of this one crying home sick.

Rumour on the Wigan board that one of our starting 17 is off to you next season, possibly Tautai.

Please god no.

Is he a referee or a touch judge?

Lol
That's not 17 though....he must mean the rfl judiciary panel too!

I've not heard ewt.
Wouldn't mind Tony Clubb though.

Underwhelmed. Hope not.

This question has probably been answered already but can Austin play for us this season?

No, he can't.

There are several Wigan players I'd take - Davies, Gildart, Marshall, Williams, Clubb, Farrell, maybe Escape, but please not Tautai. I'd obviously take Bateman as well, but didn't include him for obvious reasons.