When a game is that close I think every error/lapse in judgement is amplified especially against Saints. With that being said I don't think we were out enthused or poor in defense or attack Saints were just a little bit better on the day. It was a couple of errors by players who otherwise played brilliantly that may have swung momentum, Smiths kick after that phenomenal running by our pack for example or that mistimed pass that hit Flower and lead to a knock on, in the end it's these moments that decide close physical games.

Obviously I saw lots of things the ref didn't but that is always going to be the case due to the shameful bias I have for Wigan

I have no doubt Saints fans feel the same way.

I do think we have a few players in there I don't think have nailed down what their positions should be. This isn't such a bad thing considering the age of the squad and in time they will improve but Gelling as brilliant as he was didn't create space for Charnley. Same could be said for Sarge, I love his running style and if he was doing it from FB I think people would be singing his praises but a needs to be a bit more direct imo. I am being overly critical here though as both had solid games (perhaps I'm just trying to find areas to improve)

As for having players out, injuries no excuses whatsoever (this is rugby ffs) but I'm proud to be a Wigan supporter as we promote talent from our home town and lead the way in this regard. To complain about injuries is to do a disservice to these kids who put their body on the line.

Overall a very positive performance and I won't panic if we come up against Saints later in the season, I have no doubt it will be a close game but I think we have the talent to win it.

The predictable comment is an interesting one. I said the same last year and that didn't turn out too badly. I don't think we'll win it this year (I didn't last year) but we will be there or thereabouts.

I don't think we quite have the talent to win it this year.

The steady loss of good players over the past 4 years is taking its toll.

The kids are doing a stellar job, but they're only kids. We also lack that World Class difference maker that Tomkins was.

This for me is key. We are desperately missing that 3rd playermaker from the back that our game plan depends on, Bowen is not it. Bowen is a very good player in so many ways but a playmaker he aint.

Just watched the superleague show highlights and a couple of points worth clearing up. The Gil Dudson penalty first; could someone clarify the rules on lifting as I thought both legs had to be lifted above horizontal for it to be a penalty. Dudson lifts one leg but Masoe's other foot is still on the floor and he certainly doesn't go above horizontal either. What's the actual rule on this? On the Burgess try; Ian Smith said it was a 'no brainer' as the player had hands on him when the arm touched the floor. In fact he doesn't. Neither Saints player is touching him when the arm touches the floor and Turner only puts his hand on him once he is already back on the move. My question is this: Can a tackle be effected merely by touching a player now (and if so under what circumstances?). The touch was [unot[/u part of the initial tackle in this instance and neither was he lying there waiting for the tackle. He was definitely back on the move after both defenders fell off the first tackle.

If this discussion was going on after the first few games of the season i have agreed but i think slowly but surely the speed and accuracy in the line is increasing week on week and Bowen is showing some glimpses of his former glory. Maybe by the play-off's he will be in tip top shape, you can never replace Sam Tompkins he's got everything a coach cant teach and more but im content with Bowen at the minute I think he's been one of our better players going forward whereas Lockers and Bateman who have been on fire going forward all season are now starting to look a little tires so they may need a good rest before the play-offs start I feel we've relied to much on them for too long and it showed going forward against Saints. Although i must say Bateman was like a bull again in defence, he's one tough cookie for 20 years of age!!