I think a change at 9 would be what I want to see most. If Wigan want to build on this seasons approach further then I think someone who can scoot and snipe, be up-tempo and keeps the pace high would be great. I think so many players would benefit off the back of it, Field and (hopefully) French obviously but players like Faz and I think Smith has looked great with quick ball and/or running off the back of a break from 9 at times this year, and even forwards like Smithies and Havard I think would go well at an even faster playing style.

I also think the squad could benefit from a hard running fearsome carrier in the wider channels. In the biggest games and against the best defences think this could help, we've seen some evidence of that this year when they've shutdown our key players and we've not been able to work it out the back etc. Let's be honest, no defence is cacking their pants about Bateman, Farrell, Isa, Bibby, et al steaming onto the ball near their goal-line. We need someone of that ilk, Thornley is the biggest lump but can't complete even 10 mins. KPP might become it but is more a rangy burst your hands through the tackle and offload type guy currently. Hopefully someone with a bit of fear factor who would fix defences and others get an easier time off the back of it, might not drift onto Field so quickly if they're worried about the short(er) pass option.

A definite yes to this.

Is Astley good enough and/or ready as back up half for Cust or Smith ?

Otherwise we have to move French or Field to 6 and bring in another winger - that may be the plan I guess ?

I said the same a few weeks back. If French signs, then it's all good & Miski/academy lads can step up. If he doesn't then the club need a FB/HB cover.

Or simply sign another halfback.

Be nice to see Academy lads get a shot (O'Keefe?). And, of course, injuries happen through the course of a season. Say Field and Smith are out at the same time; cover in the halves does look thin. So we'd be either relying on Tyrer/Astley, or looking for another half.