Sam Tomkins, Josh Charnley, Darrell Goulding, George Carmont, Brett Finch, Thomas Leuluai, Paul Prescott, Michael McIlorum, Lee Mossop, Harrison Hansen, Gareth Hock, Sean O'Loughlin, Jeff Lima, Liam Farrell, Chris Tuson, Epalahame Lauaki, Gil Dudson, Anthony Gelling, Jack Hughes.

[urlhttp://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=7115&type=news[/url

And for Saints:

1. Paul Wellens, 3. Michael Shenton, 4. Sia Soliola, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Lance Hohaia, 7. Jonny Lomax, 8. Josh Perry, 9. James Roby, 10. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 14. Anthony Laffranchi, 15. Mark Flanagan, 16. Paul Clough, 17. Gary Wheeler, 18. Shaun Magennis, 19. Andrew Dixon, 21. Tommy Makinson, 26. Josh Jones.

I'd bring back Wheeler for Jones and go with:

1. Paul Wellens
21. Tommy Makinson
3. Michael Shenton
17. Gary Wheeler
5. Francis Meli

6. Lance Hohaia
7. Jonny Lomax

14. Anthony Laffranchi
9. James Roby
16. Paul Clough
4. Sia Soliola
15. Mark Flanagan
12. Jon Wilkin

8. Josh Perry
10. LMS
18. Shaun Magennis
13. Chris Flannery

Jones and Dixon to miss out. I would actually play Jones over Shenton given current form, but it's never going to happen.

FIRST 12 PICK THEMSELVES

Gelling on the wing

Bench

Lima
Farrell
Lauaki or Dudson
Tuson or Hughes

Tuson and Hughes to miss out for me

5 props? I like it. Let's smash 'em!

^ When we played on good friday at one point near the end we had 3 props on the field. Same again

I dont see why not, Luakaaaakkkkii can play 2nd row and im sure Dudson would do a job there. Beat them in the forwards and let the Sam/Josh do the rest

I think that Dudson is included in case Prescott doesn't make it. I expect Faz and Tuson to be in the 17.

First 13 picks itself if Prescott is fit so it's just deciding on the bench.

Lima will be there for impact as will Faz and I can't see Lauaki not being selected (played well on Friday so deservedly) so the last place is between Dudson, Tuson and Hughes. It'll probably be Tuson but I'd go for Hughes I think. He's a good second rower and in a game like this we can't afford to be shoving Hansen or Hock in the three quarters should injury strike and he'll offer his good part time back up at centre if needs be.

Still can't see why Dudson hasn't been in the team last few weeks, seems quite obvious to everyone he brings more to the table than Lauaki... but not the coaching staff for some reason?

But top of the league, who are we to argue... unless we loose, of course.

I'd also go for Hughes on the bench as I thought he stood up quite well against Hull KR and made some very good tackles. He also offers cover for the backs which can be a big help should someone pick up an injury.

Farrell was a little disappointing but offers quite a lot in attack when he plays well. Defence is a bit of an issue because he doesn't dominate tackles much but he also rarely misses tackles.
As for Tuson, he always hits hard in defence but is more prone to missing tackles and also never seems to show what he's capable of in attack.

Just goes to shows what a fantastic position the club is in at present.
Being able to play tunes with the squad like this.

I'd put Hughes on the bench. Just in case George pulls up. If he's not needed at centre then he'll do a job at 2nd row.

I don't think there's that much to choose between them. I imagine it will boil down to who performs better in training this week for the last bench spot

Tuson IIRC has been picked in every single game this year? Seems to be well liked within the club but for me personally other players have shown more and been dropped?

Tusons only major issue is a lack of minutes for me. I like him and think he's a good player but to really stand out I think he needs to be an 80 minute backrower because his attributes suit that. He's an effort player who's aggressive and does things by real quantity rather then short burst quality. He makes lots of tackles and will take lots of carries up but in short spells they aren't eye catching enough to stand out.

I've said before he should be tried at hooker which would open up his options but if not it may be in his interests to consider moving on. I think he'd be a loss though.

Waney's daughter might be a tad miffed if Tus got dropped.
Just saying like.......

Is that right???!!!!!!

And his other daughter would be miffed if Finch got dropped.
Just saying like..........

Hah! You obviously know more than i do then!

Whilst i would not want to stop everyone from having a good gossip as to why Tuson has been picked repeatedly throughout the season, i personally thinks he deserves it.

Yes he is a steady Eddie who has not been pushing for MOM awards, but he is very consistent.

He reminds me of Harrison Hansen circa 3-4 years ago. Now with that in mind and looking at how HH has developed. I am more than happy to keep him in the team.

He has been performing much better than his main rival (Farrell) for a place this year.

As someone who has watched Chris develop as a player from 7yrs old, i think its great to see one of the Leyland Warrior players make it in the Wigan squad.
Good lad, with a good attitude (these days), but playing out of his natural position.
However.....As a pure cold-hearted Wigan fan, i'm not sure that he'll cut it long-term as a regular first-teamer.
Defensively, he's an animal. Always was.
Going forward though, i still have reservations unfortunately.
I think there's others in the squad more deserving of a regular first-team slot just at the minute.
Be more than happy to be proven wrong though!

Tusons stats are why he is in the team. His minutes are because he has played the supporting hooker role this season, only playing loose forward when tommy moves to 9, allowing lockers to move to 6.

For those old enough to remember mick cassidy and his work rate, see Chris Tuson in the current wigan team. He is a machine in his defensive work rate. The lad makes the bench on pure consitency alone and those who cannot see that need to open there eyes at the next few games and just observe what im trying to say.

Chris is good at the ugly, unoticable work. Every champion team needs a couple of this type in their squad.

^^^ very true

but.......


as has allready been mentioned , hughes gives us 3/4 cover

Tusons defensive work is great, will never stand out and get MOM the match awards etc