Next years lineup as it stands then:

1-Field
2-Marshall
3-Wardle
4-King
5-French
6-Cust
7-Smith
8-Havard
9-Powell / O’Neil
10-Cooper
11-Farrell
12-Bateman
13-Smithies

Byrne
Singleton
Ellis
Mago
KPP
Isa
Halsall
Miski
Thornley
Shorrocks
Plus some of the younger lads

That side/squad is easily one of if not the best in the league.
Back line is brilliant and great competition in the forwards.
We get a lot of criticism from other fans that say we are a 2 man team but there’s not much weakness in that squad from my pov.

Very very strong side and squad. Looks soooo much better with two proper centres there.

Happy with that but until the question marks over French and Wardle are removed it's just wishful thinking

We need that second centre after King. Get it and I’m really happy with how we’re shaping up. That’s on the presumption we can keep French. If we do then I want to see us find out what our best 1,6 and 9 is in pre season and the early rounds. We need leaders like Sam Powell in and around the squad for sure but we also need our best 13 on the field. I’m intrigued to see how French, Field and Cust would go at 1,6 and 9. I think Brad O’Neill needs to be given more trust as well. All good options though and if you use that to drive competition, it’ll bring the best out of players.

French has signed & IL spoke about Wardle at the 150th year dinner.

Sounds positive.

There certainly doesn’t seem to be room at Huddersfield for Wardle, with Cudjoe, Marsters, Naiqama and Bibby on board. Hull FC fans suggest a swap may happen for Connor but they have Griffin, Sutcliffe, Tuimavave, Wynne, Scott and Vulikijapani on their books, so that makes very little sense as well.

Expect we will have announcements in the next fortnight .
Forgot to add what we all know and on top of a really strong side we now have an excellent coach . We are possibly in a better position than we where in 2010.

Interesting point. I'm not sure how many of the current/potential 2023 side would get into that 2010 side. French on the wing over Goulding is a definite. Faz is another over Joel/HH/himself. Bateman, Cooper possibly?

Ia big improvement for sure, but I think our problem area is 11, 12and 13.

All 3 are great players but IMO don't provide enough point of difference.

If KPP kicks on next year, bulls up and hits the line harder maybe we'll get it, but for me he's still mostly potential. I'm looking forward to the time when he comes on at 2nd row and wreaks havoc rather than small cameo contributions.


Otherwise if rumours of Bateman heading back are true, it may be a blessing in disguise but we will need to recruit.

We should sign Worcester Warriors RU centre Caleb Montgomery, I'd love a back line with Field Marshall Montgomery in it

Or even French Field Marshall Montgomery

I'm expecting to see the likes of Nsemba, Hill and Jack Bibby getting game time next season along with Zach Eckersley.

If that’s our squad for next year I’ll be pretty happy. Fingers crossed on French & Wardle.

Those three look good. Also, Max Wood, maybe?

When are the season ticket details being launched? You'd assume that any new signings wouldn't be on the same day, but following soon after too.

Some promising forwards - it would be good to see some playmakers develop as 1st team prospects.

Generally speaking I'm not convinced the Wigan academy has lived up to its reputation over the recent years. The last academy player to go on to become an England international was Oliver Gildart (debuted in 2015).

Forber and Astley too I believe.

Tom Davies has done it after (I think).

I got a letter through the door the other day with a full price breakdown.

prices in order of renewal, early bird and full price

[uSideline view[/u
Senior 60+ - £170, £215, £270
Adult - £235, £295, £350
Young Adult 22-24 - £172, £225, £290
Youth 18-21 - £160, £210, £262
Junior 8-17 - £35, £45, £58
Kids 0-7 - Free

[uBehind the post view[/u
Senior 60+ - £145, £182, £220
Adult - £212, £265, £295
Young Adult 22-24 - £145, £190, £245
Youth 18-21 - £138, £178, £206
Junior 8-17 - £35, £45, £58
Kids 0-7 - Free

On sale Mon 26th Sept
Renewal deadline Wed 30th Nov

Slight increases on renewal prices from last year of between £3-5 in each category, nowt to get upset about

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.