Yeah he wasn't offered a pro deal originally but when the reserves structure looked like happening he was offered something to stay on.

I thought Tautai was o.k first half. He didn't get much of a rest and came back on before half time. Then in the half time break the physios were out on the field with him, having him stretch and run. For whatever reason he lost the plot in the second half though giving away needless penalties from which Leigh took full advantage.

The young lads stood up well particularly, Bretherton, Wells and Waterworth. Liam Paisley however had a debut he will want to forget.

Enjoyed the day, met up with The Wiganosopher who kindly brought and signed a copy of his book. Also met up with charli coroli. It's good to get back on track for the new season.

Still cant work out why Wigan let Hansen go, best player on the field today by a distance, ran hard and was punishing in defence. well deserved MOM

He went for the Dr's millions...

They didn't let him go, he chose to leave - for more money and the chance to captain his Dad's former club.

And Wigan replaced him with John Bateman, so I'd say that worked out well for us.

I'd have him as a squad player or even as a prop because he's probably better than a few that we have currently, but whether HH would want that on a reduced wage is another point (in fact I think Wigan did offer him a chance to return last autumn but he chose Leigh, probably wisely).

A lot of ex-Wigan players in the Leigh team today. I thought that Spencer went really well. i was a bit disappointed when we let him go because a lot of these young props need time to mature.

Good to hear. It would be a shot in the arm for the lad if they mentioned it on the website and gave him a squad number.

I really hope he gets a couple of chances this year because o could see him being a real surprise package.

Makes you realise how essential it is for there to be proper pathways in place otherwise who knows where he would have ended up or maybe even stopped playing rugby.

Very true and it needs sorting. The lad by what you say has been signed on because we've got some reserve team rugby for him to play but even then it's only 7 or 8 fixtures randomly spread out. That's not enough for him to progress.

Agree with the comments about Tom Spencer. I thought he was superb and looks to have really filled out and grown into his size.

If I am honest I had totally forgotten about him, didn't realise he had left. A real shame as he looks to be developing into a quality young prop. Would welcome him back on that showing.