To be honest, these are two slightly different points.

The health risk from heavy drinking is not quantifiable by someone like me - I have only basic medical training. But I'm sure it will hamper performance at some stage. As I say, many athletes abstain entirely, presumably on the advice of experts, which means that others are ignoring such advice. But that's up to them. They will be the main sufferers.

The embarrassment risk is not the same. I agree that only a handful cause problems for the image of their club when they go out partying. But unfortunately, it only takes a handful - in fact it only takes one - to make the headlines. I certainly wouldn't stop players relaxing and socialising, but going down King Street is surely a no-no. There are all kinds of idiots down there just looking to cause trouble for 'famous people' (and maybe to make a bob on the side). Enough rugby and football players have found this out by now. Personally, I'd advise them to find a more sedate environment - some posh hotel or nightclub somewhere, where there are less temptations to cut loose.

But, at the end of the day, these decisions must be made by the players themselves. I don't believe in bans or prohibitions for adults. But one thing I do have a problem with is this crass notion, which seems to be regularly aired on this board, that "they're just a bunch of young lads letting off steam, and they should be allowed to do exactly what they want" - and presumably to hell with the consequences.

Fun doesn't come before responsibility for anyone, but especially not for those who are set up as role-models.

Well said. Finally someone with some common sense and intelligence with regard to the alcohol and playing for Wigan discussion.

As do Wigan fans

I though all RL fans, bar Leeds, hated Ryan Bailey

That would be about right.

Everyone hates him.

Even the Leeds fans ?

They really do! viewtopic.php?t=397235

They really do! viewtopic.php?t=397235

my mate at work is a big leeds fan and he says the leeds fans hate the dirty niggling cowardly barsteward

I'd be surprised if they didn't.

Hindmarsh rates Petro as the best forward in the game. Off contract at the end of the year, but clearly too old for Wigan!!!

Tahu is not having a great time in union apparently according to the Footyshow, would be a fantastic centre in SL.

The Fox News site reckons that Big Willie may be unloaded by the Roosters at the end of the year. Anyone fancy him as a prop at Wigan? www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html

The Fox News site reckons that Big Willie may be unloaded by the Roosters at the end of the year. Anyone fancy him as a prop at Wigan? www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html

I was thinking the same thing myself regarding Tahu, waste of talent in union.

Quote ="Father Ted"The Fox News site reckons that Big Willie may be unloaded by the Roosters at the end of the year. Anyone fancy him as a prop at Wigan? www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html'" I would cream my pants if we could sign Mason would work on every level. He is an enforcer, demands respect and may very well spark Fielden into life. Should he be available he would be my top target for 2010. Cannot see Union being a viable option as he would have no position.

Quote ="Father Ted"The Fox News site reckons that Big Willie may be unloaded by the Roosters at the end of the year. Anyone fancy him as a prop at Wigan? www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html'" I would cream my pants if we could sign Mason would work on every level. He is an enforcer, demands respect and may very well spark Fielden into life. Should he be available he would be my top target for 2010. Cannot see Union being a viable option as he would have no position.

Would we have the cash for Mason? Plus his rep career aint over and players dont come here unless they are. Would prefer O'Meley to be honest.

Sadly, I think he's more likely to accept 800 thou to go to Japan and be used mainly in line-outs, than he is the 170 thou the average SL club could pay him.

I agree with you, a talent like Mason would be wasted from the off in Union. But when has that stopped it happening before?

He could not be a forward in union i think every union coach must know that.

Could be a centre at a push, would though be shocked to see Union take an interest in him or him in them to be fair.

its not impossible for him to go the NFL. i know he has talked about it before

You are having a laugh surely

Andy Farrell.

Finished his Wigan career playing prop, turned up in RU and plays centre in the World Cup.

howver he did have experience at half back and in the back row which gave him some ball handling and kicking skills. he also had a little bit of pace left. Mason has been a big barge up the middle prop all his career. Or iiit a case that if one player does it then all can.

maybe Feka will switch to RU and turn out for samoa at centre

Mason is exactly what we need and i'd love him at Wigan. His would be one of the most sought after signatures in world rugby tho.

One player who is defiantly worth breaking the bank over imo

I remember people saying that Kurt Sorsenson would never play centre - but he did, for about three matches (which doesn't prove much, I know).

Personally I'm not sure Mason has the skills to play centre. Jonh tends to know his stuff re. RU running backs, but I can't see it myself.

That said, if Mason does leave the Roosters, it's impossible to see him coming to SL. He's a money-bags merchant, and we haven't got any.

Correct. If we have to have foreigners, only the very best please.

I think he'll have been put off France somewhat by the experience of SBW.
Rugby union in Japan is awash with money, so I agree that could be a likely destination. However I wouldn't be surprised to see him stay in the southern hemisphere with one of the Super 14 clubs.