I'd probably let Logan and Bowen go.

The rotate the bench players every week.

1. Tomkins
6. Williams
7. Smith
9. McIlorum
14. Powell / Hampshire

Out

Bowen
L.Tomkins

Williams and Hampshire clearly have a special quality about them.

Smith is a solid SL half, but he's replaceable. I'd keep him around as an interchange hooker, but I'd have Williams/Hampshire/Tomkins as the starting 1/6/7 if pushed.

I'd keep Powell over Smith too when you consider the salary cap.

Smith's just signed a new deal, hasn't he? Agree with NK, anyway.

Quote ="Wigg'n"Here is the same on the official site then if you need it: www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 642&type=1 I thought Burgess was just being released from his last year but reading back through the Sydney announcements, it doesn't mention anything.'" This seems to be confirmation that Rocky is definitely signed up till the end of 2016. The fact that Williams only signed a 3 year contract ( unlike Rocky and Burgess 4 years) and thus signed a contract extension earlier this year surely bodes well: if there is consistency Rocky would be offered an extension/new contract early next year - hopefully on greatly improved terms. This still doesn't answer the question of why Burgess is leaving in October 2015 when according to the BBC article and the official Wigan site he should be contracted till October 2016. I wonder if a transfer fee has been paid on the quiet.....( or is there some Sam-like agreement that Wigan will have first refusal on him if he returns to Super League?!)

Quote ="Wigg'n"Here is the same on the official site then if you need it: www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 642&type=1 I thought Burgess was just being released from his last year but reading back through the Sydney announcements, it doesn't mention anything.'" This seems to be confirmation that Rocky is definitely signed up till the end of 2016. The fact that Williams only signed a 3 year contract ( unlike Rocky and Burgess 4 years) and thus signed a contract extension earlier this year surely bodes well: if there is consistency Rocky would be offered an extension/new contract early next year - hopefully on greatly improved terms. This still doesn't answer the question of why Burgess is leaving in October 2015 when according to the BBC article and the official Wigan site he should be contracted till October 2016. I wonder if a transfer fee has been paid on the quiet.....( or is there some Sam-like agreement that Wigan will have first refusal on him if he returns to Super League?!)

i dont think its that difficult

bowen will retire at the end of the season (i have no doubt about that)
logan is a decent squad player, and i think he will stay to play with his brothers
sam powell is the oldest of the 'youngsters' (23 by end of season) and hasnt taken his chance, i think its best for him to leave.

that would leave us with a 1st choice of sam, smith, rocky, macca, williams
with logan as cover until doran and shorrocks are ready

I like them all but I just think Smith has earned a starting spot since being at the club. I also think he'll balance the side very nicely playing alongside my selections of Tomkins at 1 and Hampshire at 6. They can run teams ragged and Smith can do what he does well and tick us over and gain us territory with his kicking.

If it came down to a straight choice of Smith or Hampshire staying at the club then I'd agree that Smith would be disposable but hopefully it doesn't come to that.

If it does I think Hampshire will be let go anyway. I still don't think Wane sees him as anything but a fullback who could back up at 6 in an emergency.

I really hope Wane does think highly of Rocky. The pace he showed in his tries against Catalans and Warrington was exceptional, particularly when running to catch up Burgess to be able to take the pass against Catalans. I honestly don't think I have ever seen anyone run 40 - 50 yards so quickly at Central Park or the DW, not even Chariots Offiah!

The fans certainly rate him. He's exciting isn't he and he can play and work space for others. He looks a natural halfback to me as shown in glimpses these past two weeks with bits of skill like the pass to send Gelling in on Thursday and the lovely chip to the corner for Manfredi against Catalans. He also offers that running threat and will be defenders guessing.

It would be such a boost to find out Hampshire had signed a new long term deal. I honestly believe if we can do that then we'll be in the hunt for trophies each and every year for at least the next 5 seasons.

Totally agree, NK. The future could be cherry and white if we can keep hold of Rocky and the majority of the current squad. I am sure so many Wigan fans can't wait to see Sam back in the team in 2016 and it is truly a mouth-watering prospect to have Rocky, George and Sam in the same team together with 2 speedy wingers (and Gelling and Sarge/Thornley in the centres). If we can have all or almost all of our current pack fit as well, that team will take some beating! And if we can get an experienced prop/pack leader as well, so much the better. This might well happen if Lockers does retire at the end of this season.

It's interesting to see what will happen. I really rate Williams and I think he's more than just a replacement hooker.

Move MM to 13 as Lockers must surely step down after this season, Sam at 1, Smith to 9, Rocky n George 6 & 7

I think if the players are broken down into two groups who could interchange in those groups we have a cover option and can keep players. 1/6/7 are covered S.Tomkins, Hampshire, Williams and Smith. The hooking covered by McIlorum, Powell and L.Tomkins with two playing at any one time.

Smith could do with a break to allow his hamstring to recover and McIlorum has seemed off his best, is he carrying an injury? In any case, there's strength in cover and the ability to switch players around. I don't agree with the negativity of a few fans around Smith and L.Tomkins - both are very good players, certainly well deserving of their places in the team. Logan reminds me of Micky Higham, he isn't MM but who is?

The 13 position I feel will be going towards Bateman but again cover could be drawn from the hookers, Clubb or maybe our larger halfbacks (depending on the opposition).

Bowen and Burgess are already on their way out. Doran, Tierney, Hughes, Patrick, Burke and Powell to go as they are surplus to requirements.

Smith may also have to go to secure Rocky's long term signature which would be sad but necessary.

Logan to stay as he would be our back up starting hooker should Micky Mac get injured/suspended.

Sad for Powell as I think bar injuries he may have already pinned down a spot. Doran has the skills but lacks pace. May make a good hooker.

Burke and Hughes had their chances but didn't seem to make the most of them and Tierney is living off his fathers reputation somewhat. All good solid players but we have better on the books.

And when it doesn't work out for them on the big stage then what do we do?, they may have performed spectaculary in the lower grades but thats no gaurantee is it

Looking to the future the older players will be replaced by younger guys. Smith is the oldest half back we have so will probably be first out the door. The thought of Hampshire, Sam and Williams in the same team is mouth-watering. It would terrify the opposition.

A complication is the length of existing contracts as I'm sure both Smith and Powell recently signed 4 year deals.

I can see us doing a Chelsea, with good prospects on loan all over the place.

Bateman will play 13 when Lockers retires.

So I take it no-one knows whether Hampshire is contracted to the end of 2015 or 2016. Can anyone confirm?

End of 2016 with a further 1 year option for 2017 in Wigans favour.

That's excellent news! Thank you Rogues.

Thanks for this reassuring news, Rogues. So many of us have been concerned that Rocky might be able to leave at the end of the year. Just out of interest, does it state anywhere when all the players' contracts expire - or do you just have to be in the know like your good self?

Another year and an option of a further year in the clubs favour does not mean much in the modern game, it just means that the club has more chance of a good fee for a player if he wants to move if he is unhappy.
I have not said he is unhappy but if someone came in for him the club have the negotiating power if need be.

Let's hope IL and Rads offer him an extended contract in the next 6 - 9 months. Williams's initial contract was to run till October 2105 and they gave him a new 4 year contract before the start of this season, ie when his old contract still had a year to run. Rocky was given 4 years (in contrast to Williams's 3 in October 2012), so if there is any consistency they will get it all sorted before he enters the final year of his current contract and thus ward off any potential suitors.
I am confident that IL and Co. know what they are doing - but for us supporters it would be nice to know sooner rather than later.

I like Williams as a player but surely that's a Tad too long for a contract?

I'd prefer Sam to come back and play 6. Even if he does play full back we need cover for him.
Hampshire is that cover. The guy's so talented I just can't see them letting him go.
Our attack is now so fluent that Ryan's coming ino the line it seems odd that anyone should take his place.
For me every day of the week it's Sam at 6 and Hampshire with the 1 shirt next year.