I can’t see why loop fixtures would be a big selling point playing the same old same old again really doesn’t hold much appeal to the lapsed season ticket holder surely?

Hope I’m wrong but we will see in due course if the new structure holds those lads and lasses in thrall and they come back to the dw in droves.

Lam hoping to announce new signing in the next couple of days

At least we know know when those loop fixtures are, not having to wait until July/August as was the case under the previous system. Fans can plan their holidays, clubs can sort their corporate packages etc.
I've sorted my holidays out so I miss two away games in September.

Can honestly see it being Sammut.

Maybe it’s just me but a new coach doesn’t get the excitement flowing like a high profile new player does. I’ve been honest from the start about Edwards and said I have my doubts but we’ll see.

New half back to be confirmed in next few days...

So can I. Sammut states he'll inform in his next move in the next few days.

I hear Leigh have beat us to Sammut's signature. Seriously

Total RL saying we’re signing an overseas halfback. Would that class as Sammut or does that mean someone who’s currently in Australia?

It’s got Nathan Wood written all over it this.

I was reading a report online earlier (in the serious about rugby league site) saying we’re in pole position to sign Widdop. It said we’re prepared to wait 12 months but still hold hope of getting him here for 2019. Sadly I get the sense that site is a bloke sat in his bedroom making stuff up!

I’d rather go with what we have then Sammut. I’d be happy to take Drinkwater on a 12 month deal but wouldn’t push it to a long term deal yet.

Agreed, Sammut would just be blocking the development of Shorrocks, Woods and Smith IMO. It would be the total opposite approach to what has bought us success over the last decade

2 + 2 = 5

I still wouldn’t be surprised for us to announce Lam Jr for 2019 on loan with Widdop for 2020 in the next few days.

Lam is now 4th choice at the Roosters and with Johnson being lined up to replace Cronk in 2020 I’m not sure if he has a long term future there.

Total speculation on my part no grounding whatsoever.

So really any signing in that position would block the development of those above then

I agree with the dates no doubt about that but having to play the usual suspects for the umpteenth time in a season(I’d have loved to have seen it expanded to 14 teams) but it’s not going to appeal to those fans who’ve lost the urge to come along in my opinikn

I don't think for one second that Woods or Shorrocks will ever be first choice / long-term halfbacks at Wigan. Harry Smith is a different matter but obviously very early to say.

Tend to agree with that.

The rumour earlier in the week was that we’d signed one, possibly 2 NRL players and were waiting for work permits to be sorted. I think I’d cry if we announce Sammut!

There is a Sportsman’s Dinner at DW tomorrow which is billed as ‘A Night With Adrian Lam’. It includes a question & answer session with Lammy and that would be a great place for him to announce a new signing. Can’t wait.

I’m still amazed how well Wigan manage to keep these things so quiet.

The people ‘in the know’ seem to be few and far between unlike the old days.

It would, but what I mean is that, even if he's good enough to start ahead of Leuluai (debatable), a 32 year old Championship player is probably only going to be a bit better than Shorrocks or Woods, so in the long run we would be better just running with what we have and giving them the extra game time when injuries/form dictate.

I feel any signing would need to be younger than 30 and/or significantly better than Shorrocks/Woods to be worthwhile. Sammut would be the equivalent of when we signed Withers and Millard even though we had Goulding and Mcilorum coming through..... except Withers and Millard were at least super league players!

who did we have as " developing" half backs when we had Greg and Edwards? I don't remember any young kids coming through and being their successors? Goulding? Crompton? Long? I agree that I doubt Shorrocks or Woods will make it long term at Wigan, haven't seen Smith.

I doubt we had to worry about that pre-cap. There were no bigger things for them to leave for, and if they did leave, we could spend whatever we wanted to bring in the best replacement on the market to play at the biggest club in the world. Take a look around now, we develop much better players than we are able to sign, so our approach should match that.

I remember when Alex Murphy came as coach. Our crowds went up from about 5000 to 7000 which is a 40% increase. Let’s hope that Edwards can do something similar.

I’m even excited about a rugby ball that isn’t a bar of soap!

Ah yes - Steeden balls coming back - thank god! Fingers crossed it helps to improve handling.