I agree, Tomkins doesn't 'need' other threats in order to create his own opportunities, that is evident. It certainly does help though. If a defence can actively target Tomkins it will help shut him down a little and minimise the threat, the Australians have shown that superbly.

We have other threats, the main one being a grunting 'all knees, elbows and tattoos' Gareth Hock running through the gap.

Whilst it's true Hock provides a threat, it isn't really relevant to the discussion about halves?

It was in answer to this.

What other threat's around Smith did you mean "to create opportunities for Tomkins and the 'new 6' "?

Wigan are a team choc full of threats, Hock / Lockers / Hansen / Farrell / Gelling / Carmont / Charnley...I could go on!

Smith will go okay as opposition teams can't pinpoint just one or two dangers in the Wigan team, giving him plenty options and free time. We do need to be smart with regards to his halfback partner, if it does end up being Chase the chances of increased silverwear will continue.

True, but there is a massive difference between Australian defences and those in SL.

Spot on. I am happy with the signing of Smith, he's not a world beater but he does the basics well and is a team player.

Fair enough, I probably wasn't clear in my expressions. I was talking about the 6, 7 and 9 exclusively but I can't argue with anything you have posted, although I wouldn't count Hansen as a threat he's more of an extremely solid player for me.

I'd also file Gelling with Meli under the 'pudding' category at this moment in time.

Hansen knows how to hit a gap, even of he isn't picked out as much he's still a runner that has to be picked up, which obviously sucks defenders in, which of course makes a half backs job much easier. I'd say that's a threat to the defending team.

But Chase wont fit into the Wigan systems. His style wont fit with Wigan. He's greedy. He never passes. He's a bad influence. He's been anonymous this year. He's Dennis Moran MKII. He's overrated. He beat Sam Tomkins to Man of Steel. He plays for England but he's not even English. He turned his back on New Zealand. His name is Rangi. He plays for Castleford. He prefers to be a big fish in a small pond. He'll never make it at Wigan. I just don't like him. There are many halfbacks who are better in this league. What about Joe Mellor? What about Danny Brough? Michael Dobson had a good game last week. Sean O'Loughlin could move to six. Let's stick Matty Russell at six. Ian Millward might have corrupted Chase and if he signs it will be a plot for Agent Millward to try to complete the job he started in 2006! Get the kids in!

You could say exactly the same about Wilkin, he's absolutely magnificent at running lines. I'd hardly consider him a threat though.

You can't just consider any player a threat because they run at gaps.

And Shaun Wane knows this. And he knows that opposition players know this.
That's why every once in a while hansen will actually take possession of the ball when hitting the gap leaving the opposition wrong footed as they are moving across and holding back and waiting for Sam / Lockers to take the ball.

Meanwhile...yet another try to Wigan.

Unless Sia Soliola makes a diving ankle tap as he goes through.

You mean like the one he made on Brett (not renowned for his pace) Finch in the first few minutes of the game at the Etihad?

Have a read at some of the compelling arguments why we shouldn't sign Chase on the 'Rangi Chase for £350,000' thread.

Nah, it was a bit different to that one!

So, yes or no ?....

Tomkins will upstage Chase and he wont want that, in a way henry paul had that streak in him but he mellowed with age. This is a tough 50/50 call isnt it? Part of me really doesnt want Warrington to sign him. But you cant sign a player just because another team wants him, not unless your chelsea or man city....

Not exactly. The trick Smith (or whoever) will need to learn is which of the players to pass to (or to go himself). It's those players that create the gaps, but where Brett (and to a lesser extent Tommy) excels is in selecting who is a dummy runner and who is the threat, depending on how the defence is shaping. They dont so much create the gaps as exploit them better than most.

Tommys dummy half skills are also excellent and that relieves the pressure on many occasion. Tommy has big boots to fill

Exactly and that is exactly what we need from one of our halfs. A Smith/Chase partnership will be a good balance imo.

I agree. Its 'almost' like an Edwards and Gregory* partnership. A steady player and a maverick.

*I'm not for one minute suggesting that Edwards/Smith and Gregory/Chase on on the same page regarding quality.

Do you not find it strange that these days you and others have to quantify your statements like your last one.

Surly the majority of people on here realise your point and know Edwards and Greg are the level above Smith and Chase right?

It's Veivers.....

It's the Internet. You get jumped on for spelling there as their. All statements have to be quantified.