If what Graham has said, in your post, is true then so be it. A RL career is only short and a player must earn his worth IMO. I just hope if he did sign, that he wouldn't fade away like Fielden has done.

Even if one of Bailey/Graham were to sign, we'd have 6 props on our books with one coming through from the academy (Ben Davies) that makes for 7. Something, or should I say someone, like it or not has to give.

I would honestly expect for at least one of Fielden or Feka to move on considering all the conjecture on here about the wages they're supposedly on.

Graham is gonna want a wedge wherever he moves on to, I wouldn't have thought Bailey is gonna take up a massive slice of the cap but would obviously still not be on peanuts!

If I'm honest I can't see either of them being a real goer, Saints ain't gonna sell to us and surely Bailey wouldn't pass IL's due dilligence testing?

Also if Graham was going to move on surely he'd be off to OZ?

That's certainly what I'd be doing if I were him. Play like he has been doing for the past few seasons and a transfer to the NRL won't be far away.

Depends whether he's bothered about the ££ or the rugby. He'll get a lot more dosh over here.

Used to mean the same thing

I would take James Graham in an instant. He is probably the best prop forward in Super League and the metres he makes alongside the number of carries is simply staggering. He would be one of the few players who could make it in the NRL IMO. So if there is any slight possible chance we could sign him or make him available - go for it!

But all that said it just isn't going to happen.

Ryan Bailey on the other hand is a much more realistic target. Never liked Bailey, always thought he is a thug and one of those players you would love to see get owned. He's nasty, always getting little digs in and is right in your face which at the moment we need. So on a short term contract I would be quite pleased with Ryan Bailey. We would be stronger with him than without. Competition for places is a positive thing.

I wouldn't attach too much significance to this. The Saints and Wigan relationship now is not the Saints and Wigan relationship of the Mo/DW era. IL and EM seem to get on pretty well. It's also worth remembering that money talks. If Graham wants out and announces that he's leaving at the end of his contract come what may, Saints may well feel a need to cash in while they can.

The most likely stumbling block IMO is the cash we'd be required to fork out. Even if Fielden went to Celtic, I find it hard to envisage a frugal chap like IL producing the sort of transfer fee Saints would demand.

Has anyone thought we may be swapping fielden with cash for graham.

Just a thought.

I'd say it was more likely that Fielden may be going somewhere else (not Saints), and that we'd use that money to snare Graham. But when push comes to shove, I still don't think even that is particularly likely.

This is a rumour I heard a couple of weeks back, from a pretty reliable source.

That being Fielden would go to Celtic and we would make a move for Graham.

The reasons being that although Saints have improved themselves financially over the last few years, they are in need of a cash injection at the present time.

I can only think that Graham is their most saleable asset in terms of transfer fees. Also I very much doubt an NRL side would pay a transfer fee.

I think were living on another planet if we believe signing Graham is a possibility but then i thought that about Fielden himself i suppose.

Still i'd be more then stunned if we did sign him.

It reminds me of the time we signed Fielden this..

I'm being asked by people on the street if i have heard the rumour some i dont really speak to but they ask because they know i'm a wigan fan.

Joking and laughing it off but having the "what if" in the back of your head.

Exactly, no one saw that coming but It happened.

All we can do is hope.

Ditto. I agree, I dont see it at all, but "what if"

Someone told me 3 weeks ago they were after Graham but I dismissed it as rumour.
I wouldn't want Bailey. He always seems injured.

TBH I think we are too. I'm not buying into the Graham rumours until it actually happens. Although it may be common knowledge Saints are in abit of a financial downer, they aren't daft enough to realise success brings money (long term)- not selling star players (short term). I guess it boils down to how in need of cash are they? Enough so they sell arguably their best player?

Ryan Bailey on the other hand I can believe. With Greg Eastwood coming in, someone has to go and I can see this one happening.

Can't see either happening to be honest.

Apart from Gleeson & Barrett, I've been really disappointed with our signings over recent years. I know a couple of unkowns have turned out pretty good like Carmont and Phelps but on the whole our recruitment has been pi55 poor.

I think they both would be good signings but I'm not holding out much hope.

Sorry if posted elsewhere already:

[urlhttp://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=5239[/url

A great deal for both club and player IMO.

Dave

Makes sense for all parties concerned.

Indeed. Good deal for for everyone

Would be very interested in what the minimum number of games is...

But good deal all round

That's exactly what I wanted, a one year deal with an extention if George can prove that he's up to it physically.

Very pleased indeed, both for the player and for the club.

[urlhttp://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=5239[/url

Good news IMO and a good deal with the 2nd year option.

Well done IL.

thank the lord!

Great news, very happy he isnt moving elsewhere