The attack would stop with him though and it would be predictable for defenders. with Sam, Slater, Hayne and even Phelps, it puts the defence in two minds. Will he take me on or will he pass???

Completely agree. A modern fullback is more of a 3rd pivot rather than just someone who is fast. To keep playing to these same structures we do now but without Tomkins it is vital we have a fullback with a good passing game. Sam has contributed 18 assists in the league as well as all his tries, you wouldn't get that with Pat or Josh. It's one of the reasons I have reservations when Hardaker is mentioned, he's got excellent speed and footwork but I don't think he'd be creative enough to play as a fullback in our system. I think within SL there is only really Ratchford or Lomax who I think could offer the same sort of attacking threat as Sam does (though not to the same standard).

I do agree with this, the FB role as a 3rd pivot, however I do believe Josh could fulfil said role. It's not exactly a pivot role, more of a link up to the 3/4 line often causing an overlap or, as in the case with Sam, other players planning their runs to open up a channel for Sam, at times Wigan make Sam look good giving him the space to break through, if he goes to the NRL I suspect he'll find it difficult as the club properly won't play to him.

Roberts was a sensation during his spell as a FB, I believe Josh would be similar given time. I clearly remember the up-raw when it was suggested that Sam moves to FB.

There's a few more I'd put in that category, although they're mostly a bit suspect defensively: Escare, Eden and Hanbury, for example.

If we could sort out his defence Eden would be a good choice

Agree with Escare, lightening pace and a 2 year contract won't be that much to buy out.

I'd like someone like Minichello bring Tierney on but he loves the Roosters too much

Minichello would be great signing for a couple of years. I've just watched him playing for the Roosters and he's still a class act. We've enough "young legs" to carry him through and his experience would be superb to help bring on the likes of Tierney and Hampshire.

Honestly can't see this, he's not even your best winger. As we've seen at Hull playing wingers (Briscoe) at FB can be awful. Do you guys thing Charnley would score as many tries if he wasn't in such a good side? Honest question not just to wind you up.

Your post presupposes that he would not... "Would he score as many" is a silly question, as a lot depends on the quality of of ball supply.

Kearney at bradford would be my choice

agreed. I remember him ripping Great Britain apart many years ago, hated him big time but he still looks good for Sydney

Tierney.

One missed bomb in the first half is the only obvious error I can think of. A pretty good debut.

Obviously not, however, he's a great finisher with pace, solid in defence and he's only 21.

He's not going to be supplanted from that RW spot any time soon.

If we could get him, Johnny Lomax has evolved into an excellent fullback, and he's not too shabby as a goalkicker either, and we're going to need one of those next season. Matty Smith & Josh aren't consistent enough for me, we've been spoiled with the likes of Paddy, Michael Dobson & Andy Faz in recent years.

Rhys Hanbury? would go well in our side too.

Which is one of the reasons i wanted us to go for Jamie Foster as wing cover instead of the woeful Gelling but was shot down in flames for suggesting it.

And rightfully so. Fosters defence is completely suspect and would even out any points he kicked by leaking tries.

Ssssshhhh, your not allowed to have a go at Gelling "he works hard, and helps out the forwards"

Which is obviously a terrible contribution. People disagreeing with you is pretty much how a forum works.

Its called sarcasm.

A lot will depend on whether Wane thinks Tierney will be ready for a regular spot. Also when Sam goes. If Sam goes for 2014 I think we will have to look for a short term replacement. If Sam stays for 2014 I think Tierney could be ready for 2015 with a bit more game time next year. He certainly showed against Widnes he has the potential, runs good lines and looked to have a decent set of hands.

Thanks for the reply. I don't argue that he isn't a good player there just seems to be a lot of hype around him in the RL world. I just wondered how you guys viewede him first hand

You should also bear in mind that nobody seems to rate his normal centre partner, so its amazing he scores as many as he does!!

Sam going nowhere for a good while....................... www.superleaguefans.com/wigan-wa ... t-nrl.html

Sam going nowhere for a good while....................... www.superleaguefans.com/wigan-wa ... t-nrl.html