Interesting.

[urlhttp://www.totalrl.com/index.php?showtopic=164289[/url

I hope not TBH.....yet another player stopping the development of tomkins? its unlikely that both smith and leuluai will leave at the end of the year...

We need some experience in the side and genuine class.

I expect Phil Bailey and Cameron Phelps to leave at the end of the season and to not be replaced. We have plenty of back rowers - Harrison Hansen, Gareth Hock, Joel Tomkins , Lockers if needed and Mossop & Farrell & even Tuson in the reserves.

Phelps wouldn't need replacing as we have plenty of backs already - he was a stop gap signing for when Pryce was injured hopefully a fully fit and in form Karl Pryce for 2009/2010 will cover Phelps.

Richie Mathers is out of contract and this is where the first big signing should be made. Brisbane are trying to keep hold of Karmichael Hunt who is out of contract and would be a fantastic signing. A little more realistic (I think he's 2icon_cool.gif Anthony Minichiello is out of contract and is not the first choice Australian fullback anymore so missing out on any international honours should hold in our favour.

The other area we need to strengthen is at prop forward. With Andy Coley off contract he will go. We need an experienced leader in the side. Fuifui Moimoi would be another impact player which is something I don't think we need. We need another O'connor, Neil Cowie type forward which is why I think we should sign Luke Bailey or if we can Andy Lynch. Previously in the thread I have made a huge list of loads prop forwards currently off contract and there is certainly a lot of quality in there as well. No excuses IMO we can and must sign a top prop forward for 2010. I don't think we need two because with O'carroll and Prescott gaining (hopefully) another years experience they can prove established first team players along with Fielden and Feka. O'carroll has already forced Coley out of the side, so early indications are good.

Both our halfbacks are off contract in Thomas Leuluai and Tim Smith - this could merit a thread in itself as a lot of people will have their own different views on them both. Personally I think Leuluai has been one of our best players so far (which isn't hard I know) but the point is he really looks like he has kicked on from the world cup. He has improved every year at Wigan and I honestly believe he is one of the best halfbacks in the league and he will most likely want to stay. IMO we should extend his contract.

Tim Smith so far as good IMO in terms of his attack and his general kicks in play. His fitness is a worry. Bailey mentioned in his blog that he hasn't played80 minutes of rugby league (prior to this season) for more than a year. He was out of the game for 7 months and when he came to Wigan he never once played the full 80 minutes as he was used from the bench so he really needs to step up his fitness. I honestly believe he can make a great partnership with Leuluai for 2010 but I don't believe for one second he will stay if he has an opportunity to return back to the NRL. Which if this is the case most people will look straight to Sam Tomkins. If he hasn't been given many games this season then how will he be ready? Just throwing him in the deep end in 2010 will do us no good. Sadly I think we're going to blow it with Sam Tomkins and will need to sign another top halfback from the NRL - Matt Orford is off contract and has hinted at wanting to come to the UK. Huddersfield have been tipped to sign him. Matt is a top player and a fantastic captain and he would make a great addition.

So taking that into account the recruitment for 2010 in my dreamworld would be:

OUT

Richie Mathers
Andy Coley
Cameron Phelps
Phil Bailey
Tim Smith

IN

Anthony Minichiello
Luke Bailey or Andy Lynch
Matt Orford

Leaving us with a squad that would look something like:

Anthony Minichiello
Amos Roberts
Karl Pryce
George Carmont
Pat Richards

Matt Orford
Thomas Leuluai

Stuart Fielden
Mark Riddell
Andy Lynch or Luke Bailey

Gareth Hock
Harrison Hansen

Sean O'loughlin (c)

--------------------------------------------------

Joel Tomkins
Michael McIlorum
Feka Paleaasina
Eamon O'carroll/Paul Prescott

No-one is stopping the development of Sam Tomkins apart from Brian Noble. He is not playing the lad.

The other players are not to blame.

Only if he can be here by Friday.

I would have Lockyer any day of the week!!!

Smith can return to Aus, we can half Lockyer and Tommy in the halves with Tomkins replacing Riddell and Tommy going to hooker.

Lockyer can only improve Tomkins development by giving him knowledge and Lockyers wealth of experience. Tommy could also become a replacement hooker with Tomkins and Lockyer as our half backs.

I can dream though.

im of the same opinion. theres no-one better in the world for tomkins to learn from than lockyer

Lockyer could also teach Mathers a thing or two about how to play at FB.

I think Lockyer will end up at Bradford if he is going to come to SL.

richards could do that

I love the bit about 'Saints worried about their image as a family club'. If that was true, Long and Cunningham would be on their way too.

if anything a player of his class would only further devolop tomkins id love to see him in a wigan shirt

forget orford, sign myler

Agree with this. I would love to see a settled halfback partnership of Myler and Tomkins.

I know we made a bid for him shortly after he signed for Salford, not sure when his contract is up but the lads is a classy midfield general and the thought of a settled partnership for the club in the halves for the next decade would in my opinion be outstanding for Wigan RLFC and our international team.

ala edwards and gregory

Talented lad I agree but we need some experience in the squad, a leader, some direction in attack and a player with a rugby league brain.

Matt Orford would be ideal.

we have poeple in the forwards for that (locky?), no need to sign another foreigner

Is this the 'signings/rumours' thread, or the 'dream something up' thread?

Also it tickles me that the people saying e should push British talent on other threads are those demanding NRL signings on this one.

Orford will be 33 next season..we need to get tomkins a partner that will be around for years..myler would also be my pick

I dont think you quite get it, anyone who says we shouldnt sign Lockyer clearly has a screw loose. He would nothing but improve Tomkins development and improve the team ten fold.

My thoughts on Lockyer here.

He's too old for Saints


[urlhttp://viewtopic.php?t=395065[/url

Actually you don't quite get it. My post was made prior to the Lockyer post being merged into here, and had nothing to do with that particular rumour.

One of them calls us 'clueless', and in the same breath reckons Lockyer is too old for Saints. He's somewhat clueless himself where the average age of Saints' other star players is concerned.

I would welcome Lockyer at saints but i may be in a minority

I love a good RL debate but some haven't got a clue. I wish we could open up a site that was by invitation only, because some idiots (on all sites) just get in the way of serious discussion.
What eventually happens is that good posters then just give up.

Myler is contracted to Salford till the end of the 2010 season, so Lockyer in for 2010 & 2011, Myler in for 2011, Tomkins and Myler playing inside Lockyer for 2011 depending on form and injury, Tomkins and Myler partnership from 2012 on. IFL please take note, its as simple as that