WD SA and ST; sad fact that they probably wouldn't have been in the side but for suspensions (Mathers and McIllorum). I can only hope that they are given a fair chance when the more established players return.

loved seein them on the pitch and IMO they were showin the old guys up. Riddell looked poor as was smith - tomkins looked more of a threat than smith, hope these guys are picked next week

Its all about hunger, the fact that these boys are local, and not here for a pay day or just to enhance their career. This is what we have been missing a desire to do well for your boyhood club.

What [ireally[/i impressed me most was watching and listening to Tomkins' post match interview. Ainscough looked like a giddy little schoolboy, which is understandable, but Tomkins looked and spoke very mature; he answered each question thoughtfully and coherently (sp?) and generally articulated himself very well. He also seemed very level headed, which will do him no end of favours IMO. The biggest benefit, or flaw, in a players' game is their attitude - often, some people will sign for a big club (do they come any bigger than Wigan, for a 19 year old Wigan lad, at least?) and think 'yes, that's it, I've made it' and strut around the training pitch. Tomkins strikes me as someone who thinks 'This is the just the begining. Now, I have to work on my game, listen to those around me and incorporate whatever I can in my game that will be of benefit to me and my team.', which should be applauded.

Well played Tomkins and Ainscow

Yes, the young 'uns showed the way tonight.

Well done !

It's also clear that Sam Tomkins is an articulate and educated young man.

We need more like this guy to represent RL for the future.

My highlight of the night from the pair was when they teamed up to stop a Quins try and put their man in touch. Ainscough jumped to his feet, grabbed hold of Tomkins and kissed him on the head whilst screaming encouragment. The pair of them showed a fight and passion in the badge thats rarely been seen over the past few years.

They're young and giftted but more then anything they want to play for Wigan because it's their team. They look like they enjoy every minute and that can only spread to the other players.

I think the location says it all.

The Twickenham Stoop?

WIGAN and the outside in that order.

My lowlight was the MOM interview... but I'll let the bugger off if he carries on in this vain



Seriously though, you'd think the club would invest a bit of time in media training for it's players... Tomkins came across very well, but he looks way older than 19

Maybe they would but they never expected Noble to play them

...I think Ainscough was just a little surprised and overcome getting the MOM (who wouldn't be?)...as you say let's hope he carries on like this

I've posted this previously on here - Sam Tomkins has the potential to be a Wigan superstar.

He is a 19 year old who is articulate, confident, has a great rugby brain and a passion for playing at Wigan - he has coaching badges and goes out of his way to coach in schools.

The question that Wigan should be answering is "how the hell can Wigan have [iNINE[/i overseas players (with most being average at best) when the town has such a rich seam of youngsters who would die to pull on the Cherry & White?"

I think the biggest compliment that you can give Tomkins and Ainscough is that they didn't look out of place at all yesterday, in fact they were two of our best players (the other two being Hock and Fielden).

It was so refreshing to see that level of enthusiasm and skill.

They have earned their place against Bradford and have to be included.

Well done to them both, that build up to the carmont try was just superb from them both. I just get the feeling that one little mistake and Noble wouldnt hesitate to drop them for Mathers/Smith.

Fielden

he got smashed about everywhere as per usual

Fielden now gets targetted every game and soaks up more than his fair share. He ran the ball in well, tackled hard and was unlucky with some penalties against. I thought he had a solid game.

And did his usual trait of dropping the ball at vital times in the game....

to be fair to him he had a better game after he got poked in the eye, it seemed to fire him up abit

I thought he was solid in the second half but so far hasn't continued his excellent form at the end of last season

IMO your young players Tomkins and Ainscough stepped upto the plate well, gave you a fresh angle to work from. Just a shame that when Nobby has a full team to select from, he will replace these talented kids for the overrated, over paid garbage.

A typical coach who will pick on reputation rather than performance!!!
This will be your downfall.

Pretty much sizes up my fears re Noble.

Who was not available yesterday then i think only Prescott and Phelps were not fit sure all the others were

McIllorum - I suspect if he was fit he would have been picked ahead of Sam. After all, Mike Mc's form wasn't bad prior to the ban.

Well we will have to agree to disagree there he is to slow at the play of the ball he needs a spell on loan to speed up his game there is no point having 2 slow 9s on the field