Yes one will start at loose forward and one at prop alongside Dupree, Havard and Byrne. Cooper and Mago will be the main back ups. Looks like a loan move for Hill would be sensible. Difficult to see Tiaki Chan playing more than a handful of games unless there are significant injuries.

I don't think either particularly suit the way we play...and why change that? Our attack has been outstanding this year in the main. I personally think O'Neill would suit the role best if we were to lose Smithies. In two minds about it though because he's been great at 9 also. If Smithies does leave, in an ideal world Leeming would hit the ground running and O'Neill would transition well to 13 on a more permanent basis. If we end up in games where it's an out-and-out forward battle the option is there to move one of Ellis or Thompson to 13, O'Neill into 9 due to his superb defence, and spell Leeming. Assuming Nsemba will be selected on the bench on a more consistent basis, you don't really lose anything from the prop rotation either as he can step up. The back rowers can do 80 in those games.

Ellis is naturally a loose forward to be fair, played at loose forward for St George. Only played prop really when he signed for us in which he’s been very underrated. I know it was only one game but he was outstanding at loose when we beat wire to stop their 8 game title winning run in April.

I don’t think Ellis is a natural 13.

He fell into the category of being a “middle” when he first came over, much in the same way Thompson did, being capable of running at Prop and 13. Middles generally have a bit more agility and smaller than an out and out Prop.

I do however think this season we have bulked Ellis to convert him to a Prop rather than a middle and the results in his meters gained have been because of this.

I’m sure he could slot into that 13 role but I see him now more as a prop with ball handling capabilities.

Thompson if Smithies goes I’m sure will be our main 13 for 24 and beyond.

I’ve been told that Smithies is gone.

Hopefully Smithies sees the NRL as a move he wants to make for 2-3 years while he's young before returning to Wigan. But he may also be another Ryan Sutton who sees his longer term future in Australia. I imagine we'll see another of those 'first option' clauses included anyway.

Outside of Thompson and Ellis, I wonder if there is actually to the Owen Farrell rumour. One more signing to come - it may well just be a back up player but who knows.

Wouldn’t surprise me if Thompson or Ellis start the game at 13 then O’Neil or Farrell to interchange.
Personally I don’t go with a prop at 13 but it maybe the way that Peet feels we can dominate more early on.

Someone mentioned there'll be good news on Saturday ... or did I misread?

Saturday being Grand Final day.

Are we really going to announce a minor (back-up player) signing on Grand Final day?

100% agree. Wardle is by far the best centre we've had in many years. He has all the attributes any Super League team could expect from a centre, and he's a pleasure to watch.

If Keighran can deliver what King delivered (and hopefully more) our back line next year is going to be something special.

First option clauses are absolutely useless.

It was me mate, but it might not be a signing. I can’t say anymore at this point.

Fair enough.

I'm hoping it's not a departure. That wouldn't be a particularly good idea on Grand Final day either.

If it's good news I can't see it being an outgoing.

Extended contracts for Nsemba and Smith??

Nsembe has signed a new three year deal.

Elliot Whitehead leaving the Raiders, more fuel for the Smithies rumour

End of 2024

Hearing more and more people telling me Field is going to Catalans and Saturday will be his last game, really hope they are just regurgitating the previous rumour.

It's an easy thing to say when Tomkins is retiring.

Would be very strange the way Ian Lenegan was bigging him up at the 16 year gala awards other day, he said he was the most naturally gifted ball player he's seen at Wigan since Billy Boston! Which is massive raps for the lad..
Matty Peet also did the same post match saying once they outline a game plan "what can I tell him about rugby" he lets Jai run with it as he's got such a natural understanding. It's also been rubbished several times. Peet also said that no changes signing wise in the halves so doesn't add up as they have rubbished it several times. Obviously doesn't mean Cats haven't made an effort to sign him.

Hopefully there's nothing in it - it will be good when the 2024 squad is finalised to give us reassurance there are no more stings in the tail following our recruitment (outside of the Smithies move).

Hard to see any motive for Wigan to allow Field to move to a rival SL club whilst under contract. Plus Catalans really need to start incorporating more French players into the regular 17 - surely the Tomkins replacement should be Arthur Morgue.

Can anyone put the Field to Catalans rumour to bed please? Don't want to be thinking about that in Grand Final week!

On a more positive note, Rads did say that there may yet be one or two more signings.

But are they to replace departing players we dont yet know about

It'll be reet. Smithies & Field out, Radley & Tedesco in - job done.