In terms of what he can do but not in terms of him being a squad player. He wanted first team rugby and he wasn't guaranteed that at Wigan.

He may have been very good or may go on to be but I doubt we would have seen anything more than an odd cameo going into this season and then only at the cost of Jnr development. I can't see how he would have forced his way past Faz, ISA, KPP at second row or Smithies Ellis at LF if all was fit? You could even say it may have stopped Walters signing and/or maybe one of the props being signed as Eliss would have filled the role, he's also more in the mould of a average size forward rather than that natural big frame we have definitely been lacking at times. All if and maybe but I think I would take Walters signing Jnr development and new contract over a player who made the choice he did.

It’s all if’s buts and maybes.

One thing is for sure we need to be prioritising a secondrow signing ahead of next season and I’d suggest we would look to use one of the quota spots we will open up on one.

Peet clearly wants a big pack and I don’t see where we get a secondrow that fits the bill from in SL.

We need someone to replace Isa, but we don't need a big name. By the end of the season, Walter's will have replaced Isa. Nesmba is top junior talent who'll then take up that regular bench spot. That works from a size POV, a development POV and more than likely a cap POV too.

If there's no one in the reserves who can step up, then I think we'll get another project signing like Chan. I just can't see an experienced head coming in and dislodging two of the best talents in SL.

Looking at the squad, I think a second row signing is the only thing we need for 2025 unless there are surprise exits and I don’t see who that could be at the minute (which is why it would be a surprise I guess..ha). The plan you’d imagine would be for Isa to retire and then at least one prop to move on (Cooper may well retire on his terms or Mago may go) and a second rower to come in, with guys like Hill and Sam Eseh moving up the prop pecking order.

It’s a lovely position to be in for things to seem so settled and straight forward. They’ve got plenty of time to look around the market here and down under for a second rower.

But the debate is about not having enough cover for the second row, the other points are valid but not in the context of what we are discussing.

I was speaking to Kyle Amor last year when he was playing at Widnes and just after Eckersley has played a couple of games there. The conversation came round to what was Eckerleys best position as I wasn't sure if he was a fullback, winger or centre.
Kyle said that he thought Eckersley would make a superb attacking second row due to his physical size, speed and athleticism.

Food for thought?

Not for me. Looks a clear centre.

I think they are in context Zig. The discussion is what Wigan need. You could equally say any number of players could fulfil the role but it's a moot point if they aren't right for Wigan. He wasn't right for Wigan as he wanted guaranteed first team rugby and that wasn't something we could offer.

I did consider that Rogues but I have an aversion to sticking every big, athletic lad in the 2nd row. It's something we've done as a nation for far too long. We need big, athletic backs too so any capable of playing in the backs should do so. Eckersley is more than capable.

Have you had any further thoughts on Beardsworth?

God, we (British RL) are obsessed with turning strong backs into boring back rowers, hope we don't do it again.

Quite a unique environment yesterday when I went to Siddal to watch Trinity in the cup.

What was evident was how big and athletic Thornley is not only compared to his opposition but also what it this year a very big Trinity team.

We didn’t do it with him and I highly doubt we would do it with Eckersley either especially since we now rely heavily on our centres (which I think he is all day) doing the hard yards early in sets.

And me. The lad looks is all class.

He didn’t want guaranteed first team rugby, he wanted to be paid what he thought he was worth. Williams was the same, but IFL was not willing to pay it. Danson is another kettle of fish.

That seems like a plan but who can we get as a project signing.

Miski and Cooper are good to go next week. Sam Eseh is facing a spell on the sidelines l. Hopefully, we will be healthy after the Cas game.

Smithies and KPP are not in the equation. Faz and Isa are at the end of their careers, that leaves Ellis and Junior. Junior is injured, so we are left with Kaide. Nicholson looks like a class act to me and one who we let slip the net. As for being average in size, he is much bigger than Faz or Isa. Finally, had we retained him I think we would have still signed Walters.

Good news with those two. Miski, in particular, seems to be continuing where he left off with yet another 40 minute hat-trick! Is there any further news on Eseh's injury?

I'll bow down to your superior knowledge there Zig. I heard he went to Wire because they guaranteed him first team rugby but it wasn't from the horse's mouth, so to speak, so I'm happy to take your word if you're telling me that's not the case.

Absolutely no idea.

What I do know however, is that it's now easier to get a visa for players with limited 1st team experience. Wakey have signed Vagana's lad on potential and probably his name & i'm sure there are plenty of hungry, talented lads who'd jump at the chance of playing for us. They wouldn't be guaranteed starters but, as we've seen this season, injuries always occur. One injury and they'd be playing SL. After that it's all down to them.

Ethan Sweet
Nathaniel Tangimataiti
Luca Moretti
Jordan Martin
Jordin Leiu
Bradley Zampech
James Roumanos

The lad has got a hamstring injury and he is going for a scan this week in order to determine the severity of the injury.

It all came down to money Phuzzy.

we could also give Isa another deal.

Doesn't sound too promising. That's 2 of our close season signings down for extended periods and the season hasn't even started yet