Good post and it was kind of what I was getting at. He’s a decent young hooker but the clock is ticking and he’s not going to force his way in ahead of O’Neil and Leeming. Like most things in life it’s a lot to do with timing and I just don’t see it at the moment. If he was coming through 5 years ago he may well be our starting 9 today.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... l-29224014

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... l-29224014

Fully expecting the floodgates to open with NRL moves over the next few years with the increase in clubs over there and the level of disparity in the salary cap.

After the way he left Wigan, it doesn't seem much of a surprise. I don't think that NRL release clause was made common knowledge at the time of the move but there was talk before he left Wigan that it was a big ambition of his and it seems like the move to Wire has been used to fast track his standing a little, so he'll now be on for more money in the NRL. I rate him really highly and expect him to go well over there.

On a side note, I wouldn't be surprised to see Wire move for Bateman now.

The Nicholson news soften the blows of us losing him, we’d have only been delaying it a couple of seasons of which we have had good success and not really needed him.

Had we kept him, I doubt Nsemba would've played many games at all so far and we may not have signed Sam Walters.

Funny how things play out sometimes.

Definitely worked out for the best.

If Nsemba and Walters have blinders at Wembley I imagine their agents inboxes will be chock full with enquires Sunday morning, here's hoping they're home birds (at least for a few years)

Quite simple if that happens. Nsemba is signed at Wigan for the next 3 season after this year.

If he wants to go the NRL he can do in 2028.

Walters the same.

Think we should be a little firmer with contracts rather than letting them go whenever they want (I understand we let Smithies go as Thompson was available but this won’t be the case most years).



Seeing Nicholson shine at Wire has stung (same with George) so I’m glad he’s off down under.

I hope I'm wrong but given Nsemba's past comments it wouldn't be a surprise to see him off to the NRL at the earliest opportunity. What we don't know is if there are any NRL clauses in the longer term contracts that some of our players have signed recently.

I think you're right re Forber, timing is a problem for him, i was thinking it be another 2 seasons before taking on a more regular role - but he's 23 by then. I'd also forgotten about Ellis having extended. All depends what his ambitions are - from what I've seen he'll be a good 9.

Nicholson to the NRL? https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Rugby+League

Nicholson to the NRL? https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Rugby+League

Harvey Makin recalled from his loan spell. Guessing it may be a hint as to the plan for Wire next week.

Im looking forward to seeing a second string side from Wigan and Warrington I’m sure we’ll both get slagged off but be great to see people like makin Eseh hill eckersley and chan

I’d sooner have had the reserves playing this week and gone full strength next week, we always seem a bit disjointed after a week off, I suppose we’ll know more when we see the 21 tomorrow

I want to see our best 17, it is important that we keep our winning run going.

Has anyone heard the rumour linking us with Mikey Lewis?

I think I saw it tweeted by Mathew Shaw but assumed it was a wind up.

If we are in for him one of French, Field or Smith is off (Smith I assume) but I just don’t see it in the next year.

Thanks Jon.This rumour has come from someone associated with the club.

The only place I've seen that rumour is on Twitter and looks to be a Hull FC fan on the wind up. Aside from someone to possibly provide more depth in the backrow, I don't think Wigan need to recruit at all for 2025.

With the wraps Peet continually gives to Farrimond I can't imagine us blocking his pathway with Mikey Lewis. French is tied down long term also. Non starter for me

As cover for Hampshire?

Welcome back pemps!!

I agree unless there is proposed player movement within the club at the end of the season.

Admittedly I’m not one of Bateman’s biggest fans however, with minimal thought I can think of several players who for me are/were far better than Bateman namely Andy Farrell, Liam Farrell, Hock, Fletcher, Betts, Tomkins, Hansen and Isa.
His first season in the nrl he was impressive but for me a fit athletic player but with very limited attacking abilities.