I think it's pretty obvious there won't be a replacement for Bateman. The press release on that has IL going on about Isa, Greenwood, Faz and the up and coming junior players meaning we are covered.

Lam certainly has a job on his hands because Hardaker is a different sort of player to Sam T who along with Lockers is the only player we have who can organise the team on-field. I think the inadequacies of the team are pretty obvious to all but at least we will get to see if a different coach can get more out of Williams and Powell (or he may even shift Powell out completely) and if some different tactics can elevate the pack into a better unit going forward.

Lam has lost two of the three truly class players we have so unlike Madge who we could see took virtually the same team as Noble had onto a new level Lam isn't even getting as good a side as Wane has now. Unless of course we make some moves to sign other players before next season.

Now it’s been announced I think we’ll see a few more arrivals to the club for next season.

Will Edwards still want Bateman coming back as one of the marquee players (I would) or will he have other idea's?

I would be amazed if he didn't make that decision (or was at least asked whether he agreed with it before it happened).

I think after Edwards watched the saints game, he’ll have zero problem with Bateman as marque. Been outstanding.

Why would Edwards want to leave his cushty number with the rah rahs?

You need to direct that question to Edwards

Not many appointments in the game feel like destiny but this one does. I’m sure he could’ve earned more and been less stressed staying in Union but I guess this is a lifelong ambition he’s fulfilling.

I just pray it works out for everyone and we’re not left with a Cunningham style situation over at Saints.

No chance of that happening, Edwards is a real legend with a rugby knowledge second to none, Cunningham had to retire from playing when they banned shoulder charges.

His dad and mam are now in their 80's, and he wants to be closer to them.

Which is as good a reason as you could ever have. Edwards has allowed family concerns to guide much of his post-playing career.

It should also be considered that not everyone seeks a cushy number. Again, this would be typical Shaun Edwards, who has always, as a player and a coach, sought to challenge himself.

I think coaches in rugby league dont really have the main say in transfers anymore, yeh they have preferences and suggestions but I think the length of contracts in place with majority of the players theses days show that there is always a long or short term view of that player which as been decided from higher up whether or not the head coach at the time would still be there.

For example when George Williams signed his contract last year the player thought and probably most of fans did that Shane Wane would be charge throughout it but things change and whether Shane was in charge or not the club would have done everything to keep the player. Escare was brought in on a 1 year deal but after impressing the club moved quick to sign him to a 4 year deal but we have seen this year that he is in and out the team so not 100% sure if Wane really fancies him.

I dont see much change to the playing roster for 2019 with players that are leaving already being replaced but 2020 we may see some changes throughout.

I will say now that I think next year will be a struggle for Wigan, we will make the 8's but cant see much more maybe a bit of a cup run but think its a consolidation type season with the main eye on 2020 with Edwards. I know that wont sit well with many fans who buy season tickets / merchandise etc but its common sense that success does come in cycles and I think since 2016 GF victory we have been coming to end of ours.

All very positive at the press meeting... Non of the negativity that so many knickerwetters who regularly post on the forum display... Onwards..

why would a news conference unveiling the new coaching set up be purposely negative?! of course its going to be in a positive light.

thats just a silly statement and if anything just a personal dig at certain users on here. leave off!

What makes you think he was getting at you?

I've not listened to it yet but it does sound progressive and promising. I still have concerns but I'm more so chuffed to bits we've got Lam and Edwards.

My concern now moves to GW and his situation. We may need a new #6 for next season and a new #7 the season after (on the proviso Lachlan Lam is indeed coming)

Just watched the presser and it got the hairs on the back of my neck to stand. Lam talking about bringing some attacking flare and players playing with a smile on their face. Edwards talking about how the club is in his bones and using the time to study the game even more. Very promising indeed.

On Lachlan Lam, Adrian said he’s speaking to the Roosters and we’ll know more in the next week or so.

what makes you think i thought he was directing his angst directly at me?

i'm not the only one on here who has on occasion come across as raising negativity.

Just watched it myself. Very positive with Edwards characteristically direct and to the point. I think both Lam and Edwards as coaches will make Wigan an attractive destination for prospective players. I bet there will be a few who cancelled their auto-renewal for their season tickets getting back on the phone to reverse that

Adrian Lam and Shaun Edwards both appearing on Super League Golden Point tomorrow evening before our game v Castleford. I'd probably also expect one of, if not both may appear on BBC Radio Manchester's Sport at 6 talking Rugby League tonight at 6pm.

You need to take it easy on the happy pills Dave. You'll burst a blood vessel if you keep up with all this positivity

Watching the two individual interviews drives home how different they are from each other. Lam is such a laid back character while Edwards is and always has been very intense. Didnt think twice about putting the interviewer in his place a few times after characteristically lazy questioning.

The players will be in for a few culture shocks!

Don’t know why there’s all this talk of next year being “transition” we’ll still have a good squad with Hardaker Williams and Lam an upgrade on this years 1,6 and 7 imo. Only players we’ll struggle to replace are Bateman and Sutton imo, Bullock I’ve got high hopes for so that may be Sutton replaced, Bateman is a big loss but with the quality of super league atm I doubt as a team we’ll struggle to much

I've just watched the Edwards and Lam interviews on Wigan t.v. Shaun certainly doesn't dodge any questions. If the players think Wane is fierce then they're in for a big shock, he's a pussycat compared to Edwards!!

First home game 2020 season , not Wollongong but Cardiff ? After Wales RU have done well in the World Cup