He hasn't really had the minutes yet which has been a strange one for me. He looks to be doing a good job whilst he's on the field but I suppose the coaching staff don't want to put too much on his shoulders just yet.

A good spell against Bradford would be a nice reward for him before we hopefully let him go back into the reserves or Widnes for the rest of the year. I mean that with all due respect to him because i'm hoping we'll have 5 fit props to choose from.

That's a matter of opinion really. I think Hansen has more bulk on his frame and could be a solid work horse prop at this time. Later in his career Mossop will be more suited to prop after he slowly bulks up.
Nevertheless if both players are on the bench you could use them accordingly.

Everything's a matter of opinion really, that's why in my opinion Prescott and O Carroll would be on thin ice. I would like to see Hock and Hansen step up to the front row, I'd like to retain Fielden for 2 seasons and Coley for 1. Add Lima and Davies to the mix and you have...

Fielden, Coley, Lima, Hock, Hansen and Davis to choose from.

Then...

Lockers, Tomkins, Tucson, Farrell, Mossop, Hoffman- all chasing the back row spots.

I really hope we can get Fielden tied to a new deal for next year because if we do then we really do look in a very strong position. The squad will have depth in every position and the competition will be fierce.

I agree. Stu would aid the pack if he continues to put in the same level of performance as he has recently.

The backs are more of an issue with an aging Carmont, Sam at either 1 or 6 Phelps and possibly Roberts not cutting it in the team anymore.

I personally would prefer a hooker to be brought in and for Tomkins to remain at fullback with Leuluai and Finch as the halves.

This in my opinion would give Wigan as complete a squad as possible under salary cap restrictions if our current front row forwards are all retained.

Not going for the obvious, to fill in for the time being if we could make some signings I'd like to see...

Lawrence (West tigers- centre)
Soward (St G-Halfback/stand off)
Malone (Cowboys-centre)
Williams (Manly-wing/centre)
Dugan (Canberra-FB)

All would be excellent adding to our team.

I'm not really worried about the long term future of our backs tbh. I think it looks in pretty good shape with Sam leading a cracking young bunch of players. We've got Goulding in there who's still pretty young and guys like Marsh and Charnley look real talents. We then recently had pretty much the full backline for the England u18's side so there must be some cracking talent amoungst that lot.

Theres obviously always going to be some imports in and around the squad aswell and hopefully one in Pat Richards will be here for a good spell yet. The only real area of concern in the backs I can see coming up anytime soon will be who replaces Gleeson when he's ready to hang the boots up(presuming somebody like Charnley will have already replaced Carmont).

Agreed.

Hooker for me is a priority over Prop even if Fielden does leave.

We can dream

Indeed we can, sad thing is I didn't even go for the obvious names such as Lockyer, Slater, Inglis, Smith etc...

I know yeah, Soward and Dugan are only young and Dugan in particular will be looking for rep footy in the next two year. So doesnt look like he'll come over. However this time 4 months ago I didnt think Hoffman would come over.

Heard rumours Saints are after Tony Williams so he may be worth a look.

Tony williams would be great signing, he's massive!

Ive heard saints are linked with him but can't see it.

Yeah mate, Brilliant player who would add alot to Super league. Big and powerful with decent pace. Hes scored plenty off tries this season, mainly thanks to Jamie Lyon inside him.

So did Ade Gardner and we all know how good he is.

Jamie Soward is the worst tackler I have ever seen

Tim Smith?



But I agree hes had some bad efforts in defence, remember one where GI throw him away like a child. Think its on youtube

Thats a big call, our full back two years ago was not too hot on the defence part of his game

Agreed, Soward isn't the best tackler I've seen, but his passing, step, organisation, kicking game are very good.

In fact I would say Tim Smith is a better tackler, maybe on a par with Mathers but his kicking and organising is something special, it's just he couldn't tackle a big dinner.

Getting back to signings, if Fielen does re-sign then I can only see there being one signing if that. Apart from the 9 shirt there's no other position that a signing would be needed for.
Should TL be given the hooking job with McIlorum and Deacon goes for another year then I'd be very surprised if we brought another player in.

We wouldnt need another player. The only quetion marks then would be if we retained Phelps and Pryce

I would have to disagree, Maguire's judgement has been proven to be correct once again in relation to the Tomkins fullback move. We surely should try and keep him there, bringing in a new hooker would allow us to do this as well as hopefully replacing the guile and creativity around the ruck that Riddell gives / gave us.

Keeping Phelps and Pryce on would be good for the squad but I don't think either are necessities.

Richie Myler was dropped from the squad today as we all know.
Apparently after being dropped by Tony Smith for the Challenge Cup semi he greeted his boss after the game with a hearty 'F*ck Off!'
And that's the reason he wasn't in the 17 today. That's from a VERY good source.

Myler played in the semi didnt he?