I'd hardly call Powell an experienced prop. Compared to him James' signing is a master stroke. However, what interests me the most is watching those who slated you re the Powell signing doing the same thing here, having conveniently forgotten how they told us all what an enforcer Powell was going to be. Having someone like you on here Dave makes it easy for them. They can forget the rubbish they posted back then and focus on you for having the temerity to voice a contrary opinion.

It would be more impressive if it wasn't always the same opinion, i.e. the club's made another massive mistake.

I bet other fans wished their clubs made as many mistakes as ours.

Undoubtably. We get way more right than wrong but Dave cops it for always having the same opinion whereas those who always hold a contrary opinion are safe in the mob. I'm just adding a much needed element of perspective IMO.

and so continues the world of wigan warriors where everything is black or white.

in reality eric was a decent prop who did an OK job, and was nowhere near as bad as the doom mongers would have had us believe. he was never going to be a 'marquee signing', but he did a job in a team that did the double last year. but hey, in the current climate people are only ever allowed to be brilliant or shiiiite. apparently there is no room anymore for balance.

the Andy Powell situation is a shame. he showed glimpses in his short tenure that IF he had put in the required effort, he could have been a real impact player, adding a dimension that has been missing from our game for a while. the fact that he has the mental fortitude and self-control of a teenager still, is a real shame. the Club took a gamble and has cut its losses as soon as the situation become apparent that it was not winnable. what is wrong with that ???? In reality AP has lost more than us on this, and RL benefited from the column inches when he signed. His departure will hardly make any news.

I would rather have a chair and manager that are prepared to take sensible, controlled gambles and re-assess when appropriate, than the policies that were followed pre-IL, when we either threw the kitchen sink at a few highly paid players with no depth to complement them, or brought in huge numbers of absurd 2nd raters who stopped our own youngsters from getting a game.

Sport management is NOT an exact science, but the current management team have as good a record as anyone else in SL.

I don't totally disagree with him on the James signing. On paper it's hardly impressive, but let's be honest - the guy's come as an experienced back-up, and nothing more. And is probably on peanuts. It doesn't mean we won't bring a bigger name in if one comes available.

It's not even an especially new thing. The all-star Wigan team of the late '80s signed back-up players like Mickey Dean and Steve Nicholson, who were complete unknowns and were never likely to figure very much, and it didn't cause a ripple because people recognised those signings for what they were. We ought to view it in that light instead of automatically assuming it's an error of judgement (which is what Dave appears to do).

1. Where have I mentioned Eric?
2. Read my subsequent response to Cruncher on this very thread.
3. I agree about the "black and white" bit, but probably not in the way you do.

I agree Dave is wrong about James. He was right about Powell though.

Even a broken watch is accurate at some point twice a day!

More's the pity. If nothing else, I thought Powell looked the part.

of course he's a super star, he's been on 'take me out'

There seems to be an awful lot of debate on what is quite clearly a squad signing...especially as he showed up well in the world cup and is hardly going to break the bank! Seems like a reasonable piece of business to me.

As long as he does better than the last time he played for us.

I wouldn't go as far as desperation but I can see what you're getting at, did SW panic and bring in the first available prop? Maybe. Maybe not. His judgement hasn't been far wrong in the past few seasons so I think he's earned the right to be trusted.

Regarding Hansen I think he left as we do have sufficient cover in the back row department (plus a mega money offer from $alford) but having said that in an ideal world he would still be a Wigan player.

Staying til the end with all lights still on may I add.

he choice wouldn't of been the one i would of chose tho.

I remember thinking at the time "Thaz'ad a shocker there lad"

I thought he was very solid for us under Millward - he may not of been the most creative player in the world but thats not why we signed him then and its not why we have signed him now.

A grafter who will give 100% and knows how to conduct himself both on and off the field.

Good enough or not , good luck to him !

The signing can't be desperation as there's nothing to be desperate about is there? Last time I looked we were double champions!!!

We've sold Mossop and recruited Pettybourne. Obviously the jury is out but right now no-one is complaining. We've lost Powell and Lauaki. Ok so Eric wasn't the worlds worst prop but he'd be no more than sixth choice. Powell on the other hand was a disaster. Correctly predicted by some. I wanted him to be given a chance and most fans were supportive. But he was a disaster. His defence being the worst of any forward I can remember. Though he showed some promise in attack to be fair. Now James couldn't possibly be worse. His performances for Wales were solid. Wane and Harris know a lot about him and I reckon they'll know he won't let us down on or off the pitch.

Obviously not a first seventeen signing (possibly not even first 25). If he was to be called upon to play though you'd worry about whether he will have had any game-time whatsoever. With London being fully loaned-up I can't see any other Super League club being interested in a loan deal, which in itself defeats the object of him bringing experience to the Wigan squad anyway.

Have Wigan got a dual-registration (not that James could go anyway) deal with anybody or will players be sent to South Wales Scorpions again?

I will wait and see how he performs before writing him off, Salford fans actually rated him last season and i think he had a good world cup as well. we still have dual reg with scorpions.

I really cannot see why some people are getting so worked up about this. JJ is a seasoned professional who was considered enough of an asset to be given a job as a coach and just a few weeks ago was being complimented for his play in the world cup. Circumstance means we may need a bit of experience up front at a time when few/no marquee standard props are available so we have re-registered him. Remember that last time it wasn't him who was shocking, he never let us down and did what was asked of him.
I would hate to see the development of our juniors derailed by throwing silly money around like we did in the past. I trust that we have a plan, and that this keeps it on track. I doubt that we will walk away with everything this season but thank God that we are not playing who's got the biggest cheque book?
One question though, is he being payed as a coach who will run out if necessary or as a player fully on cap?

3 tries in 6 games plus a bit of biff against the scousers, he'll do for me

If you guys are not wanting him a Dual reg with the Scorpions would be top rate thankyou!

Solid player for club and country, as said nothing creative, hold on tight and run up the middle.

Also great bloke!

I was gutted he left salford. I thought he was one of our best players last season. Still gives it his all, the try against Huddesfield last season when 3 huddersfield players bounced back of him on the try line was quality. Hope he does alright for you