Sarcastic response.

Just because we haven't heard, does not mean they are not being done. All that's being said is that maybe it's best to judge when we see the whole picture, as opposed to just using as another thread to roll out the usual IL or SW bashing.... Offering a balanced approach immediately means I'm a happy clapper, I'll live with that.

I wish you were a Leeds fan too.

The plan is to give him the game time next season at half back. I think he will cement a place alongside George Williams and we will be in a great position for years to come.

TBF I don't think that's a sarcastic response. You've put a reasoned argument forward that makes sense. The sarcastic responses are those that can be seen above that belittle others that have differing opinions.

FWIW I'm a massive IL fan. I'm defo in the minority who support the most of his decisions (London etc) it's just on the recruitment front I always feel like I'm left wanting more.

OT but I'll hold my hands up and say I miss the superstars that we/ SL had 10/15 years ago. Watching Lam, Trent, Dallas, Renouf etc going up against the likes of Lyon, Big Les, Gidley etc made the game extra special imo. Today's youngsters and journeymen that we are filled with simply dont generate that level of excitement.

Always? Is it realistic to expect high-profile signings [ievery[/i year? I write this as a Leeds fan; our recruitment's been fairly low key for a few seasons yet with a couple of signings we're suddenly being envied (though not necessarily by you personally, I should add). The signings we've made are to replace some very high profile retirees. Conversely, you seem to be retaining the core of what is a decent team, plus you've got Sam back. I don't get the dissatisfaction if I'm honest.

For me and, I suspect, a few others it's to do with our style, not results. Our backs are carrying the forwards to some extent IMO. Call me a traditionalist, but I want forwards to lay a platform and backs to exploit it. I'm not one for going over stats but I suspect our props metreage is poor compared to other top teams. Therefore, when a solid looking option like Galloway goes to a rival I cast envious glances. Also, you can add that we have a talented but young squad, with only 2 players aged 29 or over whereas Leeds have probably 7 or 8. My view is that some extra experience would bring a lot to the table. This, by some, is viewed as either IL/SW bashing or "panicking" when it's neither.

Sounds eminently reasonable when you put it like that. I based my comments largely on your results, not least against us. It's also possible your pack haven't really flexed their muscles yet. I don't think Wane's as daft as some make him out to be and you'll maybe be pleasantly surprised from here on in. Naturally I hope not though

My frustration is based on how very average SL has been this year and with a bit of intelligent recruitment last year in the forwards would see us comfortably the best in the league.

We are sitting in 3rd with a powderpuff pack, misfiring halves inconsistent centres a hot and cold fullback and relatively well performing wingmen.

Hardly a great reflection on the competition is it?

Painfully accurate.

Wigan have had a fantastic 5 years but I think we can also look back on parts of it as a wasted opportunity to really dominate and have another golden era. We've lost players we should really have kept and seem to constantly in a period of development (both of our own players and project signings).

It looks like yet another big turn over of players in the off season with more concrete ideas on outs then ins.

And yet you're the one who decided to take it off topic.

Believe it or not mods are allowed an opinion too - even ones you might not agree with.

That's just crazy talk.

I've already answered - (sarcasm alert) I'm not ready to slit my wrists about next seasons recruitment just yet when there's 7 months before it even starts. There's plenty of time to be under or overwhelmed once we all know exactly what's happening.

2 points: When is Gareth Widdop going to be announced as a signing?
And on the Hampshire debate which is very tiresome now, when will somebody mention Shawn Edwards in this? He played FB, wing, stand off and scrum half (did he play centre once or twice?) and was competent in all positions but excelled in the halves because he learned from the masters. Is Hampshire above Edwards, can he just walk into his favoured position when the squad is maxed out? If Widdop is on his way who would you prefer to play?

After last nights game, the back three all handled high kicks wel, l all looked comfortable under the high ball and facing Brough one of the best kickers in the league. As mentioned Edwards played a number of positions (second fiddle to Ford) for a while until he found his position. Unlike Hampshire he could catch a ball and he waited for his chance. The club did not give him the stand off role he earned it. For all Hampshires positives the frustrating thing is the failure to catch a high ball. At the moment is only involvement will be if Bowen needs a rest again. I cant see him getting a look in in the halfs unless injuries happen and then he will be behind Powell. I have had a pop at Powell but last night he added to the attack. I would still like him to help out with the kicking, Mcllurom kicked well from dummy half .

I want a couple of big, mean forwards for our team in 2016 as much as anyone but no-one has touched on the fact that we now have 6 senior props under contract. You can only sign players when you have space to accommodate them, particularly within a salary capped sport.

We had spaces for two props last year and got Mossop and Tautai. Until contracts run out then I don't see how we can bring anyone else in. We could maybe bring in a big backrower to replace Patrick but I don't think we have the capacity to do anything up front.

Tautai could be the solution to the backrow issue. Patrick has to go and be replaced by quality regardless.

I'm sure we could offload at least 1 maybe 2 contracted Props.

I guess it all comes down to what we have to spend under the cap.

But at the same time we didn't replace Eddie and I doubt Patrick and Hughes will be here in 2016. As far as I know we haven extended the contracts of any of our forwards so we've got two guys wages in the bank.



Agree that TT could be an option in backrow. I'd be very excited to see him running out wide (sure he started as a winger in the NRL).

If the rumours about Crosby are true then that's one contracted player who's moving on. I'd bring in Watts from FC who would really add something to the side.

What are the Crosby rumours?

I heard a rumour that he was leaving. Don't know of its a reliable source or not sadly

Ah ok, seems a strange one, thought he was tied down to a longish deal. He's replaceable but I think we could do with some stability in the squad. I don't think we can cope with another heavy turnaround.

After last night's game I'm not convinced Bateman is a long-term option at centre and we need to know what is happening with Sarge ASAP. If he's going we need a quality replacement.

The thing that really confused me last night was why Bateman was playing right centre with Gelling and Manfredi on the left. Bateman bombed a couple of two on ones and didn't looking comfortable passing to his right. Gelling looked like a fish out of water on the left hand side and had a torrid time in defence. All of their tries came down that side, the tackling attempts for the break that led to Crabtree's try were woeful. Would definitely be looking to swap them for the Leeds game. Is there any word on how much longer Sarg is out for?

Although solid in the role im not a fan of Bateman in the centre if cover is needed I would use Tomkins, although moving position around is not ideal, Tomkins is just getting back to his best at second row he looked hard to handle last night I just think he offers a bit more as a centre in attack.

Well that's very strange. After the game at Hull everyone was saying that Gelling was a natural left centre when he gave that brilliant pass that put Burgess away.

He was chopped and changed last season, often on the left if Goulding was selected as the opposite centre or the right if Sarg was. He then seemed to settle on the right, but now Bateman is being used as a makeshift centre he's been changed again, which seems odd as you'd expect JB to be more comfortable passing to his left.

Maybe we are holding back on announcing new signings until the season is finished to avoid putting some players noses out of joint?

And maybe some of the clubs players are coming from don't want it announced... Just because we don't know, does not mean nothing is happening...