The big stadia that pay for games help create dreadful atmospheres though. There's nothing worse than 20k or so at ANZ, which we see almost every week. The whole event would be much better at the smaller suburban venues.

It’s trips like yours that make this game so special imo. I know everyone wasn’t best pleased with this trip but it’s been a huge success for me. I know we miss out on a home game but its been worth it. I really enjoyed going to the stadium watching us last Saturday morning. It felt like we were watching a special occasion and I can’t say I enjoyed myself any less then I would’ve done on a freezing Friday night at the DW.

Enjoy the rest of your time over there

For me this game is about keeping momentum, drilling combinations and not risking those who are injured.

Looking at this, we need:
-Sam Tomkins playing, to solidify his link-up play from fb and also when he plays right half back when Escare comes on.
-Escare needs to play to ensure his link up play is sharp from fb.
-Powell needs to play to improve his combinations from right half back
-Marshall, Gildart need to improve their partnership, as well as Sarg and Davies.
-Williams need to play for his link ups on his left edge.

So IMO all first choice backs need to play.

Forwards?
-Flower needs game time after his layoff last season.
-Happy to rest Clubb
-Happy to rest Lockers
-Tommy needs game time as he's adapting to a new position
-Sutton needs more minutes
-Hamlin needs game time in the first team, as well as Naverette
-Isa needs to start at 13 to work on link plays if he's Locker's fill in,
-Joel needs game time

My team v souths:

Tomkins
Marshall Gilly Sarg Davies
Williams Powell
Sutton Tommy TT
Faz Joel
Isa

Escare Hamlin Narrarette (Poss Wells)

Anybody know if Wells has travelled? I’ve not seen him on any photos at all. I really like the lad but he seems to be very much on the edge of the squad.

They've mentioned an extended bench, so I'd expect about 8 subs. Give Burgess a chance to battle for a wing spot. If Forsyth has travelled, I'd be giving him game-time as well, fairly inexperienced for a guy who is potentially only one injury away from a regular spot.

Not sure how many of our young bucks have travelled but for me all of the players who have travelled and didn't play on Saturday should be down for playing ideally in the starting 13. A good chance to benchmark themselves against guys in similar positions with regards to experience and presumably age.

Oh right, didn't realise it's an extended bench.

Mullen Field Ganson and Sharrocks are there so I assume they’ll all be playing.

Escare
Davies
Sarginson
Gildart
Marshall
Williams
Powell
Sutton
Leaulai
FPN
Farrell
Bateman
Joel

Tautai
Hamlin
Naverette
Field
Mullen
Sharrocks
Ganson
Burgess

Can we borrow some of these https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... -1-9014817 a few decent players there!

Can we borrow some of these https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... -1-9014817 a few decent players there!

I thought this "pure" friendly was general knowledge, I heard about it last week, messaged some mates who have travelled over and they were all aware that it wasn't a competitive match and were disappointed with that.

Personally, I think it's extremely poor for the travelling contingent, but suits me with Warrington the following week.

Looking at the team photos there’s been no sign of Forsyth or Jack Wells and I think the plan was to take 25 players (but from what I have seen I think it’s 26). I wonder if it’s a warning that they want more from the pair if them or if they’re carrying knocks?!

Mullen, Shorrocks, Ganson, Field and Paisley look to be the youngsters who’ve travelled with Navarette, Nuuausala, Hamlin and Bateman others who’ve not played.

I believe Wells has recently had a small op on a foot injury

Quote ="exiled Warrior"Can we borrow some of these https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... -1-9014817 a few decent players there!'" Some great players,always makes me think what could have been when I see Amos Roberts,he was absolutely brilliant in 2010 and looked nailed on for man of steel had he played the full season,such a shame injury cut his career short.

Quote ="exiled Warrior"Can we borrow some of these https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... -1-9014817 a few decent players there!'" Some great players,always makes me think what could have been when I see Amos Roberts,he was absolutely brilliant in 2010 and looked nailed on for man of steel had he played the full season,such a shame injury cut his career short.

I thought that he had broken a bone in his foot against Leigh.

In a weird way that’s good to hear about Wells. I’m a huge fan and would love to see him kick on this year. I was wondering if there had been some issues behind the scenes. Wane does seem to have hinted during pre season that he wants more from a few of the younger lads.

I'd be more than happy if we could name 17 of the fans that travelled over to play this friendly match. The two points are in the bag, and the rest of the first team squad that will be facing Warrington need to be flown back home at the earliest opportunity.

Who would our reserve grade play in a trial then??? Huh?...

The squad has been announced. We are starting with squad numbers 1-13 and have 14 subs! Burgess and Bateman return. I'm surprised Lockers is being risked, guessing he will be subbed early. Would have liked to have seen Forsyth or Higginson given a run as I feel we lack experienced depth at centre.

Not keen on resting players at this stage in the season. Players need match fitness and to build combinations, sooner they can all gel the better. Combinations allow for 'slicker' play, less drop ball and better communication. I'd at least put our our strongest 13 for the majority of the first half before introducing other players.

Wigan Warriors Squad
Starting XIII: 1. Sam Tomkins, 2. Tom Davies, 3. Dan Sarginson, 4. Oliver Gildart, 5. Joe Burgess, 6. George Williams, 7. Sam Powell, 8. Tony Clubb, 9. Tommy Leuluai, 10. Ben Flower, 11. Joel Tomkins, 12. Liam Farrell, 13. Sean O’Loughlin.

Interchange: 14. John Bateman, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Frank-Paul Nuuausala, 17. Taulima Tautai, 19. Willie Isa, 20. Morgan Escaré, 22. Liam Marshall, 23. Josh Ganson, 24. Jake Shorrocks, 25. Romain Navarrete, 27. Callum Field, 30. Gabe Hamlin, 38. Craig Mullen, 39. Liam Paisley.

Should be a interesting game, excited to watch it. But id take getting beat 40-0 if it meant beating wire the week after.

Strange to see Lockers in the squad when SW has already told us he’s definitely not playing?

Unless he is going to play a few minutes as club captain then come off and stay off - token appearance.

Wane has been quoted saying Lockers has been at him to play. I imagine it'll be a short spell then put back in cottonwool.

He seemed to be a bit ginger on his leg during his second spell in the Hull game. Hopefully this is an indication it's nothing to worry about.