Im not confident SOL could play 6 to a high level for a substantial period of time. Never rated him as a stand off, as a one off game yes but not for 8-10 weeks. Against lesser teams we could get away with it but once we start playing the likes of Wire, Leeds in the semi etc I think he will be targeted and the structure will break down. For me is an out and out thirteen and id rather give one of teh youngsters the chance to gel with Finch over this period. At the end of teh day we dont know what Tommy will come back like, will there be a re-occurance. We need a partnership that could potentially work for the rest of the season in case Tommy takes time to get back to anywhere near that form and time to re-gel with Finch. SOL isnt the solution to that imo.

I completely agree. SOL at 13 is a far more effective weapon against any side than SOL at 6. What's the point in causing disruption to the pack (granted, Farrell could more than fill in for SOL), but I think one of the youngsters should be given a go. Wane's said, if you're performing you'll get a chance. Surely we must have a half back who's performing somewhere.

I agree. For a one off game like Widnes, sticking Lockers in at 6 pretty much picks itself without any real risk (you'd like to think

), this will give us a little bit more time to work out the structure to move forward.

Personally I think Joe Mellor must be given time to prove himself a new contract behind a strong pack.

I don't want to see SOL at 6, mainly because I think finch playing 6 is very important to us. The little bit of extra time he gets sitting back as second receiver allows him a little more time to pick the right passes out IMO.

We generally play split halves so it will make no difference. Finch will be on the left and O'Loughlin on the right and so the play will work around that.

next game up is widnes...chuck a young un in at half and see how he performs, and keep option open to shuffle the side if it goes wrong like the away game.
if it goes ok, then put him in again v bulls

the only way we;ll find out is to try them.

btw..has anyone else worked out that if we lose Micky Mac to injury now we are up the creek without a paddle?

I'm sure the club plays the same moves and similar game plans right through the ranks so any kid coming in should fit in easily enough. It'd just be a question of getting used to the speed of the game. Seeing as Mellor has already played a few first team games at Widnes I think it'd be rude not to give him a go.

The Wigan Observer says Wane is leaving Mellor and Russell where they are and going with Lockers at 6.

Other options mentioned are Powell when he's back or George Williams but you'd think it's too soon tbh. He's going on the academy tour anyway in mid July so I can't see it.

Faz to Hooker & Mickey Mac to 6, Lockers stays where he is

Well, I do have confidence that Waney knows the players capabilities and readiness best, though I'd have preferred to have seen Mellor get a shot.

When is Sam Powell due back from his injury?

I have MASSIVE doubts Lockers can get the team going.

He's a world class 13 but I don't think he's a HB.

He said a couple of weeks on twitter last week but then would need at least 3 games in the 20s for me

I'm not that worried about playing O'Loughlin in the halves. He's done alright there a few times before and when it comes to passing he's probably better than Leuluai. He might not be a massive threat running with the ball but Leuluai hasn't been running with the ball as much this year.

The big issue is the loss of Leuluai's kicking. I can't believe I'm saying this given how bad his kicking was last year but he's made a huge improvement with his kicking and it means one less option with the boot. O'Loughlin used to be able to put in some decent kicks but given how little he's kicked over the last few years he's become a bit erratic.

Defensively though he should be just as good as Tommy and one of the benefits of O'Loughlin in the halves is the cut out passes that he can send out to the winger.

Tommy has a top passing game.

He doesn't throw the cut out passes because we play a different style of play to that.

I've seen Tommy throw some truly fantastic passes in his time at Wigan.

At no point did I say Tommy wasn't a good passer. He is. I said I think O'Loughlin is better. Before Finch came he was probably the best at the club.

Gelling to full back sam to stand off pick any winger you like, simples !

ive said it b4, SOL for a substantial period of time is not the answer. We need to look at Mellor or Powell or move Sam to 6 and bring back Russell and put him at full back. We need a partnership that potentially gel to the end of the season and lockers is not the answer

That's a decent shout actually.

What gives you the impression Gelling can play full back. Hes never been exposed like he would be at full back. Positionally it has taken Sam time to adapt let alone a young lad who has only just come to grips with playing out of position on the wing. Terrible shout. Be far better bringing a ready made half in such as mellor or powell( when fit) or moving a tried and tested Tomkins back to 6 with a natural full back Russell coming back from Hull to fill the full back berth

Gelling has done pretty well but is still the weakest player in our 17 at the moment and you want to swap him for the best player in the league? The best English player for years?

I am in the brigade which thinks Sam will one day play at 6 or 7 when he is older, maybe sooner. But right now he is just playing the best rugby of his career at FB. The games against Saints and Leeds recently are the best performances I have ever seen from a Wigan FB. He was devastating. They just couldn't touch him.... but nah we'll stick a 6ft 3 centre there

I still think the most sensible option is to keep Tomkins at fullback given that he's been simply outstanding in that position, most of the attacking moves seem designed to get the most out of Tomkins at fullback and having him in that position creates opportunities for other players to take advantage of, mainly Finch.

I certainly don't see why people would choose to move the whole team around, call people out of retirement or various other suggestions rather than play O'Loughlin in the halves. He's filled in there before when necessary and he's done well.

I've said it many times but last year Deacon played in the halves and basically had the most basic role possible, pass the ball to Finch when needed and occasionally put in an attacking kick. At the very least O'Loughlin should be capable of doing that which should be enough for the coming weeks.

The most important part of replacing Leuluai is replacing what he gives in defence and O'Loughlin should be best placed to do just that. We might lose something in attack, we might not but hopefully defence will not become an issue.

But we arent talking a few a weeks, we are talking up to 10 potentially the rest of the rest of the season depending how Tommy reacts on his return. We need a partnership that can potentially gel for the rest of the season and will be a blessing in disguise for next season in discovering who has the potential to step up. We cant afford to waste.risk that with SOL at 6