What can Bowen do that Sam could not or vise versa?

I am not sure why vise versa is relevant as why do we care if Sam plays like Bowen? It's not really what either of them can do anyway but how they are told to play. To me Bowen looks rather regimented in his play as if he is under orders to join the line when expected and so in the meantime doesn't try any off the cuff stuff.

I am not suggesting it is as bad as it was when Noble virtually nullified Trent Barrett's creativity but I think Bowen would enjoy coming in from deeper rather than just being the extra man. Things like that.

Bowen has had a lot of slagging off which I think is unfair. I was not in favour of his signing given his age and knees but said often enough he had been a quality player and now he is here I'd love it if he turned out to be like Gene Miles.

it would be nice if the half backs could run the length of the pitch but they can't, thats been left to Sam & Ben. Most defending teams line up the fullbacks but a fast half back would be a good foil. Bowen is a master at ghosting into 2nd receiver and throwing a money ball (due to Thurstons class and unpredictabilty, whereas we have Smith playing Wanes predictable set moves) Give it time & remember this fella is used to playing in Queensland where it is very hot. He has a lot to adjust to

To me the biggest issue is the lack of communication in defence. In Tomkins he would never shut up and was always screaming at the line telling them where they needed to be, in the first half I didnt see any of that and the overlaps KR got showed this. In the 2nd half he seemed to be directing a bit (maybe had a word of wane) but still not enough for a fullback...

Pace can be looked at in all sorts of ways, when Bowen set off Burgess was probably a couple of yards behind but he slowly dragged him back and at the finish Burgess was jogging at the side of Bowen.
One example of this was a match at Warrington about 1984 (?), John Fergurson picked up a ball from acting halfback (as he used to do) and set off for the sticks 70 yards away, Brett Kenny went after him and he finished up strolling along at the side of Fergy for the last 15 yards. I am certain it is on utube somewhere and I know someone will find it.

Some players have absolutely blistering pace over 50 yards but over the longer distance they can fade, Burgess has that long raking stride which may take up to 20 yards to get going but after that watch him go.

The best I have seen over 50 yards was probably Alex Murphy, but once through he still took some catching.
As for the long distance men Joe Lydon and Stuart Wright, both long striding ,but once in top gear they took some catching. ( Charriots Offiiah I have left out because to me he was a sprinter born and bread who happened to make rather a good rugby player.

But one player who they say was the quickest of the lot over 40 yards was supposed to be Cesc Mountford they say he was lightening, I used to think that I saw him play for Wigan when I started watching Wigan in app 53/54 but checking Bilkos records he moved to the Wire about 52/53.

John Ferguson was possibly unique. If you check out any vids, you can see he was at top speed in one step. Quick off the mark. And to quote Ray French "[iHe could sidestep on a tanner[/i".

Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ

Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ

Quote ="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" Bloody hell, Eddie almost sounded excited there. Looks like he briefly forgot himself and became an RL fan rather than the crass, parochial twonk he normally is (for further info on that, check Friday night's ludicrous commentary).

Quote ="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" Bloody hell, Eddie almost sounded excited there. Looks like he briefly forgot himself and became an RL fan rather than the crass, parochial twonk he normally is (for further info on that, check Friday night's ludicrous commentary).

Quote ="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" Yeah, though outrunning Wellens is not exactly difficult, even giving a 20 metre start...

Quote ="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" Yeah, though outrunning Wellens is not exactly difficult, even giving a 20 metre start...

To me Bowen is a maverick, he can do something out of nothing. He worked with one of the best in Thurston and between them they produced sheer brilliance at times. We've signed an off the cuff player and tried to turn him into a robot chiming into the line at specified times. We need to let him play his own game, our players need to learn to adapt somewhat to him as well adapting to our system. The guy can be a genius, but he can only do it our players allow it and work with him.

Bowen played a very structured game plan at the Cowboys at times as well, often dictating play at first receiver as well as the off the cuff stuff. I just think that he is still finding his feet in relation to the structured stuff and being a bit more vocal in organising the defense.

I was generally really pleased with his contribution on Friday. If Sam Tomkins gave a contribution like that I think the board would have been buzzing with positive comments.

I don't think it was a perfect display by any stretch but he came up with big plays at big times for us during the 80 minutes.

TBF i don't think that's true. I've already seen a few comments on here saying that Sam had a poor season last year. Even in his so called 'off days' he was streets ahead of anyone else in the league.

If he didn't go 80 meters and beat 6 guys in the process many on here had him down as having a bad game.

What i wouldn't give for one of those 'bad games' at the min

Thought he was good on Friday. He's slowly getting to grips IMO, of course he's not going to be as effective as Sam was wrapping around the back but we all knew that before a ball was kicked this year. Wane and the coaching staff are beginning to change the way we play with the last few games I've seen and our attack is looking good at the moment, averaging 30 pts a game.

Bowen was 13 years at the Cowboys and was brilliant.
He's four league games in to his stint with us and scored one of the tries of the season so far. Can he improve? Of course he can but he's getting better each game he plays.
I still think he was a very good signing and I've no doubt he will have a fine season or two with us.

A lot of good debate on here... Aside from structures, confidence, new team, new surroundings, etc, etc... Anyone else think maybe all he needs is some nice weather? I think as Spring turns to Summer, if we get some nice, warm, sunny and most importantly dry evening games, we'll see a different Matty Bowen.

Quote ="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" I thought Jamie Ainscough was more comfortable when he was moved from centre to wing and he played a significant part in helping Wigan produce a shock result to win the cup against St.Helens with a fine interception and a great tackle on Long. Wonder who will settle into their new roles first...Matt Bowen or Sam Tomkins in the NRL - Both players will need time IMO.

Quote ="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" I thought Jamie Ainscough was more comfortable when he was moved from centre to wing and he played a significant part in helping Wigan produce a shock result to win the cup against St.Helens with a fine interception and a great tackle on Long. Wonder who will settle into their new roles first...Matt Bowen or Sam Tomkins in the NRL - Both players will need time IMO.

Ainscough used to return the ball held in one hand at arms length.
It dove me mad, just waiting for him to get a big tackle and drop it.

Bowen is a fb and knows how to return a ball as HKR found out!

anyone who saw bowen in the NRL knows his try last week was not a suprise he did it a lot over there thats the way he plays

Is there a link to that try?

Quote ="post"Is there a link to that try?'" Try here pal www.superleague.co.uk/sltv/slhighlights#

Quote ="post"Is there a link to that try?'" Try here pal www.superleague.co.uk/sltv/slhighlights#

He'd be the 1st not to stick his neck out!

I suppose the jury is still out for some, but it wasn’t a bad try and turn of speed for an old git with two bad knees!

Pretty impressive again. The link in the line is coming now and did everything in defense asked of him.

Wait until the dry grounds of summer, thats when he will really impress

Yes, great assist for Ormesby try.