I see him more in the Coley mould to be honest, in fact he reminds me very much of Franny Stephenson when he was playing at Wakefield.

Absolutely correct Dave, in fact the RFL went so far as modifying the salary cap rules to make it illegal in the 2008 edition of the rules, so clearly even they felt it wasn't clear cut.

All Wigan did was defer some of the payment of a players salary from year 1 to year 2 which wasn't excluded in the rules at the time, the RFL however felt this was against the 'spirit' of the cap. They didn't even pay the players the money that was deferred.

The rules since then, make it so that a player's salary cap liability counts regardless of whether he received the payment or not.

In a strange set of circumstances this also allows players to earn and be paid more than their salary cap value in several circumstances, and it would not surprise me in the least if this is what some clubs are now trying to maximise.

Interestingly though the 2008 rules prevent the deferred payment on an adhoc basis, they perfectly allow sliding contracts with different payment amounts in different years, provided they are defined in the contract at the time.

Been told that if carmont doesnt take the year he's been offered Roberts will be our fullback next year, phelps to centre and ainscough to get the number 2 shirt.

Phelps in the centre....tried tested and failed...big time!

Yep. I'd prefer him on the wing and stick Goulding or someone in the centres.

I'd rather keep Roberts and Phelps where they are, bring Ainscough in on the wing and try Pat in the centres.
Phelps is NOT a centre.

Pat to now where i have heard that one before ????

Ahhhhh no Millward Pat did not do well there last time no reason to believe he will do better there next season. If Carmont go's then i would try Roberts there for a couples of games see how he does. If not i would bing in one of the Youngsters or even try Ainscough there.

Pat at centre??



Almost a career ending position for Paddy that.

He has been offered the 2 year deal by Celtic he's been after from Wigan, I get a feeling he will be a Crusader next season.

Carmont and Matt Utai, two fantastic signings for Celtic IMO.

Seeing our new coach hasn't even step foot in the country yet, never mind met the players, I'd say whoever told you that is talking bollox.

Not offering Carmont his 2nd year says to me that IL has got a big name centre lined up for 2011...

It doesn't to me. At all.

Well it says to me he wants one of the younger players in the first team by then which is one of the things I.L. has always said he wants more Wiganers in the team.

And we do have some good young coming through who should be ready by 2011.

Me neither. It says it a position where we can make a saving. Big name signings are no more at Wigan.

No No No No No No!!!!!!

Phelps is clearly the best fullback at the club, he shouldnt come into what happens with the centre spot.

That should be between Pryce, Goulding & Bailey.

Ainscough & Roberts should fight for the wing spot.

I fear that we will be stuck with Goulding in the centres if Carmont leaves, if so this will be a backward step as Goulding is not the standard of player that we need, shame Pat will hardly see ball if this happens

They might be looking at George for a slot on the dual registration system when it comes into force.
IL could want to keep him but also feels he needs the option of sending him to a club under these new regulations when they apply, should circumstances arise.
That would keep him a Wigan player for two years which George wants, if he begins to struggle then Wigan could allow him to go to another club and come off part of our salary cap .
Again, should circumstances arise he could equally return to Wigan when the club wants him back.
That seems a possible way around the current situation.

If Carmont does go couldn't Bailey, Richards or Phelps move to the centre's. If Maguire doesn't fancy either Pryce or Goulding?

Bailey would be the most likely, we are not short of options there with goulding, pryce and roberts who could back up.

All IL has to do is look at Senoir and Gidley to see that just cause a player is over a certain age they still can cut it in SL.

Carmont should have a two year deal offered to him first thing Monday morning from the club.

Let's get one of our top players signed up and get rid of all this fuss.

I really do hope Carmont stays, I think he is a good talker and a class player, who links up really well with Richards. I can't blame him for wanting a 2 year deal. I think a one year deal with an ext clause could be the best for both parties. After all if he is buggered after next season another 12months just wouldn't be worth it.

I still think Richards is our best full-back. Phelps has trouble catching a high ball and tackling but his go-forward is very enthusiastic.

Heard a very strong rumour he is going to saints on a two year deal.

He would be a great loss, been one of our best players for 2 years now.

Why would Saints want another 30+ year old?

Cant blame him

If there willing to give him what he wants and were not its our loss there gain