Some serious depth in our squad, I’ve never seen one with so many options.
Full Backs:
Field, French, Hampshire.

Wingers:
Miski, Marshall, French, Field, Douglas, Eckersley.

Centres:
Wardle, Keighran, Eckersley, Isa, Thornley?

Halves:
Smith, French, Hampshire, Field, Farrimond, Shorrocks?

Props:
Dupree, Thompson, Ellis, Havard, Byrne, Mago, Cooper, Walters, Chan, Eseh, Hill, Makin.

Hookers:
O’Neill, Leeming, Powell? Forber.

Second Rowers:
L. Farrell, Walters, Isa, Nsemba, Shorrocks? Beardsworth.

Loose Forward:
O’Neill, Thompson, Havard, Ellis, Powell?O. Farrell? Shorrocks?

We’ll see some exits yet and then have a better idea of where we stand. The main thing I’m happy with is that Eckersley and Douglas will move up a spot and they should make their debuts in 2024. With a young back, the main thing you want to see is that they have a strong team to come in to and plenty of protection alongside them from a big/dominant pack and it seems impossible for them not to have that.

I don’t see us having Powell, Thornley or Shorrocks next year adding to the departures we are already aware of.

I also have a feeling Hill, Eseh and possibly Chan will spend much of 2024 at either top Championship teams or mid/lower table SL teams.

Hasn’t Thornley gone to Wakefield?

Whilst I can't wait to see how the "big names" we've brought in perform, I'm really excited to see Eckersley get some games in 24. Undoubtedly Wardle or Keihgran will miss a game or two and I really hope he's gets a few hit ups.

Long term he's got all the physical attributes to be a gun player.

Exactly my thoughts Re Eckersley

Not confirmed. The Take over only confirmed yesterday so no players announced but they will be in the coming week.

Thornley, Walmsley (Fax) and McGillvray strongly rumoured to be first 3 through the door.

Do you, or anyone else, have any idea what he's like for pace? The games I've seen him in have all been in atrocious conditions, so not really a chance to put the burners on.

Sure somebody like rogues could give a better answer but it does say this on his club profile

"In his high school days, Zach was a keen sprinter and represented Oldham & Royton Harriers as well as Greater Manchester schools."

so must have a bit of toe in him.

Thanks for clarifying

There will be some departures I’m sure, but it is a strong a squad as I can recall for many a year. We will start as favourites next year you’d imagine. Keep everyone fit and we’ve a great chance of doing something special next year.

Be interesting to see what happens next year with French and Field and their respective contracts. Both up in 2024. Think there is a one year option for Field and two year option for French. No idea in whose favour it is.

You’d imagine it’s in theirs. Especially French with everything with his family and the tough time he went through. Was worried when I saw that they both run out at the end of next season, if both leave at the same time, I’d hope we already have replacements in mind just incase, unless one of, if not both of them has taken up their option and they’re waiting to confirm it.

This is the problem with anyone talking about a potential 'dynasty' (which is silly anyway in my view after one title win). French, Field and Smith are all off contract in 12 months and how that pans out will be a big factor in our fortunes over the next few years.

Not a shock, but Cust has posted a goodbye on his Instagram.

We're getting a lot right at the min, but I think it's pretty poor form that we've not announced who's leaving yet. We've rightly done videos celebrating Roby and Sam, but (to date) nothing for the lads who've played for the club in 2023.

Could they not be respecting the club they are signing fors wishes by letting them announce the signing first?

Or maybe letting the players announce it themselves ala Cust

Has Cust confirmed his new club or just stating he's left Wigan?

Wish it worked out for Cust. Seems like a decent lad and always seemed to have a smile on his face regardless to if he was playing or not. He did look decent in his first season but that injury has done a number on him. Hope he find some form and get a move back to the NRL or comes back here.

Just that he's left from what I can see

This time last year, especially waiting for us to announce Wardle, we were told it's always down to the current side to go 1st?

Either way, nothing has been announced about who he's going to, more just about him leaving.

1) Field
2) Miski
3) Keighran
4) Wardle
5) Marshall
6) French
7) Smith
8.) Thompson
9) Leeming / O'Neil
10) Byrne
11) Walters
12) Farrell
13) Ellis / O'Neil

14) Cooper
15) Havard
16) Dupree
17) Ellis / O'Neil

That's some team, 2024 is going to be exciting!

I still think we missed a trick not converting Powell into a 13 after Lockers retired, he has all the essentials needed for that role. His handling skills may be somewhat average for a back, but significantly better than what you get from most lose forwards, great engine, can tackle all night, can put in the occasional kick (albeit normally on the 3rd tackle when there's no need

) Made for 13.

Ellis won't be missing out. If he's fit and it's a big game, he'll be playing. Easily our best prop and one of the 1st 5 names on the team sheet imo.

Announced now with a decent write up.

Really came into his own this year, took on a lot of the burden with our injuries, if only he was as big as Matautia.

Spot on. I think there plenty of room for improvement yet as well. I think he’s the most underrated player in Superleague going off this past 12 months. In the GF, I think it was Phil Clarke who said his form had been ‘up and down’ but other than missing games, his form has just been up and up.