I really want to see us get Harry Smith in as a starting scrum half. I just think he’s an ideal foil for Hastings (or Field if it comes to that) and we need to take that plunge at some point. Next years squad looks like being as strong a squad as we’ve had for a while and that’s the time to give him the chance. He’d still have Leuluai available to start the odd game or come off the bench. Harry Smith dominated the Aussie schoolboys in that 2018 series and you don’t do that unless you’re pretty special. He’s shown glimpses in the first team but we really need to see what he can do with a run of starts. I personally think he’s too good to think about loaning out but if Lam won’t play him there will be no alternative.

Yeah, i concur. Smith needs to be in and around those players, training with them, stepping in for them and learning from them. If he went to the championship it could set him back a couple of years. I don't think he would gain anything by kicking sides to death down there. If Hastings is staying we have an incredible side next season. Saints fans on Redvee will still call it average though and they are far superior in every way.

I’m with you in that Smith is a fantastic prospect
Unlike others I can’t see Field playing on the wing so something will have to give and sending Smith on loan for 12 months could be an option

It’s a great problem to have

I do hope Smith doesn't go on loan next year. If Hastings and TL are both playing here next year then one would think Jacko would play 6 and Smith at scrum half. TL might have the 7 shirt and start the "big" games. For the most part of the season Smith should start with TL being the bench half, covering 9 as well. Field might well start the season on the wing if Marshall is out injured as seems likely with Burgess departing and rumours of Manfredi on his way. This could change once the grounds firm up and the middle of the pitch is not soft under foot. Starting an offloading game with Field playing down the middle could be devastating.
What we do need are two kickers on the field, one gets targeted and closed down, So with the main kicking duties having been taken off TL and given to Hastings then Smith is the obvious choice.

I’m torn on Smith. I think a season loan at the right club would be very beneficial for him. At the same time I’d like to see him get more game time here.

There’s plenty in the past who have gone on loan & we have seen huge benefits in the long term.

I think at this stage if Tommy and Hastings are staying then a season long loan for Smith with the option to recall him would be the best option. Somewhere like Salford or even Huddersfield if Watson does join them would be a good option

Send him to a small club like Salford or Huddersfield

A answer to the question would be far better than trying to be sacastic!

I'm not being sarcastic. I genuinely believe you're a troll.

Of course I'd leave a job for a promotion, who wouldn't? It's the quickest way to progress a career, keeps things fresh and opens you up to new ways of working.

This isn't the 1950s anymore, people don't stay in one job for 40 years.

It’s better than him being sat out of action for a year. Imagine if he joined Huddersfield on loan and had Sezer next to him with Watson in charge? That’d do him the world of good

That's a different kettle of fish all together. If Hastings is staying and Smith is going to be limited then a team like Huddersfield would be ideal for a season but loaning him to the championship wouldn't be much use to him I don't think, he is too good for that league already.

For me he’s good enough so why send him out on loan? Huddersfield [ishould[/i improve under Watson, why should and would we boost a potential rival? He’s too good for the Championship and he’s already spent a lot of time on loan at Swinton. I honestly don’t see what the benefits for him, or us would be. He’s a 2021 starter IMO.

For me, it's a straight shootout between him and Field for the HB slot. The other one goes on the bench as cover.

Tommy is apparently going around again and I'm more than happy about that. If Field and Smith want to play then he's the benchmark they've gotta be better than. As crazy as it seems that's not an unreachable level either - if Field can put a marker down with his running and support game and Smith can outshine Tommy as a controling HB then they'll both be seen as viable options.

Can’t really argue with that.

It’s really interesting what Lam’s plans for the back line are, especially if Hastings does stay. Mind you even if he leaves it’s intriguing.

I’m not advocating Smith to go out on loan but just pure speculation on my part of a potential outcome if Hastings & TL sign contract extensions

Personally I’d have Smith in the starting 17 for the SF and hopefully GF but I think Lam will stick with 4 forwards on the bench particularly if SOL or Clubb are in the 17.

Smith even at this stage of his career has a good kicking game and offers the unexpected for example his display at Huddersfield earlier in the season

Boooooo Leneghan and Rads out!

Bloody badge!!!!

That back line next year though is going to be electric......

That badge though!!!

https://twitter.com/wiganwarriorsrl/sta ... 29314?s=21 Well done to all, brilliant work from the marketing and media team.

https://twitter.com/wiganwarriorsrl/sta ... 29314?s=21 Well done to all, brilliant work from the marketing and media team.

Averages a try assist every game and a try every other game.

His attitude stinks.

Get bent you bloody round baller.

Just for clarity I can almost certainly confirm that was his attempt at sarcasm

Only almost?

And was it as obvious an attempt as Jukesays comment was?

Troll?



It was a light-hearted wind up. Them panties must be chafing you big tart.