Now he has settled in would people say he is still not a marquee signing? or that he's passed it? Just seen an interview that he wants to stay for another season which great news as i think Hampshire or anybody for that matter haven't developed enough to take over the role.

It's lovely to see that he has confounded the experts...

It takes any player time to settle and now he is he's looking top class. It's the same with the guy who's place he's taken down in New Zealand!

Bowen is the perfect age and has the experience we need to guide us through a period where we have a couple of fullback options developing nicely. I like both Hampshire and Sarginson in the position but they're probably a little way off being ready to be first choice.

Bowen to stay another year with Hampshire backing him up and also backing Powell up who I'd give the 6 shirt to.

I don't think he's a marquee signing.

He shows flashes of brilliance - where you think "Wow he must have been some player in his pomp". He's a decent stopgap considering the other options.

that is very wide of the mark, Stop gap?!? have you watched him play? he was amazing against cas and catalan. He is playing as good this season and last season as he did when he was 27 between the injuries.

By far the best full back in the league.

I thought he was carrying a few spare ounces when he first arrived (against Hudds), but looked quite svelte by the time they'd got back from down-under & played in the Wakey game.
He's been a good purchase - my concern will be when Rads (& the others making buying decisions) finally leaves - we seem to have an excellent record in picking up players who go on to confound the "we've signed who?!" brigade (notwithstanding blips like Pryce).

Think he is great. Obviously very aware and savvy, deceptively fast and more than happy for him to stay as long as he wishes. There will still be opportunities for the likes of Rocky Hampshire and what better role model could a young player have who wants to become a first class full back

Been my favourite player to watch this season. He could genuinely make a break at any time out of nothing, and he is still bloody fast, actually caught escare yesterday who is rapid.

When we were after him I was not keen on signing a player with his injury record but once he arrived there was no point worrying about that and I was amazed at the stick he got in the Hudds game where I thought he was one of our better players.

He is a pleasure to watch. He has that "something" about him that elevates him above the hard working, give it 11O% good pro player type.

I'd be very disappointed if we didn't sign him up for another season.

He has been a great signing, helps immensely off the pitch too according to Wane. There was never a doubt over his ability only whether he would settle previously being a 1 club man. Fortunately his family has settled too and if you believe recent reports he is looking to stay. I'd certainly give him another year. Hampshire has been unlucky with injuries at times when he would have played and IMO needs another year if being gradually introduced.

Looks like we are keeping Mr Bowen for another year

Ugh, another one of this seasons 12 non-acadamy players that will be here next year!

It's a disgrace, how can we win anything with non academy players in the squad

Wane confirmed in the after match press conference on Saturday that "the worst fullback I've ever seen play for Wigan" had taken up his option to stay another year. Good stuff.

Brilliant news. Well done Wane and Leneghan!

[urlhttp://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=9497&type=news[/url

Ryan Hampshire will have another season learning from him is Wanes most pleasing comment.

Saints fans better scrub his name off their team sheets for next year.

Would a more pleasing comment not have been "Ryan Hampshire will be our fullback next year".

No offence to Bowen who has found some real form in recent weeks, but is he really going to be significantly better than Hampshire next year? If not, surely Hampshire should be getting the nod for the year? He looks immense from what I've seen of him.

So, with the addition of Tautai, next year we will have 13 players that didnt come from our academy?

I don't really see why it matters anyway, but it's pretty difficult to state that so confidently when we don't know the full extent of next year's incomings and outgoings. Green is confirmed as leaving plus Taylor, Dudson and James have all been rumoured to be.

It's getting to the point now where people are so fixated on where players are from rather than on the quality they add to the squad. Our youth system keeps producing quality juniors but you are always going to need quality additions from elsewhere. We've used over 30 players in the first team this season, they can't all be from Wigan.

Delighted Bowen has decided to go around again, he was immense on Saturday. He adds quality and experience to a young squad. Rocky's been unlucky with injuries this season, I'm sure he'll get plenty of opportunities next season to stake his claim to be first choice in 2016.

I did wonder...

I personally see Hampshire as more of a 6 or 7 so that versatility will get him plenty of opportunities. I think he's an unbelievable talent but as a fullback Bowen is currently a better option. He's safe as houses under the high ball (after a strangely shaky start) whereas Hampshire really struggles. He's better defensively as well although I'd already have Hampshire on a par in attack which is a big rap because Bowen is outstanding.

Bowen at 1, Powell at 6, Smith at 7 and Hampshire and Williams backing them up is fine by me! Including a bench spot that's 5 players for 4 positions which will mean plenty of game time for them all.

Rocky has been unlucky this year. The weeks when Bowen has been injured or rested he has also been injured meaning he has had much less game time than Wigan would have hoped. To give him the #1 shirt next year would be a big risk.

It's been a really unfortunate coincidence that hasn't it! Hampshire would have got a decent number of games recently if he'd been fit but instead Sarginson has had to fill in or they've had to put Bowen through a fitness test to play.