He’s back.

Never saw that one coming.

Really interesting to see how he goes under Peet.

Replaces Hanley in the squad but can provide options at 6 & 7 too rather than just outside backs.

Could be a very useful addition hope he has recovered from injury and it hasn’t had an effect on his pace.

I imagine he’s on a low wage and he adds needed cover in the halves but it’s a very uninspiring signing.

Played well for Cas last year before he got injured and we do need more squad depth.

Not one to get excited about but its low risk and hopefully he turns out to be a useful option for us.

Peet will know all about him having brought him through at Wigan as a junior.

If he lets him play his game with his eyes up then I think he could be a very useful addition.

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/01/ ... for-wigan/

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/01/ ... for-wigan/

Just when you thought the club had rid itself of its addiction to signing ex-players........

Happy enough with this.

Unintelligent people on twitter sounded off like all the Bateman money has been used on this.

A free agent without a club so will be on a very low salary (I praised Russell signing at Warrington for similar reasons).

Adds to squad depth. Ultility.

Low risk signing.

Peet and the staff will know him well.

Sports fans and twitter really do not mix well.

Pretty much sums up my thoughts there.

Adds depth and a reliable backup option to call upon. Also, it's pretty much a given that he'll be on a cheap wage.

To add another level, I'm hoping this + the recent Eckersley performance gives the club enough comfort to explore the possibility of moving Miski on. Nothing against the lad, but we've got money available to spend and just need that quota spot.

Plenty of highlights packages on YouTube if people want to check out.

Like Jonh has said if he still has his pace he could be an asset.

2 months away from being fully fit.

Agreed,very uninspired signing done naff all since his threw his toys out the pram and flounce off to seek fame and fortune elsewhere when will this club learn?

But this signing has improved the squad, so not sure what the issue is? He's replaced Hanley as a 3rd backup at FB and is a better player than Hanley is. Add in that he'll also be covering HB and it's a 'no brainer'.

With the way people are talking, you'd think he'd be starting at 6 at Hull KR in a few weeks wouldn't you.
Completely agree, solid signing. Back up to injuries, no doubt on a cheap deal. If he isn't good enough, he'll leave at the end of next year.

As much as it pains me to say it, its a good signing for Wigan and gives them squad depth which every club needs due to the stupid MRP.

Better to have an experienced player coming in than a green youngster.

We lack cover across the back positions and he can play anywhere bar centre. I’m sure he’s come extremely cheap and has a one year deal, which means he’ll fight hard for another. It’s a signing you just can’t lose out on really. The lad should’ve handled his first stint differently and I’m sure he wonders how things might’ve gone had he done so but hopefully that will add some hunger.

No issues at all with the signing IMO.

Awful signing, The End

Agree with majority of this particularly cover for HB.
Smith, Cust, Astley and Hampshire for HB gives us pretty good coverage and competition for places. Cust was ok last season and if he doesn't kick on then we have 2 alternatives that hopefully will assist in keeping him more focused and more consistent.

I've never rated him at all at FB. Always looks under pressure with any high balls.
I have him as a liability at FB. Never looks comfortable.

I think a few people are responding to this as if he was being signed as a starter. He isn't. As a squad player for extra cover, particularly in the halves, it makes a lot of sense. He's good quality with a good skillset and lots of experience. Still only 28 too.

My only concerns would be regarding his injury and that Astley still gets adequate game time. Other than that, a solid signing.

It's a small gamble that 'could' pay off. A fully fit Hampshire would no doubt bring experience and talent as cover. However he is at least two months away from being anywhere near ready to come back, three months at least until match fit.

We've already taken a gamble on Thornley over the last twelve months despite his injury record over the last couple of years, how many of you would say he's been value for money?

Whilst not an expensive gamble alone it's still money on the cap and along with Thornley (who's still not ready I believe) it's probably considerable in total.

That being said, I do believe we still have money available on the side should a quality signing in the right position become available.

I agree with that, but at the same time he's got plenty of stuff going for him at FB too (pace, hands etc). You'd be hard pressed to find a 3rd choice FB who's as competent as Hampshire.

Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing. The majority of Cas fans seem sorry to see him go. https://www.casforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34042

Good luck to him, he will do a good job as a squad player. My only concern is that acl injury, but I can't think of many available players that can cover almost the entire back line with the exception of centre. He's only just turned 28 and averages about 1 try every three games plus he is a good goalkicker. It'll be up to him to put the hard work in, it's a low risk signing. The majority of Cas fans seem sorry to see him go. https://www.casforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34042

Exactly. It’s like Manchester United recently signing a goalkeeper and some fans blew up and opposition fans took the mick. He was signed as third choice and will probably never play, so why get eat up? Cap space being taken up maybe, but it’ll be minimal and we clearly have room.

If we lose a winger, Miski comes in, a centre and Thornley comes in (when fit), a halfback and Field probably moves from fullback and French goes there and the same if Field goes down. There’s no saying he’ll jump above guys like Eckersley or Astley either, especially if they get first chance and do well. It’s just a nice comfort blanket to have and saves you potentially ruining a kid who is too young and has to play every week during an injury crisis.

As cover/competition for HB along with the majority of posters I think that it is a reasonable signing for the squad. When he played in the academy I thought he could become a real star but unfortunately, it was not to be. I agree as a few have said with him him being a goal kicker is a big plus for the club and for him it could be the "golden ticket" to get some 1st team action.

As a FB I'd play young Sumner before him. Much more accomplished and he is a FB.
Not knocking Hampshire just do not see him as a FB in any capacity other than 4th choice in an emergency.

My only potential reservation with his signing is that I hope young Astley doesn't see his arris and become unsettled. Hopefully it has the opposite effect and Astley strives even harder for 1st team opportunities.

In summary a reasonable and understandable move by the club that I suspect is low in cost and risk on the assumption that his current injury isn't detremental to his undoubted pace.

Probably be used as a bench player.
Cust to 9 and Hampshire in the halves.
Better than moving Field and French if there's an issue in the halves.

Peet has something in mind signing him.

No risk cover signing, along with King we've two blokes there playing for a contract, don't see any downside to this