Of course you wouldn't. But you would choose Hardaker/Tomkins/Widdop (or Gale or Smith).

Is Rangi one of your best players?

FWIW I think he's immensely talented at Super League level, but probably not at International level. Smith, who doesn't have a fraction of Rangi's ability actually slotted in quite well last winter.

But back to my original point. We aren't blessed with enough players of real quality that we can afford to discard Tomkins on the basis that he has had a poor season in the NRL. Class is permanent as they say.

1. Hardaker
6. Widdop
7. Gale

^^^ For me but Steve Mac will no doubt "stick" with the usual suspects

It makes sense. You just don't agree. I remember watching Richard Horne on the wing at Hull against the Aussies. Or Karl Pratt. They looked rubbish. Mainly because they were out of position.

If Tomkins had been ripping up trees like GI, or Hayne, or any of the others maybe I'd agree with you about flexibility, but I don't think he has, and he's injured.

So I'd like to see people given a go in their actual positions. They can change it as the series progresses if they want, but at least start with giving people a chance to show what they can do. But Tomkins in the halves when he hasn't played there for at least four seasons? After an injury? In an international as the first game? Why take that risk when he's got Widdop and a choice of Smith who's played there before internationally (albeit not very well)? Or take a punt on Gale and see how he goes.

But like Andy Gilder says, balance is another factor. I wouldn't be gutted if Tomkins and Widdop were the Halves but I'd be hoping it had been bloody brilliant in training and putting a lot of faith in the coach. Faith I don't have tbf.

Agree.

Fundamentally Hardaker is well equipped to fulfil the FB role; without question it is HIS position. Defensively one on one he has no equal; taking the bomb, equally so; returning it probably at least.

He is not an international class centre where the requirements are different; not least being able to make a good pass. Playing him at LC would be even worse. At RC he can be okay, but never at LC. Hall?Burgess? whoever on the LW would never get a pass. It would be pusillanimous to select him there simply to accommodate Tomkins at FB.

Agree. Whilst I'm sure Hardakers running would still make him fairly dangerous at centre his passing would restrict winger opportunities. But mostly the defensive responsibilities are very different. You have to cover your half and makes lots of decisions very quickly plus you've got to get your shoulder into second rowers who are going to be running at you and your half.
It's a very different defensive and tackling requirement than at full back.

Just to defend Tomkins, he was very good last year at times. This year he's looked a shadow of his former self when he has played. He seems to have lost a yard of pace and TBH I think playing alongside such a dominant halfback as Johnson (in terms of being the go to man) has blunted him as well.

I have no doubt that when he's back at Wigan he'll get his mojo back - its an easier competition and he'll be the go to man. But nobody should believe that he is the same player today that left Wigan.

It'll be interesting to see how he and they cope with the expectation, which will doubtless be sky high when the season begins. They're already favourites for next year's GF. Do they perform well as favourites? I personally think they're more dangerous when they develop the siege mentality of the underdog. I rather suspect their more rabid element will expect ST to turn them into an all-conquering side. Is that likely? Probably not. An early shellacking in the WCC could pick away at any insecurities. Fascinating stuff and I, for one, am already looking forward to next season.

Me too!

I think ST has suffered from injuries and poor form of over the last two seasons. It would seem that there have been a number of reasons for the poor form and many of them are likely to have been solved by returning home. He will still be a potent threat, although I accept, if he has permanently lost a yard of pace, he will not be the player he once was.

I think its fair to say that Wigan, as things stand, will be the team to beat next year. It's almost certain they will also go back to the old style of most things catered for, and going through Sam Tomkins and if he isn't that same player of a couple of years ago and teams are able to shut it down, it could create problems for Wigan as it is very one dimensional. I suppose we will get an idea in this coming series.

Tomkins is a great player....no doubt but i will be mightily relieved to see the back of Bowen who seems to save his absolute best games for us.

Leeds have, on occasions, got some mileage out of Tomkins failings at full back but Bowen seemed to destroy us every time we played, inc last Saturday when he was one of the better players on the pitch.

I'm also not quite ready to crown Wigan. Burgess will be a loss and I've heard rumours that O'Loughlin may hang up his boots due to the injuries.

If that's true about O'Loughlin, then why pick him over Cuthbertson for England? Shows McBanana up to be exactly what he is. A Useless Rugby League Coach.

Wigan are on two GF defeats. As saints can testify, that can become a habit.

Man for man there is no way Wigan should be favourites. Their scrum half is garbage, they are weak in the centres, their props are mediocre, hooker one-dimensional, loose forward on borrowed time. How they achieve so much has to be a credit to Wane.