And not so long ago telling us how Stefan Marsh was gonna be a world beater

In your opinion which, given the opinions you gave over the last 18 months about our youth structures doesn't carry much credibility.

I've seen the same with regards O'Loughlin (well when playing against my club or on tv, like you), and nobody is every going to convince me that he is anything above half decent. Very over rated player.

Off all the Saints supporting posters,there's only Saddened who doesn't rate Wheeler asa talented footballer; and even he's starting to come around.

As we all know, being good at 16 is the barometer for how good you will be in your mid-twenties. See Scott Moore for proof.....

I rated Wheeler as a prospect when he first emerged (2009 - I think it was) on what I saw of him at the time. He's had a lot of time on the sidelines since then but given an injury free run I still think he's a prospect.

G1 is questioning Rogues judgement (presumably based on McShane) despite basically agreeing with his opinion on Wheeler.



Sean O'Loughlin is an excellent club player - while perhaps not quite specialised enough to command an International place. I'd imagine him to be highly-rated by his own team's supporters and with good reason. Leeds fans really ought to appreciate how that feels.

I may not necessarily disagree with his overall assessment of MCShane either. But I still question his judgment.

Don't agree with this. O'Loughlin is a very imprtant player for Wigan. He provides leadership, largely by example, and is one of those "glue" players who does the little things well and selflessly. He is also probably one of the best defenders in the league. I haven't always rated him, but I think he is one of those players who don't do the flash stuff that's most easily noticed (especially by fans o ther teams) and I'd guess if you asked his team mates what they thought of him, they'd tell you something very different to what opposition fans tell you.

Jury is out on McShane and Wheeler IMO. I think both look like they have the basic talent to do very well in the game. They both now have to consistently deliver on their potential.

A broken clock is right twice a day.

If it's a 12 hour analogue clock. And if it's broken in a way that leaves the hands intact. If the hands have come off, or it's a digital display then it probably won't be right at all.

Just saying.

Back to topic - I thought Ward aquitted himself admirably in the circumstances.

BM should definitely pick him for next week. The lad deserves a start when the team as a whole is up for the game.

yeah, i agree.
id be tempted to start him, and put Burrow back to 9 with Hood off the bench, but I think we will see the same game plan as last week.

By 'start' I do include off the bench. I just think his performance in that sort of game was no way to judge him.

Looking at the performance last week in the halves, perhaps starting him isn't a bad idea. Allows others to slot back in where they have been most comfortable this year and gives us a proper look at Ward in SL. Hood off the bench or give mcshane a chance to redeem something, burrow starting at 9 to get some zip in at DH.

I have been informed that Stevie Ward will start the game on friday night against the Giants, at least it's a chance to see how he handles the game/role from the outset as opposed to coming off the bench last week when the game had gone.