I see that sometimes, a guarenteed upgrade on Shenton, not too shabby in defence either. Remember him making a one-on-one tackle to save a try a few weeks back. Very unpredictable player.

Big chance for Burgess, Manfredi or Gelling, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Wigan offer a transfer fee (if necessary) for an established winger. It's the goalkicking part that is a bit of a concern, although Smith maybe could do that job with Hampshire getting a few games next year (he is a tremendous prospect)

You were saying you thought Hampshire would get a run at fullback this year - do you think he's your replacement for Tomkins?

The system Wigan play with is so comprehensively effective, it seems as long as players know their role, they can slot in seamlessly. Its an almost perfect enviroment for bringing young players on. It can (perhaps) be caught short a the end of the season when teams with a bit more experience and power gear themselves up, but if they persist, find the right kids and keep them all together then in a few years, once they've matured, they could have a good 5 years when no one can touch them.

Bastards

Charnley?

I've seen Saints through periods of success and through drought and I can honestly say, I don't enjoy anything more than seeing a young lad pull on a redvee and turn himself into a Superleague player.