I've maintained for a while that he would thrive on the extra responsibility at LF, he's far too talented a player to be a battering-ram type. Should definitely be the lock from now on, especially with a relatively untried half back combination.

Wilkin has been tragicomically underrated by Saints boo boys for the best part of five years. In their minds (which wouldn't qualify as a mind if you grouped them together) you can't be any good unless you can swat people aside like a giant Ent or defeat Roadrunner two races out of every three.

Wilkin is tactically astute, multi-skilled, multi-roled and works his knackers off. He also chips in with the odd try. Oh, and he can string a dozen words together without a "You know" in site.

Not in Australia they aren't, but they expect their half backs to do their job properly.

Or off site or with foresight

Even.

I read a post from a Wigan fan Either on here or red vee, and he said our back three forwards next year should be Wilkin ( footballer ) Flannery ( tackler ) and Pryce ( runner ). I have to say I agree that's a well balanced trio, we could give Wheeler a run at stand-off to see how it goes, he should be alright with Wilkin and Pryce around him.

Rookies make mistakes. They are an inevitable part of the learning process. Which is why playing two rookies alongside each other is bad tactical management. Playing two rookies alongside each other in the PLAYMAKING positions is suicidal. Bad enough if one of them has a mare. It'll be tough to see out the game as winners. If BOTH play badly together your problems jump exponentially. Certainly you've no chance whatsoever of recovering/stealing the match.

So, no.

Wilkin's problem has always been his consistency. He has the odd game where he teases us into thinking he's going to break through to another level. I don't know why this is. When he's been given more responsibility he can do well but I've also seen him be non-existent and exposed in that role as well. What he has improved upon in the past twelve months is his defence.

His kicking game can be great but it can also suck as well which again is consistency. If he can get the consistency he could be excellent but he is still trying to find it. The one thing that is good is he's cut down on the showboating which has made him a better player. I do like his attitude and with better concentration he can stop somebody else getting that loose foward spot.

As for Flannery? Well he's an unsung hero for us.

Yes that is my opinion. That's why I wrote it!

You can count on 1 hand the games wilkin has played very well.

He's never rubbish but never great.

I only mention it because, in every other point you made there you ensured that everyone was aware that they were "IMO".

I just thought i'd clear up for anyone not paying attention that, "His form over last 2-3 year has not been very good at all", was indeed not fact.

His form ain't been good over last 2-3 years. Fact

You're right, just as Hansen and Bailey are for Wigan. However some of your fans, just like some of ours only see the runners and not the workers, it does my bloody head in.

At Wigan these fans are usually found in the South Stand (I'll say no more)

If a player doesn't run 50 metres every time they get the ball, then they are cr@p.