O'Loughlin has a huge work rate, punishing defence, one of the best (if not the best) passing games for a forward in the league and can kick. With many people constantly calling him average, I would say that he is the most under-rated player in the league

Locky's got the most try assists so far this year, 2nd is Sam Tomkins. Not bad for an overrated player.

I think it's too early to go fawning at the feet of Wigan. They are only 9 games into the season FFS and there is plenty of time for them to drop off. I think they are potentially more capable of riding out an injury crisis as they seem far less reliant on individuals than other sides are. They have 3 half backs which most sides dont and 3 hookers if you count Leuleuai in a dual role.

I don't think they are the best side in SL yet though. They won on Friday against a truly shocking Saints performance attacking wise by 8 points. Other sides like Hull did would have threatened more and put some points on us, particularly in the first half. Wigan's pack isn't that good, their front row is particularly weak.

I still see Leeds as big favourites once they get their full strength squad back. They could go into the later stages of the season with a squad with several of their key players as fresh as daisys as they've not played nearly as many games as the other sides. They also know the key to winning SL is not league performance it timing form and fitness in the run up to the playoffs. Leeds know this but I think Wigan and Warrington perhaps are a little naive in this regard as both seem desperate to attain top spot in SL and their efforts in trying to get there could leave them out of steam come the meaningful part of the season.

I'm not just talking about one season. He's not a poor player, just a very ordinary one over his career to date.

Are we still talking about Sean O'Loughlin? Or Lee Briers now?

Talk about non-sequiturs!

I thank you.

Not sure I can agree with that, Wigan's front row is not full of stars but they are a good unit

Coley, O'Carroll and Prescott are all solid going forward and in defence - Fielden is showing signs of being coached back into form and Paleaaesina offers some fireworks off the bench

None of the above are in the same class and Peacock, Morely or Graham but packs are units not individuals

Despite the form of some of the backs, Wigan's change in form this year is through more aggressive running and defence - that can't be achieved with a weak front row

It's not just the prop forwards that are doing all the work. Richards and Roberts are our top metre makers. They make loads of metres bringing the ball back from kicks and make the job of our forwards easier. Not to mention Joel Tomkins and Lee Mossop bringing the ball forward strongly as well.

Sure on paper our forward pack is not the best and is our area Mike MaGuire is keen to strengthen, but they are playing as a unit and the whole team is chipping in from Roberts & Richards right up to Coley and Fielden. We've beaten the best forward packs in the league - Hull FC and Warrington - so have proven we are more than capable of doing a job on the day.

It makes me smile when people say 'wait till Wigan have some injuries' we've bloody got them. No Riddell, Coley, Phelps against Saints & George Carmont went off after 20 minutes and never returned so we were down a man for the rest of the game.

Against Leeds we had Riddell coming on and off constantly because Andy Coley never returned, McIlorum only played about 15 minutes, Sam Tomkins went off 5 minutes into the second half and Riddell then went off towards the end after pulling his hamstring. For large spells of that game we were down to just one fit substitute.

We have hopefully now established ourselves as real title contenders this season after beating Leeds one week at home - and doing it very tough due to the injuries during the game - and now Saints away in the last derby match at Knowsley Road. We've beaten Warrington Wolves away and smashed Hull FC at home. Two other title contenders. The only ones left to beat are Huddersfield.

Whisper it softly - or say it through gritted teeth - but Wigan are back as serious trophy contenders.

Saints and Leeds as well

You good sir have just posted the most ridiculous statement I have ever seen on rlfans since some idiot claimed Sculthorpe was better than Ellery Hanley.

Take a bow my son. That is going in my signature.

Is that not what saints and leeds have been doing?

They have been in the last 3 GF!

But in those seasons both have been comfortably better than the likes of Wigan, Warrington and Huddersfield. They have finished top 2 without any major effort. Finishing top is the best way to reach the GF don't get me wrong, but going at 110% all season will result in a blowout at the end. It remains to be seen whether the likes of Wigan and Warrington have the experience to take stock and sit back for a month or so soon to just conserve energy and ensure they are in the right condition and form to hit the playoffs in peak shape.

Leeds have been the best side at gearing their season to hit their best form in October. Their season typically goes well until their coach eases them back, they lose a few before going again just before the play offs. You cannot maintain one clean and constant run of form all season, it's not possible. Leeds will be trying to do the reserve this season almost with their form graph starting bottom left and attempting to go up at a 45 degree angle towards Old Trafford.

O'Loughlin is a fantastic player, how anyone can say he's average I don't know.
Re: saddened's comments it's very true but it's not like teams are going 110% to be where they are.
We never got out of second gear against Wakey last week and against Salford..well..if there was any effort expended there i'll eat my hat. Easiest stroll I've EVER seen from a rugby team.
Your points are true, but I wouldnt be backing a major dropoff anytime soon, like someone said, August will be key