The fact that Wigan have announced 2 representative signings, in Hoffman and Lima, and possibly Finch is starting to worry me considering they are strongly linked to Matai too and we have only signed Perry so far.

So much for being import free. They'll again be competing with Warrington for the fewest British players in a 17 next season.

Given that our likely 17 next year would be

Roberts
Goulding
Gleeson
Carmont
Richards
Tomkins
Finch
Fielden
McIlorum
Coley/Prescott
Hoffman
Tomkins
O'Loughlin

Leuluai
Prescott/O'Carroll/Mossop
Lima
Hansen/Farrell/Tuson

I can count 10 English players in there. With 7 quality foreign players.

Only 9 if Hansen plays

Which kinda makes a complete and utter mockery of both the RFL's rules and the pledge of the Wigan owner to go all-British.

He's lived here longer than Mary Faasawhatshisname.

Whats with the 5 overseas players rule ?


They rave about youngsters yet nothing as clearly changed since the Lindsey and Whelen days imo. Hoffman will do nothing but stop the likes of Mossop, Tuson and Farrell improving further.

The reason Hoffman as signed is because no other club wants him in the NRL. His form this past year and half as dropped immesnsly.

Stick by your youth Wigan!!!

Oh Diddums

Can't help but laugh at some of the comments on here.

Lima and Finch were desperately needed. Lima will add a bit of biff/steel that we don't currently have and Finch will form a perfect partnership with Tomkins with Tommy playing 9.

If you read the Wigan forum the majority are trying to work out the Hoffman signing as we've already got the best backrow in SL but he's a world class player who is in his prime so we'll take him.

The Hoffman signing is simple to understand imo. A second row of Tomkins (23), Farrel (just turned 20) and then say Tuson (20) on the bench is a very inexperienced back row. All three players are still developing aspects of their game and also physically. Hoffman has signed for one year and will benefit the young lads a hell of a lot.

And its one less overseas player for us than this year:

Out:
Phelps
Feka
Bailey
Riddell

In:
Lima
Hoffman
Finch

Thats serious progression towards the clubs long-term goals!!

What about Hansen, and isn't Hock returning next year? Not that i'm knocking you for signing Hoffman, just seems your playing down your options.

Good to see the usual Stains ar$es twitching on here again!!!

It's not that at all. I just don't see the point in the RFL bringing in rules to try to benefit the national team and in turn benefit the sport through increased exposure, if all the clubs do is work around the rules as best they can.

Exciting times for Wigan.

3 excellent signings there.

3 sigings which i dont think will be topped by anyone in the league.