In fairness, the Aussies only think "Christ, he's fast but why is he running sideways?" about Sam.

I know Charnley doesn't operate in as pivotal a role as Tomkins does but I still think he is evidence of a great young player that doesn't need niggly, arrogant play to be good.



This is very true. Briers has had his moments pver the years and at times has been the most hated man in SL, mainly for his attitude and constantly moaning at the referee. He's been a different player under Tony Smith, barely recognisable from the Briers of the past. Which goes to show what the right coach can do for a player.

Personally (and I know this view is shared by others) think that the real problem at Wigan isn't Tomkins, Lima, Hock etc. It's Michael Maguire. All players are going to high tackle/niggle/be unsporting etc on the odd occasion, rugby league is a tough sport and players do get caught up in the heat of the game. Yet no other team so consistently plays with dirty, underhand tactics at Wigan and it is quite clearly coached into them. It's an ethos Maguire has brought to the club. Why is a player like Hock going to play fair when his coach refers to his indefensible eye-gouging as 'nothing in it' (paraphrasing as can't find the exact quote). What example is that setting to the rest of the team? Attempt to take someone's eye out and I'll back you to the hilt? Fans aren't the only ones to have noticed either. We've all seen Tony Smith's veiled comments in the press about the style of rugby Wigan play. That isn't down to individual players, that's down to coaching.




Lost my attention and respect at this point. Are you seriously past your teen years?
Yours truly,
Warrington fan past her teen years

Let's not forget Coley; who put Solomona off 5 minutes after scoring in our Challenge Cup tie then, a week later, did the exact same tackle (third man in at the side of the knees) on Manu against Hull 5 minutes after he scored which resulted in him leaving the field, too. Those orders came from somewhere...