Even if he did take a couple, the way the younger players are being pushed on, we're likely to be much better off overall for his influence. Saints and Wigan have consistently remained strong even when losing players to the NRL because of their academies and faith in playing youth. Hopefully we're going in that direction too.

I think we'll definitely get a minimum of 2 years out of Sam, I wouldn't be surprised if he extended if he feels he has unfinished business. He is young and has plenty of time on his hands for an NRL return.

I agree fully with anyone going against this ridiculous narrative going around that this Wigan team is somehow unbeatable. I think Saints having all that success in one go has built up peoples expectations now that the team who wins a Grand Final just goes on and dominates for a spell. We've got a good side, no doubt about that but loads can go wrong and that is on top of the team also needing to screw their heads back on after Grand Final and World Club challenge wins. It's a long season and anything can happen. Saints are every bit as good as Wigan IMO, at least in terms of the first 17 and they could easily put a pin in us if we're off at any point. In a one off game clubs like Catalans, Wire, Leeds, HKR etc could also catch Wigan cold as well.

What I will say though, is that this Wigan side also has loads of improvement in it. It's quote young in the main and some new players are still settling in. It doesn't get pointed out (and rightfully so because of the depth) but Wigan have some big players missing currently. Guys like Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Mike Cooper and Kruise Leeming will add plenty. The side has also been doing 'just enough' to win the leagues games this season and aside from the Penrith game, has been nowhere near it's best, so there is masses of improvement in it yet.

I like Walters. I don’t think many of the already also-rans like us, Catalans, HKR will be losing much sleep over the return of Kruise Leeming and Mike Cooper.

The honeymoon period at some stage this season will go a bit iffy..that’s when we will see how good a young coach Sam is and the potential he will show.. if can come up with solutions to the problems that may arise.. it’s the Burgees effect at the moment with some small signs of improvement in the playing style.. if the lure of Nrl comes early for Sam then it shows he is steering Wire in the right direction..

Walters is a shrewd signing but there was no way he would have signed for us with all the turmoil of last season with Powell.

Junior Nsemba looks to have a great future in Super League. I rate him very highly. A very powerful forward with superb handling skills and strong defence.