Jack Farrimond is a young halfback in their production line who looks like he will be a special player.

Having watched both Smith and Farrimond at the same age, to me Farrimond has the edge over Smith.

It`s probably a little too early in Farrimond`s career to takeover if Smith leaves at the end of 2024 season though.

The signing of Thompson as a Marquee player on a long term contract means that Wigan may have to forfeit either French or Field to enable them to offer Smith a new deal that keeps the NRL clubs away.

On the pics on the training it doesn’t look like it.
Just a rumour, on the rumours topic.

Another potential signing that didn't happen was only 6 weeks ago. We approached Jon Clarke to return in a coaching capacity, not fitness & conditioning. He turned us down in favour of a similar job offer in the NRL. I believe he's now at Manly.

Jon Clarke keeps popping up everywhere. He has done very well for himself since his playing days.

He will replace Smithies at 13 or replace Ellis at prop if he moves to 13.

another one, the usual suspects bagged as not good enough and "jobs for the boys"

Talking of coaching was there anything behind the rumours of Matt King or Sinfield coming as coaches.

Strange that when local lads aren’t being selected it’s bad and when we look to advance old players that is bad as well.

Jon Clarke - one of our most underrated players of the Super League era. Along with Sally's favourite, Chris Riley.

Was Jon Clarke in line for a coaching postion with us when he finished playing? I don't recall any discussion on it.

When has advancing old players happened though? I didnt think Darryl Clark was advanced due to age (Brad Dwyer is 2 months younger)

Clark was showing wear and a downward trajectory, missing games for the daftest of twinges, Dwyer seemingly hasn’t.

I’d rather have a 70%er 100% of the time, than a 100%er 70% of the time.

Advanced in the sense of going on to coaching staff.

Very true. I think he was steady or 'solid' at hooker but had some of his best games at loose forward.

His very best game was at stand off (or scrum half?). We beat Bradford away!