I can't remember him being injured in the run up to the Cup final? He was still in form at that point (having played a big part in the semi and influential in the first half of the CC final). He was obviously not fit for the Grand Final that year, but I assume Smith would have played him anyway as he's an x-factor player, and we needed something / anything to break the deadlock in a typical Old Trafford slogathon. An 'early 2016 Sandow' might have made a difference, who knows? Ultimately, that was the game that began the rot and the downfall. Smith should have stepped aside, and we should have had a mass clear out with a plan to build from the ground up again. Hindsight is easy though.

It was that simple. Clark's first choice was to stay here but Saints offered him a better deal and Wire wouldn't match it - same thing happened with Hill.

Just so I’m clear you think the club only had to choose between Clark and Dwyer. Salary Cap, length of contract, needing money for other signings, needs of the team didn’t/shouldn’t play any part in the decision making process?

Mike Rush said they never even considered Clark and it was his agent that approached Saints back in May.
Rushy said they couldn’t match Warrington’s deal, Clark just wanted to play with 9 on his back and not filling in off the bench and backrow.
So Clark is apparently on less money at Saints, however on Saints form over the last 9 seasons he’s been at Wire, he’s likely to earn more on final appearances and win money at Saints than just a regular season contract salary he’s virtually had at Wire!!

Ill wait on Abe for the truth

Well he's turned down a testimonial at Wire so he must have lost out financially. I know he's very keen to win titles but I have a feeling he's unlucky with his timing here. Not sure he'll be missing out on titles at Wire but don't think he'll be picking any up where he's going.

I’d like to see that quote RD because it has the whiff of bull dung about it. It would mean he was on less money and missed a testimonial (which used to be tax free, not sure currently). Did he say how long a contract we were offering?

It would also suggest he was almost guaranteed a starting place which judging by a lot of earlier posts many on here would not have been happy with (for any player).

Yes Saints maybe on the downward cycle but he is now playing for one of the only 3 sides that win Grand Finals. I suspect his chances of winning a GF in the next 3 years are better with Saints than Warrington.

Wigan easily have the best squad currently and must be favourites to win the title again in 2024.

If they can manage to retain Field, French and Smith they will be dominant for the next few seasons.

Yeah but they lost King.

I think if they lose Smith it will be a big blow to them, keep him and yes I can see them dominating for a season or two.

They made a big mistake signing Thompson on a long deal & on a salary that means he will have to be a Marquee Player.

Either Field or French need to leave to allow Smith to be retained on a Marquee basis.

I mentioned Jack Farrimond an emerging halfback on a previous post. He should develop into very good player.

Wigan could have all 4 on marquee money but only claim the most financially advantageous 3 against the cap.

Plenty of people seem to know the ins and outs of what French, Field and Thompson are on and what Smith will be demanding it seems which is interesting.

I wasn’t aware it was all public knowledge.

Now you’re ‘cashed up’ get used to it, we’ve been getting it from Wigan / Saints / any fans for years.