Heh heh heh. Heh.

Classic Wigan half-back signing: 'Yeah...but...yeah, but the next two halfbacks in the academy are going to be WORLD CLASS.'

Where does this leave Powell? Wane must have no faith in him, looks like he is heading the same way as Mellor.

Short of signing a decent aussie 6, they didnt really have many options.

Pryce (Not moving)
Gale (not as good)
Briers (not moving)
McGuire (not moving)
Witt (not as good)
Chase (Hull bound and wrong attitude)
Brown (Wibnes bound)
Smith (Been there.. e)
Gaskell (not as good)
Hanbury (option?)
Richard Horne (e)
Holdsworth (Hull bound.. better option).

There is nobody else in reality.

They may also bring Mellor back from Widnes. I've seen him put in decent stints this season, maybe with better class of player around he could go ok for them?

Powell will be in the squad next season. He's still only 19/20. It's just a shame he broke his leg earlier this season and he's only just getting back to full fitness.
I have a feeling he will be used as sub back a few times next year where he will take on the Tommy Leuluai dual role of scrum half / interchange hooker. I expect Mellor will move to Widnes on a permanent deal as will Marsh.

Would you be happy to have Mellor back if that's what was decided or do you not think he could cut it at the top?

you mean the 5 30+ year olds that totally thrashed you lot..any how you couldnt afford em..

s

Sadly I don't think Mellor will make it at the very top level. That injury about three years ago took a quite a lot of pace from him. It is a shame really, but with Powell, Blake, Smith I can't see room for him, especially when the two England U18 halfbacks (Hampshire and Williams) could/should be pushing for places in two or three years depending on their progression.

Rogues. I just don't think these latest two signings are Wigan 'class.' They remind of when you signed that lad Clinch from Halifax a few years ago. Neither of them are particularly consistent. I get the impression you might also be short of some real strength up front next year.

I think the halves will be o.k. Blake is quick, has good hands and a decent kicking game. I agree we will need another prop top replace Lima, it'll be very interesting too see how Fielden goes until the end of the season. He played last night in the u20's and did o.k but was blowing pretty heavily at the end of his spells on the pitch. Sadly Prescott looks to have picked up a season ending injury in that game. He was making his last run with Fielden on the touchline to replace him when it happened. Did he just relax knowing he was coming off, or was it just one of those things.

I don't like the multi 30+ year policy, but I also don't think we can go with five young props, Prescott, Mossop, Spencer, Dudson and Crosby either. Interesting decisions to be made. I've heard Paul Woods name mentioned as "a rumour" signing.

The 30+ thing has given us some time to nurture some of the youngsters. Smith has been very careful as to when he's played people this season. We're also in a good position with overseas players, only 5 at the moment, and next season it may be down to four if Solo leaves us.
My nephew was a guest in one of the boxes last Saturday and they had a pre-match discussion with Alex Murphy. Murph really rates what's going on at the HJ at the moment (and not just on the playing side), and reckons the next 10 years could be very exciting.

Has Wane made a good signing? Thinking about it off the top of my head, there has been Lauaki, Gelling, Smith, Dudson and Flower. Then adding Green. I've not seen anything that will add much to their team, actually, with a fit squad none of them would get a jumper. Long may it continue Mr Wane.