Classic Wigan signing this. We've heard Rogues et al banging on for years about how the young halfbacks they have in the academy will be England internationals for many years.

Then one bloke breaks his leg, they sign the first guy they can think of and those kids are Widnes-bound.

Still I'm sure the next one coming through is the REAL deal.

typical browny post this,

first person we can think of :S, do you mean we have got matty smith half a season early as he was already signed for next season?

and plenty of times i have seen rogues say Hampshire and Williams are to young at the moment and they are. no doubt Sam Powell would have seen game time this season if he hadn't broken hes leg and mellor doesn't look the same since he broke hes patella, both of them was England academy players as well.

if i was a wire fan id be more worried about your own teams problems like whose going to replace briers and partner O'Brien don't think richie is up to it.

He is obviously a talented player but has never really stood out for me other than when he went back to Saints for the playoffs. He could turn out to be one of there best signings you never know or it could be a disaster. Atleast they are giving an English half back a chance so best of luck to them.

I think Smith is bang average personally, but fact is he's the best out there in terms of a british HB that's available.

We need another HB for next season as well, not sure Mellor is the answer and I think the two young academy lads aren't ready yet so we'll see.

Be happy to take O'Brien off your hands though......

Thanks for your concern its really, really appreciated. However with Briers, Myler, Ratchford and O'Brien as Super league experienced half-backs signed for next season I ain't losing sleep just yet.

Remind me which half-backs with Super League experience have Wigan got signed-up for next season?

O'Brien is looking a classy player, ratchford has found hes position at fullback and isn't as good at 6, and myler is never going to take you to old trafford and win the grand final. how many games has briers played this season? i don't believe tony smith is just resting him.

but if your talking about just cover for half backs then i would say from Wigan Sean O'loughlin and Sam Tomkins can do the job.

I'm not talking about cover. Wigan have only one half-back with first team experience signed for next year. You have just named your full-back and loose-forward, if they play half-back you need to replace them plus its for this reason I never mentioned Grix, Bridge, etc as possible half-backs.

And if you think Ratchford isn't up to it at half-back then Matty Smith is going to be one hell of a disappointment for you.

So why should Warrington fans be nore worried about our half-backs next season compared to a team that to date have Matty Smith?

Have we? Can you be sure?.... Anyway, we cheat, live with it

well you are talking about cover as you mention ratchford being a half back, and i have watched him alot even playing for st cuthberts and he wasn't anything special in the 6 position alot better or fullback. plenty have said myler aint up for to it.

sam tomkins was a half back and still looked class in that position so i wont worry about it if we have to put him in at 6 next year with either russell or murphy at fullback.

O'Loughlin as a replacement half back?? You go for it.

he already played there a few times.

and the following week you pay a transfer fee to get Matty Smith early.