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.

I think Dudson and Flower could develop into pretty handy players to be fair.

As I say previously, I think this will be the sign of things to come in a decreasing quality transfer market

dudson will make a top class prop, he was really coming into form when he got his injury. Flower is a solid workman. Gelling has shown glimpses of what he can do but hasn't played in his natural position at centre yet, Lauaki is a plodder who has been above expectations and I think Smith could turn into a very astute signing.

If you look at wigans possible starting 17 next year

1. Sam Tomkins 2. Josh Charnley 3. Darrell Goulding 4. Iain Thornley 5. Pat Richards 6. Blake Green 7. Matty Smith 8. Paul Prescott 9. Mike McIlorum 10. Lee Mossop 11. Harrison Hansen 12. Gareth Hock 13. Sean O'Loughlin SUBS 14. Gil Dudson 15. Ephalame Lauaki 16. Liam Farrell 17. Chris Tuson/Logan Tomkins/Sam Powell

I think the only position where we need to recruit is prop to add a bit of depth to the front row, I don't think Spencer is going to make the cut and Crosby seems more of a back rower to me. I wouldn't be suprised if wigan signed Craig Kopzack from Bradford, with the Harris/Wigan/Wales link he could be a very good signing and if Fielden isn't demanding top dollar, which I am sure he can't really expect, then I would offer him a 1 year deal.

I'm happy with the shape of our squad next year, a consistant pack with a good back line a team which could realistically stay together for a long time.

I liked Dudson in the 4 Nations. I thought he was one of the few Wales players her didn't look out of place.

I think the Wigan team for next year lacks that bit of spark. It goes without saying Tomkins and Hock are gamebreakers but I think the rest of the squad is shaping up as a purely workman like solid team. I think it could do with a couple more flair players to set it off.

However, they do have cap to spend you would assume as they must have lost some big earners over the last couple of years

Iain Thornley, Rhodri Lloyd and Gil Dudson have bags of potential along with the re-signing of Sam Tomkins I think IL and Wane are concentrating on the future unlike the previous management.

Has Wane EVER coached a side that has 60+ points scored against them?

At any level.

He's certainly coached a team that's lost home and away to a team this season...Tony Smith Hasn't

Has Wane coached a team to a cup final yet??

Stop worrying about us. We're shaping up to have a very young British team next season with the exodus of Finch, Lima, probably Carmont, Roberts gone and possibly Fielden. We'll still be up there annoying you.

I hope you're still in Sally Cinnamon mode. If not, you're seriously implying that Wane is a better coach than Tony Smith?

Thornley as starting centre? Who is in reserve after this disaster waiting to happen.

[iBlake / Matty [/i- that's not in italics its just that I was shaking in fear so much when I wrote their names next to each other.

Prescott / Mossop - two injury prone first choice props is not the way forward especially when one is only good enough for the fourth prop slot.

Dudson - how many Super League games has he played. Big responsibility (considering your first choice props will be injured half teh season at least nbetween them)

Lauaki - I'm feeling a bit glum this morning after last night so go on tell me again you signed him on a four year contract to cheer me up. When the best people can say about a player is "he isn't a bad as we thought he was going to be" says it all.

Interchange hooker - you need an interchange hooker. Who would play if McIllorum had to go in hospital to have his eye-sight straightened? You can't seriously expect Tomkins to be first choice, let alone 80 minutes.


Still Wigan will be ok. Enoiugh decent players to make you a top end team however even with Sam Tomkins in that sqaud I don't think it is good enough to win trophies and if he got injured it is a 5th to 8th place team next year.


As for no better stand-offs than "Blakes 7" being available then are people seriously suggesting he's better than Chase, Holdsworth, Brown and Burns?

I know nothing of Burns so can't comment.

Chase - Maybe a better player, but poor attitude, bagage, and almost certainly more expensive in both transfer and wages. I'd imagine Blake would fit in with the attitude of a top team more.

Brown - Already signed up for Widnes and what's to say he would have wanted to go back?

Holdsworth - He's good, I like him, would Salford be willing to let him go, and is a bit older. I think of your list he's the only one i'd prefer at Warrington than Blake

It must be wonderful living life in your little dream world, I bet reality hits you real hard now and again.