Russell has arrived and was in training today. We'll have to wait and see whether he warrants the quota place he's got. I really hope he does. Maybe Burgess and his coaching team have seen something in his game that will work really well in the British game.

I'm glad you raised that example because yes they would. They signed Ryan Hampshire and he played about 12 games in 2023 and 2024. Not a standout signing but someone who clearly did a job for a few games, fit in easily because he was there previously, and all without breaking the bank.

They also did the same with Iain Thornley. Easy to forget what other clubs do.

Yeah, there's a fair few players who have done really well over here, that couldn't get games in the NRL. So i'm hoping he'll be well suited to our game, we'll have 2 big tall second rowers causing havoc on the edges hopefully

Sorry I should have been clearer. Would Wigan sign Harvey Livett if he was from Wigan and lived in Wigan?

Ryan Hampshire was from Wakefield.

You know that wasn't the point but well done for doubling down. The fact that Livett knows the town means he is a much lesser risk than an equivalent quality player who has to move home or country. Just like Ryan Hampshire - incidentally, one of those 'Wigan youngsters' who is actually from West Yorkshire.

Other clubs that win grand finals?

I don't care if someone is from or knows the town. He could have lived on Fletcher Street as a kid or played on Orford Park with his mates every weekend. The question should be, is the player good enough? In this case, he absolutely isn't. If we start signing players on a nostalgic/geographical basis over ability then we really are screwed.

I can see how it was ambiguous. My point was "would Wigan sign someone of the track record and quality of Livett because they lived in Wigan and played for Wigan before".

But OK fair enough. You think Livett would be a reasonable signing and I don't. We just differ in opinion which is all what the board is about



I think it speaks volumes about the recruitment market though if this was even under consideration.

This.

IIRC The recruitment since the DoR and new go forward reads as follows

IN
Yates
Bateman (loan)
Oli Leyland
Dan Russell
Alfie Johnson

OUT
Matty Nicholson
John Bateman (loan)
Gil Dudson
Josh Drinkwater
Matty Russell
Joe Bullock
Wesley Bruines

I guess we could also put some of the academy graduates in the IN column. And some of those are very good. In fact I'd go as far as saying that Lindop and Taylor-Wray are infinitely better than any signings we've made or mooted over recently. Apart from Cleary of course, who was never really on the cards.

That's a good call. Our feed from the young 'uns is a very important plus.