I'm with you Captain, I think that we need Gidley organising us from the back. Sure a back line of Lineham, Russell and Penny has points in it I'm just not so sure that they would all be welcomed

What we have to recognise is that there is a lack of talent throughout SL which hasn't been helped by the scrapping of the Academy teams. Hopefully, the reintroduction of under 23s will start to produce better players in 2 or 3 years time. Wigan have struggled for the last couple of years but now have a good young squad & no doubt Leeds will struggle this year with the loss of key players.
I'm sure ,injuries permitting , we will have as good a team as any other for the coming season.

I am a little bit worried about injuries in particular in the pack. Evans, Dodds, laithwaite and Harrison have all had or expecting (Harrison) lengthy periods out. I have not given up on a return by Grix but I was hoping for that all last year
The key thing is attitude though. A number of times last year interviews elluded to poor attitude, lack of application or mental toughness.
That is where Smith will earn his money. Hopefully the likes of Clarke back around the place with Gidley calling the shots there will be no slacking in training or on game day.

Skill and ability are great but are worth very little without effort.

Indeed we've added some quality and more importantly leadership. With a positive attitude and start to the season we'll be a huge improvement on last season. I think these low expectations from quite a few will do us no harm either.

Is Russell due to be back to full fitness for the start of the season??

Seen a few pics of him in training so I assume so.

Thats would be my team also but I am more of an Atkins fan.

Curious at the idea of Gidley at Stand Off. Hasn't he played most of his rugby at full back?