Big blow for Wigan, but more so for Stuart. I know Wane was very keen to have him back in the side & Stuart being the professional he is has found it very difficult being on the sidelines for so long. The most testing peroid of his career as he hasn't spent much time on the sidelines previously.

The club aren't giving up (just like with Eamon O'Carroll) and are hopeful he will feature again for the cherry and whites before the season finishes. He would be a useful addition to the squad at the business end of the season. No plans about his next contract have been made that I am aware of, but it is a make or break situation for Stuart.

We don't need to play by the ([sizeHKR[/size) rules. We are Wigan and we own the RFL.

Don't think we will see him play again, not for Wigan anyway.

Always thought the contract extension was ambitious and the news will suprise few people.

Fielden is the kind of person i would like to see involved in the England set up as part of the back room staff who can support and help develop younger players.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought if someone didn't play in a season they were not part of the cap. As Karl Pryce salary didn't come off the cap in his first season at Wigan alsoa couple of years ago a Stains coach had to have his salary as part of the cap as he played against Catalans at Catalans, it was a weakened team before a CC final.

I could be wrong on the above though.

At 32/33 does that make him a wire target for next season???

Critical blow to our chances this year for me - I think we really needed him this year after losing players like Coley and Hoffman.