IF - and its a big IF, Fielden does return any time this season I wouldn't be expecting too much. He's had the best part of two years out of the game and Gaz Hock was blowing out of his backside when he came back last year after a similar layoff

At best he will be a bit part player in the final rounds but I very much doubt he would be risked in the high intensity environment of the playoffs. He needs pre-season under his belt as did Gareth, but I very much doubt it will be with us.

My feelings exactly. I'll be absolutely amazed if Fielden is a Wigan player in 2013.

Wakefield bound i heard

If Bradford stay afloat and in Super League, I can see him spending his last couple of seasons back with them.

If Stu can rediscover the high standards that he was acheiving, prior to injury, then I would like to see him playing for at least another season with us. If nothing more it would give the likes of Crosby, Spencer and Burke an extra year to develop.

i would like to see him go elsewhere, in terms of value and service to the club 1.5 superb seasons out of 6 simply ain't good enough, he has been out far too long with a serious injury and complications, the guy is nye on 33, certain fans keep mentioning the Hock scenario, yes Gaz was out for 2 years and has come back far better than he ever was, but let's face it, Gaz was not seriously injured, Gaz was a numbhead and got caught out, therefore he was able to keep a certain amount of fitness and he was only 27 when he came back, i would take a look at the Radlinski situation in when he came back for no money in our hour of need, he had only been away from the game for 6 months or so IIRC and he was a shadow of his former self, i think quite a few fans are looking at this through sentimental eyes, we are a top flight sports club, we should be ruthless with players who can't cut the mustard anymore, then again Stuart could have done the right thing and left for the good of the club ala Seu Seu, Roberts and others in the past

we have a bunch of exciting young props but with lima going we need a old pro to guide them.stu fits the bill,we then don't need to buy any more props and can put all into the backs,which make no mistake is a work in progress.

That could be a good call, depends what other clubs would prepared to pay him, I suspect. I reckon we'll offer him a much reduced contract, but won't be too worried if he can get a better deal somewhere else.

Hopefully Stu will have the opportunity at some stage in the coming 7 games to show what he is capable of and depending on his performance he may yet feature in the play offs and then be offered a 12 month/2 year contract on reduced terms.

This

What is all this about spending any Fielden money on backs. Who are we going to buy? Sounds like most decent Aussies are going to stay where they are, so we're limited to buying from Super League. Who are these people that will improve our back line and that are available?