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.

Exactly. We're already losing Lima, we have players who are regularly injured in the forwards which means we play more often than not with a depleted pack, we should be replacing like for like. We lose a forward? Get a new one. We're losing Tommy so we've got Smith. In the backs we need a 6 to replace Finch, and need to start find a replacement for Carmont. Hopefully Thornley will fill that centre spot if he steps up to the plate, but we should still be looking to replace Pat as he is in his last year of his contract with us next season and has spent a fair chunk of his time in the stands over the past two years.

Like Captian 13?

rlhttps://www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/7909610/?rl

Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin believes the impending return of Stuart Fielden will be like a new signing for the club.

Fielden, a £450,000 capture from the Bradford Bulls in 2006, has not played for Wigan since tearing a pectoral muscle in training last July.

The 32-year-old has made one appearance for the Warriors in two seasons, but is hopeful of making his return for the Super League leaders in the coming weeks.

"We're all hoping he will get out on the field this year as he's worked so hard on his recovery."

Wigan were dumped out of the Challenge Cup by Leeds on Saturday and O'Loughlin believes the return of the likes Fielden can give Shaun Wane's squad a welcome confidence boost.

"I still believe and know that we can finish top and win that Grand Final," he told the club's official website.

"We've had a good season up to now and with a few players coming back in to the frame like Tommy (Leuluai) and Paddy (Richard) and hopefully Stu Fielden (who will be like a new signing!) we can build up a real head of steam for the play offs.

"Speaking of Stu, hopefully he will be back training with us soon.

"We're all hoping he will get out on the field this year as he's worked so hard on his recovery and is a top bloke and a world class forward too."

Good luck to him,
be good to see Stu ripping it up in SL again like the good old days