On the contrary, I think we do need a hard nosed prop. Every team does.

We built our great success around Graeme West in the early 80's. Later we got Greg Dowling.

Too many rough-house props now to mention. Platt, Skerrett,Cowie and Case to name a few.

Front rowers are usually about 30 or above, so have great experience.

Ryan McDonald?

Hill is 25? Dudson et al aren't. Hopefully by the time they are they will be as good, it's how they go all season long that concerns me.

Re your earlier examples there's no argument re graham but stu had some excellent back up at the bulls. I think these are the exceptions that prove the rule. Other good props coming through include kopczak but at 26 less than a year younger than Prescott but 4 yrs older than dudson.

What position did he play in 1998?

you are a much better team with Hansen sewing up the defence.

I'll just be honest, I have never really rated Paul Prescott - too injury prone and liable for silly mistakes, nor Luaki (sp?).

I have to agree with Brett on this one, that whilst I was very impressed with our forwards v Warrington, it is a concern for me that the youngsters in the squad won't be able to play out the year like that, with that intensity and that enthusiasm.

Lets face it, every game is a big game - because we are Wigan. Every man and his dog wants to beat us and other teams will bring it. So for me the argument that 'that intensity won't be there for all the season' is b*llocks.

I've been watchind old YouTube videos of our pack, Cowie/Skerret/Platt/Goodway/O'Connor/Hanley, I was probably too young at the time to fully appreciate them but my god, if only we had players of that ilk in our pack now. They just don't make 'em like they used to.