A transparent and mean-spirited attempt to save face.

But at least it's half a step away from the "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" attitude that certain other posters seem completely unaware they embody.

The thought of Matt Bowen having to struggle with the realisation that he is being so victimised - 'My God, he told them I was a 'marquee signing' and whatever else I am, I could NEVER be that!" - is quite tragic.

I think you've lost all sense of rationality

I sense owd Tuggs was taking the pi$$.

No they didn't. If you listen to IL's interview on Wigan TV he stated the deal to sell Sam to NZ was only SIGNED 10 days ago after extensive negotiations and Sam deciding the time was right to test himself at the highest level. He went on to say if a player treats the club with dignity and respect the club will offer the same to the player. We also have the same contractual agreement as was inserted with Mossop. IF either player returns to SL Wigan have first option to sign them at an agreed salary. IF they don't return to SL i hope they go on to have great careers in the NRL and in Sam's case don't end up in union.

Bowen will be a fantastic signing, he offers similar attributes to Sam in attack and is superior in defence. He is vastly experienced and will offer a huge amount behind the scenes as well as on the pitch. If his fitness is a little suspect i would imagine the plan is to give Tierney and/or Hampshire a fair number of games anyway so even if fully fit wouldn't play every game.

As for describing him as 'marquee'. Why not. He's one of the top 5 full backs in RL. For those who think that's all spin ask yourself this. If Mathers was still our full back would you consider Bowen to be a marquee signing? I think most would.

If Bowen was in the postion Sam was in last night (1st half) where we had 5 man overlap on the right and he went left, Bowen would have committed the defender and guaranteed the score.