They arrived in NZ just over 48 hrs ago, had 1 training session on grass, adapted to the NRL rules and the 2nd half dominated the game, that was a young wigan side in the 2nd half facing off against a young NZ side, not a bad effort and I am sure we will improve massively ahead of next Saturday.

I actually really do rate Hampshire and would have had him in the 17, possibly the 13, but saying both the men of the match from our two finals last year 'offer frig all' is plain laughable. Smith is a very good at organising, kicking and passing. Green on his game can throw killer passes and has a great step as seen in the Hudds play off and the GF last year when he scored in each. Having said that he has been inconsistent so I wouldn't have been against the idea of Hampshire playing SO instead.

As you know on here I am one of Hampshire biggest fans, I've been banging on about him for the past three or four years. However, I want Wane to be careful with him. Would I have played him on Saturday? Maybe from the bench when Powell was ruled out.

Where should he play?

Eventually I see him as a#6 and it will be interesting to see what happens next year if Bowen and Green leave. However look through the teams both here and in Australia and see how many players under the age of 23 are playing in that key roll. Physically I don't think Hampshire at the age of 19 is ready YET.

Playing him at #1 gives him that bit more time to pick his line and avoid the major hammerings he would get at #6. I expect this year we will see him play 10 - 15 games in the first team, the majority at #1 but some at #6 to allow him to continue his development.

Patience with the likes of him, Williams, Burgess, Manfredi, Gildart and Shorrocks etc is key to Wigan producing a team that will continue to be around the leaders for years to come. Overplay or play too many too soon could stifle their progress and end up like we did around 2003 - 2006 with the likes of Brown, Aspinwall, Robinson, Hodgson, Wild, Tickle etc.

Completely agree and I think SW has youth development down to an absolute tee. I trust that our youths are being brought through in the "Wigan Way".

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