I understand the argument regarding Hampshire not being a fullback, but if the coach thinks that's his position then so be it. He should however be given a run of games there but as stated above is he better than Bowen? I think Wane needs to decide if he's willing to accept a few mistakes from Rocky. If he is start him at full back at Widnes and leave him there for a good 5 games.

There is also no point in giving hampshire 20 mins or so at 6. What we need to do is play Smith and Williams for the full 80 in all the pre season games to get some cohesion.

Just a thought, do you think Rocky is being given all these runs at FB as he'll start there against Widnes? Wane might be worried about their pitch and Bowens knees.

Some positives on this...
On Clubb, it makes perfect sense to turn him into a prop, given his power, aggression and lack of RL grounding.
Rocky is so much better at 6 than at 1 it is ridiculous.
Gelling has really settled down and stopped floating (I think he was also considered to be a second row when we signed him?)
I always thought Sarg was a 1, but he has far far exceeded my expectations at centre.

Some negatives...
Hughes was poorly served, I agree.
I just don't see Williams as a 6 for us, mostly because the one attribute we need at 6 - with Smith, Lockers and Mac moving us around) is a dangerous running game. And I don't see that with him.
I have never liked Joel as a centre, and would prefer Josh/Budgie/Bateman ahead of him. Though I don't feel that strongly, and he has had his moments.

I'm expecting Hampshire to play fullback at Widnes. Wane doesn't like that pitch and has been very wary of putting SOME players on it over the years.

Yes I'm pretty sure that Lockers hasn't played on it yet either. In the first season on it, he rested Lockers, Sam, Tommy and Micky Mac. Finch was captain and we lost.

Need to get off to a good start this year. Huddersfield are our regular season bogey team and won't be easy in Round 2.

Yeh agreed there is only certain positions that have become available but the players being changed for that position don't fit in my opinion.

I just dont understand some of the changes.......and on sunday was the prime example.

How could Lomax be better in that position until he played there?

If Bowen as such bad knees then he wont play at Widnes but lets all be prepared for Hampshire to make mistakes that could cost us the game is positional play at full back was all wrong and he was tormented by Wilkin and I can see Kev Broen doing the same.

I do see why Wane is putting Hampshire there for his speed etc but I think there is more to him than just that.

I'm a great believer in players earning their place. I don't think that it's right to give someone a run of games in a position to give them experience, just because they show potential. I really don't care about age. Players mature at different rates. Danny Bough being a prime example.

I made the point earlier that I think we should have signed him and who is to say that Danny won't still be playing in 3 or 4 years time? Over the last 2 or 3 years he's been consistently the best Half Back in Super League, so why wouldn't Wigan want to sign the best? In 3 or 4 years Hampshire, Williams & Powell could all be long gone. Casualties of the game, like many before, who failed to make it after showing promise.

I agree with you, I can't for the life of me see Ryan Hampshire as a full back, but then I guess Shaun Wane has earned the right to make mistakes and not have his judgement called into question by the likes of you and I (though it won't stop us!).