As things stand it's looking very likely!

Wane has told the Wigan Evening post that after stating he expected Flower and Bateman back this week, it's now looking like none of the 7 from Friday will be back with Lockers also ruled out and Faz likely to be banned.

If Hampshire isn't recalled on the back of that news it's safe to assume his extended deal is just a bargaining chip for him going elsewhere for 2017.

But SW gave Hampshire his debut and has picked him over 20 times for the first team. Any "major issue" seems to stem from Hampshire spitting his dummy out because he isn't being picked in his preferred position. And now he finds himself on loan at Cas where he isn't first choice there either. If he pushed for a loan move as is rumoured to be the case then I can sort of see why the club wouldn't be in a rush to get him back.

But he's OUR player and priorities come before Castleford's in this instance. It seems ludicrous that we are scratching around the reserves when we have a ready made (and fully fit) half back in waiting.....unless there is an issue.

Wigan Warriors should be the priority for all concerned and Hampshire should be recalled during the present injury situation, regardless of anyone's stubbornness or ego. What happens when we are through the injury crisis who knows? Perhaps he will form a fantastic partnership with Smith and be one of our halves for the rest of the season, perhaps not. But the priority must be the best outcome for Wigan Warriors.

The way i see it things between the 2 of them is perhaps Hampshire tried a powerplay with the half back or nowhere stance (worked well last weekend didnt it wasnt he FB for Cas?),now if this is whats happened and things,as they seem to have,broken down there can only be one winner IL has to back SW,hence the loan deal at Cas.

Surely if he was ever going to be recalled he would have come back by now.