I think you're loads more dangerous if you've got Bateman in the second row. He's one of the strongest runners in the league and he's reasonably pacey for a forward too. You stick him at loose and he's gonna beat defenders but the defence is so compressed that he still isn't gonna find too many gaps. Get him a bit wider and he's gonna really threaten to break the line and that in turn buys more space for your backs. As a Saints fan I'd rather Bateman spent all game running at Amor and Roby than at Luke Walsh or Theo Fages.

I'd go:

1 S.Tomkins
2 Manfredi
3 Gelling
4 Gildart
5 Burgess
6 Williams
7 Leuluai
8 Mossop
9 McIlorum
10 Flower
11 Bateman
12 Farrell
13 O'Loughlin

14 Clubb
15 Crosby (at LF)
16 Sutton (at SR)
17 Tautai

Lockers to stint at hooker at some point to give McIlorum a rest. Whilst Powell has done a good job in McIlorum's absence I still don't see a future for him at Wigan. Smith dropped because he's steady at best in attack and poor in defence. Leaving out FPN and J.Tomkins as they aren't worth a spot as it stands but obviously form could change that. I know this leaves no kicker but I'm sure S.Tomkins or Williams can pick it up

I like Grimmy's team. Surprised other posters seemed to overlook Tautai, one of our few success stories in recent weeks. TL for Smith, sure, why not? He's not the best 7 in the world, but he'll still a better attacker and a much better defender than Smith. Despite his age, he looks quicker than Smith, too (not hard, admittedly). And I'm sure we can find someone to kick goals.

Tomkins
Manfredi Gelling Gildart Burgess
Williams Leuluai
Flower McIlorum Nuuausala
Bateman Farrell Lockers

Clubb Tautai Sutton Tomkins

Not sure who's kicking goals but Friday night was a nail in Smith coffin for me. He was dreadful in a big game again and unlike in some if the others he had play makers around him.

How long has Smith got left on his contract? We need to be making other plans for the 7 shirt.

Never breaks the line, too slow.
Poor passing and kicking game.
Falls off too many tackles.

Shorrocks is the long term replacement for Smith.

He's got 8 assists all year which is frankly an embarrassment. If you're not assisting as a halfback then you ain't really a halfback. If you're assist output isn't that high then you have to be scoring trys and as we know he doesn't do that either.

He's got a simple job in this side as a link man but he's not doing that either. His passing is terrible.

As an outsider looking in I don't think Smith is, or ever will be, a "Wigan quality" half back, I would be disappointed if we had him at Widnes.

He offers no real attacking threat and often takes the wrong option where he is sticking to a structure, he doesn't look like a player that can play on instinct which is what you want from your half backs. Leuluai will make a huge difference next year for you.

Sarginson will be no real loss, just hope you get more games out of Gelling, he's the player in the league who I enjoy watching the most as you never know what you're going to get from him.

Good luck for the rest of the year, apart from when you play us obviously.

If we do not win anything again this year do you think that Wane will still be here next year.

Quote Ashton Bears="Ashton Bears"If we do not win anything again this year do you think that Wane will still be here next year.'" He signed a three year deal in Feb 2014 with a clause in the contract to roll on (not sure if that means one year deals annually or another three years). www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... l-day.html

Quote Ashton Bears="Ashton Bears"If we do not win anything again this year do you think that Wane will still be here next year.'" He signed a three year deal in Feb 2014 with a clause in the contract to roll on (not sure if that means one year deals annually or another three years). www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... l-day.html

Tomkins
Burgess Gildart Gelling Manfredi
Williams Smith
Flower McM Crosby
Faz Bateman
Lockers
---------------------
Tomkins Clubb Sutton Powell

Tomkins' pace shouldn't yet be judged. Give him until after a preseason next year.
Tommy should only be cover for injuries. Be very gutted for Powell if Wigan see Tommy as back up for Micky after the season Powell has had.
Jury has to still be out for FPN. Not fit and carrying the same silly mentality which saw him shown the door at Raiders
Joel needs to watch his performances. Hopefully when fit we'll see a return to form. Isa will be wanting his spot with other lads coming through.
Hopefully Shorrocks can seek a loan move, I see big things ahead in his future.
Bye bye Hampshire. Never got the hype.