not sure why this topic has derailed from Gildart so much, but in the interests of keeping up with you lot.... can you imagine not only (potentially) losing Lockers but also Bateman at the seasons' end? I'm not saying Bateman is Lockers' replacement long term, but Wigan should absolutely do everything to retain Bateman in my opinion.

you are comparing Bateman and Lockers at the same age, fair enough. But Lockers wasn't much bigger than Bateman currently is when he was Batemans' (current) age. Lockers has evolved as a player in skill, strength and size under Wigan's tutelage and I cannot see any reason why Bateman won't do the same given the opportunity. he perhaps isn't worthy of a Marquee spot I agree, but if money is the issue, which I very much doubt it is considering I am hearing all sorts of reasons he will stay such as his young family etc, then wigan now have the means to retain his services - they should do so and nothing less.

i'd go as far to say that bringing in some big NRL Marquee will not replace Bateman, actually. he has the potential to be Harrison Hansen, Ryan Hoffman and Lockers all rolled up into one.

No mate. Wigan Watcher, if you remember him?

Thank god for that lol, He just stopped posting all of a sudden, very strange, he was a character

No worries from me. Personally I don't mind a good spirited back and forth. We all have opinions, and at times they differ, that's a good thing, it would make for a very boring dull forum if everyone just agreed all the time!

He's a great player no doubt and imo better than Bateman, now and in the past. That's not to denigrate Bateman by the way, SOL was born with more natural talent, it's just the way it is.

Hope he carries on playing for as long as possible.