I am told quite reliably from a current member of the backroom staff at Wigan that I still work with there was a lot of discord among the group over the last week, I was told a few of the younger players felt agitated that the seniors didn't contribute enough in the St Helens game and something was said that created a bit of tension/division. Lam stayed out of it and the performance last night showed how that masterstroke played out.

As much as I was told from the 'horses mouth' there is no truth in the return home for Zak, I am becoming more and more sure Bevan was signed as a replacement for him next year. I don't want to delve into it, I just honestly can't see him wearing Cherry & White next year. Cas now have the cap space to bring him back. I would expect an announcement not long after the Grand Final, if not before given neither clubs have any involvement. Hull KR, Huddersfield and Toronto were all very interested in Bevan French offering him guaranteed first team footie at full back, be a bit strange if he signed for us to happily play utility or back up.

Joe Greenwood looks odds-on to be out, the player/club relationship soured over him being officially cleared to play but refusing as he didn't feel right after his last concussion, his balance is off massively and he is getting migraines. I am not the biggest Tony Clubb fan, but what I do know is he agreed heavily reduced terms and it is a good deal for the club for a back-up player. I think this will be reflected in the squad numbers for next year.

Partington is far too small to play prop, he needs to play wider. There's no doubting his heart and bravery but he's physically too small as the last two weeks have shown.

Zak isn’t going anywhere, most of Luke Gales wages are being spent on Danny Richardson and that will just about bring them up to the cap

Yep i agree regarding Hardaker Richie. I think he will be on his way. He has been decent but i dont think he will be a huge loss. We need more strike from FB as in Tomkins MK 1. Hardaker is steady in defence but not much more. lost his zip and just doesnt seem like he wants to be here. I am glad we signed him but wont be heartbroken if he leaves.

Lenighan hinted in his speech at the recent fans forum that French may well play full back with Zak at right centre next season.

I think that makes us a stronger side.

Imagine that would give a back line of:

French
Marshall
Zak
Gilly
Budgy
????
hastings

Yep I agree, French is more in the mould of Sam Tomkins or Matty Bowen who fit our system very well, Zak has been tremendous this season but his attack hasn’t been good enough unfortunately and him at centre with French at 1 will definitely benefit us in attack

If the youngsters have opened their mouths about the elders not pulling their fingers out I think that’s fantastic and a good sign for the future, they were right. If the elders have had a go back and Lam has left it then he is part of the problem too, if he’s not got the balls to have tough conversations with experienced players then he’s in the wrong job.

If Hardaker goes I’ll be disappointed as I think next season he will be back to his best, especially with a good pre season under his belt.

Joe Greenwood can go, he’s a good player but he’s too soft. No shame in that, it’s just the way he is.

Whats with players and head knocks these days?

I never remember players crying off so frequently in the 80s and 90s with head knocks.They would get KO'd and get up and play on. Nowadays, a head merely has to go back in a hard tackle and they are off the field and out of the next game.

Could anybody imagine Andy Gregory or Andy Platt being kept out for weeks because he got a bang on the head?

I would have bought this, except when Sarge was injured it was the perfect opportunity to test it and we didn't, Lammy persevered with Zak at FB and brought Hankinson back in. Knowing Zak I honestly don't think he will be happy to play centre next year, he has aspirations to be the England #1 again.

Do you have permanent concussion ?

No, do you?