I think Powell has done a fine job this season.

When he doesn’t play or has an off day who do we play instead? Leuluai? But then that’s dragging him from 7.

We need another hooker, someone to put pressure on Powell or to play when he is off the boil.

Powell has improved this season, massively, especially since his return from injury. But still what if he gets injured who do we play?

We have about 65 wingers, 1 hooker and 2 props.

We would be out of our minds to be offering Lockers a new deal in my opinion. He's well past his best, and on the verge of ruining his own legacy if he continues. Give Smithies the 13 shirt and move on.

Also, im surprised Partington hasn't been mentioned much, been absoulutely murdered the last 2 weeks. I love his attitude, love his passion but the simple fact is that he is NOT big enough, and never will be.

If we are talking about getting money off the cap, don't offer Lockers a new deal and we should be looking at Leuluai's contract at his age now, and what he's contributing. 2 massive earners coming to end of there career's and tieing up big chunks of money.

Partington is only 21 years old and a prop. Give him time. Props only come into their own when they're around 29/30. See how be develops before writing him off just yet.

I think there's an issue in this. Powell has improved in some aspects of his game, we noticed the improvement and suddenly think he's doing a fine job; he's not. We've not had a great number 9 at our club since Terry Newton. I include Micky Mac in that. Riddell has a scoot and an eye of creativity, but often struggled with fitness etc.

At Wigan, whether it be style of play or something else, we've not had a controlling 9 with a quick scoot, clever passing and an eye to play off the cuff. The 9 is the first point of attack, they get their hands on the ball before anyone else, with a great 9 you have someone who is almost like a second 7, can dictate the play and make a massive difference. Storm's main playmaker and decision maker is Cam Smith play out of dummy half. Canberra are the same with Hodgson, Saints has also massively benefited from creative 9s over the years with the likes of Cunningham and Roby.

My fav 9 at Wigan was Martin Dermott, one of the most underrated players ever at our club, overshadowed in a team with the links of Greg, Edwards and Hanley, but 'Germ' was a complete 9.

I still think this is a position needing of improvement.

I really do think Powell has been very lucky to be at a top team for so long. When you break down what he offers compared to other hookers in the competition you’ll see pretty much every team in SL has a hooker that is better than him.

I'd argue that outside of Hastings and Gildart then there's certain question marks (form, injuries, age) against the every other person in the squad.

Powell isn't the best in the league, but I think there's more pressing concerns like ZH ineffectual attack, who will play 7, Greenwood & Faz being made out of glass, can Burgess lead the pack etc.

My point wasn't discussing 'pressing concerns' just the differences between Powells performances/improvements and what a top 9 does/adds.

I’d be happy if Powell was back up hooker or back up 7 to be honest. With the reserves comp starting next year he’d get plenty game time and I think that’s his level for us.

For anyone wondering about the quality of or squad they only need look at the seasons stats and who makes the GB squad. Other than Williams I don’t see anyone else getting picked.

Yeah that's fair enough. Like I said most of the positions have some kind of question marks over them in regards to either what they add or value for money.

I really do miss the days where we had a side of players who just performed week in, week out and didn't have question marks over their heads. Think back to some of our GF wins and no-one could really question Tomkins, Carmont, Pat, Lockers, HH, Coley etc.

Dermott was one of the smoothest operators to ever play 9. The way he could pick the ball up and throw accurately, fast and at distance in one smooth movement is something ive never seen since he played the game.