Agree about Shorrocks he's still young but long term could be a good option at 13 good ball skills and good all round game

I'd probably give the number to Bateman so you're not putting the pressure of expectation on anyone else to be the next Lockers/Farrell. In terms of who actually plays loose I'd be looking more towards Partington or Havard depending on form. Hard to say who to give the captaincy to as I don't know most of them that well, my gut says Farrell though. One club man, never heard of him being in any off field trouble, consistent enough that you know you will want to pick him every week he is available. Other candidates I dismissed:

Leuluai - Not keen on someone being a captain for just a year.

Bateman - Off field stuff and I'm not convinced he has the right temperament for it. Sometimes you need a cool head.

Powell - I'd rather him just focus on his performances. He's had a good year but I'm not sure he's quite in the 'You will never want to drop or sell him' category.

Hardaker - Off field stuff. Also not convinced he's in the above category.

Sam Powell is the hooker. Doesn’t make sense giving him 13, I would however have him as captain tomorrow.

For me it’s got Bateman’s name written all over it

Didn't Farrell deputise as captain a good few years ago v Hull(?) and get sin-binned? Not the most auspicious start to his captain-ship



As someone said previously, Faz's not much of a talker or shouter, Bateman might not have the coolest of heads to take it on and Powell would be best concentrating on his game.

For me, I'd give it to Hardaker - yes he's had his years of being an absolute nob-jockey - but I think he's really settled down at Wigan and matured over the past few seasons, seems to be well liked and respected by other players and got bags of experience.

Faz has been captain many times I think

John Bateman is the new captain, it was in the terms of the marquee contract he signed

Also been captain of the the Academy team.

I’m not sure who gets the number 13 next year but for me I’d expect Harvard, Partington and Smithies all to get lots of time there depending on the opposition.

It is clear that there will be a change in style that we have been used to for the last 19 years although we have transitioned with that this year with Locky missing so many games.

I like a secondrow rotation on Isa, Faz and Bateman and I think we need more go forward from a 13 than Isa gives and Bateman again isn’t a big meter maker down the middle, he tends to make his meters running intelligent strike lines on the edge.

Captain I think will probably be Bateman or Powell. I’ve been impressed with the leadership Hardaker has brought to the team and long may it continue but he seems to be thriving and enjoying his rugby at the moment so I think it’s best to let him continue focusing on that.

Faz doesn’t need to be captain to lead by example, and as others have said he is less vocal on the pitch and assuming Tommy’s role will be reduced in 2021 I don’t see how he can get it.

A player who looks more than capable of stepping into a leadership role is Singleton, whilst his on field performances have been great I’ve also been really impressed with his talk he seems very vocal when the lads are huddled together and the lads seem to listen which shows real confidence from him. I’m not throwing his name in for captain but certainly expect him to be part of a leadership team along with Hardaker, Tommy and Faz.

As Wigan have signed a half back in Field and already have Hastings and Smith in contention at half back, could Leuluai be retiring or taking up a new role at loose forward, especially with his tackling.

A 13 needs to do more than tackle they need to have a strong carry too.

I can’t see Tommy in that role.

If we want a ball playing #13 is there a case for playing Hastings there?