Interesting what the numbers tell you about the assessment of Miski....that hes not really good enough to be the starting winger (as we expected would be the case), given Bibby's got the number 2!

Bibby has progressed significantly since joining wigan, and become a good established player, but he's never a winger in the memory of man....far too slow and his best position is easily centre. You could see that in the 2020 grand final when we missed two chances a quick wingman would have took.

Would have much rather seen Bibby at 4 with thornley as back up, which is what I was really expecting.

My concern, when you look at the team on paper is it still, despite the new signings, looks like a very average and weak wigan team. The starting 1-13 line up is what you would expect to see a team like wakefield or Huddersfield put out. Some good players here and there but generally pretty average and weak.

Let's just hope they gel and the sum becomes bigger than the parts.....if there was one thing wane could do it was that, so lets hope he helps us there.

Squad numbers now mean nothing.

Hastings was number 31 for both Salford and Wigan while Sam Tomkins has been 29 with Catalan.

Perhaps, a reason why the Aussies have abandoned the idea!.

The only reason they do it is commercial. Some fans, especially the younger ones like to have a players name name AND number on their shirt. It's a copy from football really, but as you say squad numbers don't mean anything as far as team selection goes.

It looks like a well balanced group but obviously a few unknowns within the team.

If Mago & Ellis go well then we could be in for a very good year and certainly a significant improvement on what we saw last season.

One area I would of liked to see us strengthen would have been the inclusion of a top goal kicker but I’m hopeful that Briers may be able to improve us.

Like others have said I don’t think it’s worth analysing squad numbers, I’m confident that Peet will just choose the players he thinks are able to win the game.

Quietly confident of significant progress.

I find it useful for knowing who is who to be honest, especially for the opposition, who I may be less familiar with.

I've never thought of thought of it that way, but you're correct.

You are right about it being commercial, but how many now bother with less well known International players in our squad.

Especially with what they charge for putting a name and number on a one season shirt?

Bibby is a better winger than centre. (Although he does have his flaws in the air and flying out of defence).

Blatantly obvious to anyone who watches and understands rugby.

Wrong

I don’t understand the analysis of squad numbers.

They mean nothing.

There is still a loose connection to positions but we all know performance gets you the shirt not the number on the back of the shirt.

Bateman gets the 13 shirt as a mark of respect but he isn’t a 13.

I fully expect to see Bibby play in the centres next year and the competition in the squad and different combinations we can play at centre or in the pack should hopefully drive on competition and improve performance.

hes not