I think Tommy will probably start the season or be in the 17, especially with French missing. After that its down to Smith, Field and not forgetting O'Neill too and the performances they put in.

In regards to Tommy being the skipper - I like it. He's the captain of the club and on the weeks he doesn't play, it will let Peet try a few options out. I've seen a couple of social posts from the club talking about the leadership group and hopefully not having the regular skipper play every week will help us unearth a few new options for 2023.

Being captain doesn’t necessarily mean he will be guaranteed a starting berth or even a selection in the 17 - see Sean O’Loughlin.

Though he wouldn’t be my choice, mainly because I think his time came 2yrs ago to retire, I can see the sense in it. I think his selection as captain is a red herring when it comes to match day squad selections. We’re far more likely to see Faz/Bateman be game day captain than Tommy who will retain the club captain tag. Perhaps similar to the Ryder Cup team Captain, an addition to the coaching staff whom still turns out to play a few times a year.

We’ll see him play a few times for sure, perhaps 10-12 games including the CC but I’d suggest that unless something horrific happens with Smith/Cust in the halves, that’s the pairing we’re most likely to see alongside a Powell/O’Neill hooking interchange.

I’m sure we will be running with a leadership team this season with a number of the senior players expected to take on leadership duties.

Tommy will probably captain the side and in my opinion should be our starting half alongside Cust.

Smith doesn’t deserve to start on the basis of his performances last year and Field has to earn the right for his shot too.

Obviously we don’t know what is going on behind closed doors in the off-season but going off last year it’s Cust and TL starting in game 1.

I’m sure Smith will get his chance and when he does I hope he takes it.

I don’t think TL will be the starting half come the back end of the year necessarily, however if he is it means Smith has missed his opportunity and probably doesn’t have a future at Wigan.

You’ve got to take a few things into consideration before awarding any starting spot. Yes last season may come into it but more so pre season training; how do we look with Smith there versus Tommy? Is smith showing a drive? A passion? A desire? Is he putting in extras or doing bare minimum? Pre season games; how is he playing? More of the same or a different player altogether? How well does the whole team go with him there? Are we better without him?

I know you’re not Smith’s greatest fan and you’ve laid out compelling reasons to be fair but I wouldn’t let 2021 cloud judgment on this season. 2022 really is now or never for Smith but I would be comfortable in him being out starting HB alongside Cust.

I hope I’m right and you’re wrong, as I’m sure you do as well.

Totally agree regarding off season, which is what I alluded to, if he’s killing it, which he has no excuse not to, then he should certainly be putting himself into contention.

I do also think it’s a case of playing himself into the team and I don’t think the friendlies really give a good enough opportunity to do that unless he absolutely kills it.

I very much hope he is our 7 at the end of the year and has established himself in that role as the potential is there but if he hasn’t then he never will.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see him start the first game with TL as the insurance policy on the bench. I’d personally prefer it if TL were to start and make Smith wait for his opportunity.

If rumours are true we have Smith, Cust, Field and TL all training as halves during the current offseason. Cust is nailed on to start and I have to say I’m a little concerned at this stage we can’t nail his other starting partner.

I am concerned but I’m not at the same time.

Concerned in that the optics are “bugger who’s going to partner Cust?” but completely unconcerned in the looking past that and thinking perhaps we’re trialling 4 for 2 spots for different games, scenarios etc. I may be clutching at straws there but it’s a lot better to think that than the first thought.

I do agree that Smith in 2022 will either confirm his quality, or confirm your thoughts and most others fears. Huge pressure on his young shoulders this season.