I don’t think Cust is done, just he’s being played all wrong. It’s obvious his and Smith’s partnership doesn’t work but I do think he could be better utilised at 9 or 13. At 13 it gives us an extra ball player and options where as Smithies - and I don’t wish to sound critical because I like him, just isn’t that. He’s a tough nut but he’s not a 13. He’s a back rower destined for the front row IMO.

I’d go

French
Miski King Wardle Thornley
Hampshire Smith
Havard Powell Bryne
Smithies Farrell
Cust

Isa
KPP
O’Neill
Mago

Interchangeability in the back row for front row and a hooking option with Powell considered for the halves. I think we’re dearly missing Singleton/Cooper/Ellis and will look far better when 2 out of the 3 are back.

With Cust not being 100% they wanted him 18th man as cover.

Fair enough, understand your point in I don’t disagree much.

I do think however Singleton would be a loss bigger than most would admit to. He’s a grafter prop, always up for the hard stuff and rarely lets the side down. Yes he doesn’t make many yards or dazzles in defence but he is effective for what he does. He’s the type of prop clubs need alongside your meter makers and hard defensive hitters. Plus he doesn’t cost the world either, for me we should be looking to keep him and raise cash elsewhere from Mago/Isa/Cust (maybe) leaving. I’d also include Thornley in that list but I am open to keeping him on board too.

Singleton will be missed. A few fans don’t get what he brings to the table…even in the wake of the last couple of weeks since he had been missing.

He’s an old school poop house who does stuff others won’t in contact. He does the stuff that makes the likes of Havard not have to.

I’m sure our recruitment is at an advanced stage, we do though need someone to step into that role moving forward, most likely Cooper pre injury but there is now a big question mark over his fitness/recovery.

Thornley for me needs to be let go. He’s solid enough but he isn’t a starter and probably next year blocks the path of Eckersley from progressing into his next natural squad place as first back reserve.

I think Isa dictates his own future. Mago and Cust need to go for me.

Toby Warren from Leeds felt a crack in his neck and back and couldn`t move his legs.
However he is ok and recovering and is waiting to see what the long term impact will be.
He was full of praise for all the Wigan staff who looked after him.
And hats off to Mat Peet who texted him to see how he was.
Full of admiration for your coach from a Leeds fan.