I see what you're saying Itchy but I think most forwards are rested/injured during the season anyway, particularly in the front row but Nsemba has already missed 3 games, Walters will have missed all his by the time he comes back, ditto Harvard, Byrne will have missed at least 2 and Leeming around 3 so most of those have already served their time, so to speak. Most front rowers only play half a game in terms of minutes anyway which won't get close to the maximum minutes and Isa will be spelled in the natural scheme of things. As you say, it may impact Farrell if we get to both finals but resting him would be no bad thing imo anyway to maximise his longevity and, we would need to do that anyway to give everyone sufficient game time.

Backs are a slightly different subject as they play more minutes per game and, generally speaking, suffer less injuries. That said, pretty much all of our back line have suffered time out to some degree during most seasons so it may be more a case of a little extra on top rather than thinking they would need to miss all the games due to the protocols. In addition, all of Hampshire, Farrimond, Eckersley and Jacobs would be expecting game time this year so you could argue it fits in well with the requirements of our current squad.

Said recently that Mago is like a new signing, mid season last year I would have got rid. It seemed that his effort and attitude into getting into shape becoming of a rugby player as well as his minutes on the pitch were severely lacking in all departments. Rumours were he had been sent away from the squad to train on his own, then following a couple of moderate to better than average performances an announcement of a contract extension was made, much to the dismay of many on here (me included) and around the terraces. Most of us assumed his mild improvement was to gain another contract and he'd slip back into his old ways.

Well he's certainly made us all eat our words, what a stunning turnaround. One of our best players on the field, looks like he's enjoying his rugby too. Fantastic to see.

Staying in England for an extended pre season was a pre condition of the new deal I believe. If he stays longer term hopefully he maintains this level of conditioning.

Agree with all the comments about Mago. He has a good pair of hands and can pick a pass; that is such a bonus in a prop.

Mago joint second in the Man of Steel voting, which is certainly a position I don't think anybody would've expected to see him in 12 months ago, even if it is only 4 games in (Realistically on a points per game ratio he's top given we've played a game less). He's turning in to a huge success story for the culture at Wigan and how it improves people.

Massive praise for the lad atm. I know it will always be in the back of my mind is he playing for the contract but could he say about anyone really. He looks a new player and I’m starting to wonder if the club have decided to slim all our props down to get those extra mins in them. Cas and that last game have been his stand outs. He knocked a few holes in the Penrith defence as well. Hopefully he gets rewarded with an extended contract