I have to say the halves pairing of Williams and Sammut looked very impressive yesterday. Both playing to their strengths seemed to gel very well indeed. Early days, I know, but after just 3 or 4 games together signs are good that this should only get better. Sammut's best game so far. He controlled the game really well, was defensively sound and gave a little cameo at the end of what he can do when he takes the defensive line on.

Yeah it looked like things are starting to come together, didn't it? Noticeable that Sammut regularly threw that quick early pass to Williams, which gave him that extra bit of time, Kicked well too, as did Tommy, when he looks to find the grass rather than his rather tame bombs. Halves who chip in with a few tries are always very welcome too. George always has a few tries in him, but Wigan haven't scored many from 7 lately. So a real 'half-back's try' to finish off was just the cherry on the cake!

I agree with everything you have said, but what pleased me most about the 2 halves was the way they constantly took the ball to the line as a pair instead of just splitting and running sideways, plus the width and accuracy of their passing, it was fantastic to watch, much more of the same please. Going slightly off topic I was made up with the try Zak scored, that had all the hallmarks of the old Zak, can't wait to see more.

Lam was saying in the post match interview that he's encouraging Sammut to take the line on more often which, on the one hand, is good to hear as it's something that we haven't really had of late as you say. On the other, I hope that's not at the expense of the controlling side of his game which was excellent on Sunday and freed George up to do what he does best.

The kicking game was universally excellent and I can't think of too many that weren't on the money except maybe the one that ended up too close to the side line which, in fairness, owed something to the strong wind catching hold of it. Spreading the kicking duties between 4 players seems to have brought the best out of all of them.

On the subject of Zak (and while we're also on the subject of kicking) he's currently averaging in excess of 80% according to Bilko. Don't want to jinx the lad but is that another problem area ticked off?

I think with Sammut, he doesn't want him to be predictable and just be a guy who puts the ball through his hands or kicks. Variation creates options for everyone. He's obviously got a an eye for a gap and enjoys that side of the game, let him have fun. As long as he is doing the other things we need him to, long may it continue.

Tommy looks more comfortable kicking out if dummy half and Shorrocks got one or two away as well. That change up of Leuluai in to hooker and Sammut regularly starting games at seven now has worked really well.

It’ll be interesting to see what will happen with Powell when he’s back. I’m not somebody who gets on Powell’s back, I think he’s a decent player and he’s helped us win two Grand Finals from hooker but it would be harsh on Shorrocks to leave him out.

It comes down to reliability v's talent, Powell never let's you down, but he never surprises you. From hooker you need to be a threat. Powell doesn't threaten much really.

This is why i was advocating us going for Danny Walker. Some real talent there and could become a special player. Now he is at Warrington as understudy to Daryl Clark, what a frightening thought. Although i understand we were interested and hoped the acquisition of Cassidy would sway his decision but he is a Warrington fan and can't blame him but as long as Clark is there he won't get a sniff. He could have had opportunities here. We have been crying out for that type of hooker for years, people on here wanted Godinet and Pellissier even though they aren't great players, just something different. That is why i would go in for Brad Dwyer, local lad in the last year of his contract at Leeds. He is mega underrated and can do the full 80. Speed in abundance and has a wicked turn of foot. That would be one big problem area sorted and we could get that deal sorted now. It wouldn't cost that much on wages and we can move onto the next position.

Not wanting to bash Powell either as he is an honest pro who always gives his all but it's plain to everyone how much better we are with the Leuluai/Shorrocks combination. I'm sure Lam can too (he even singled out the hookers after Sunday's win) so I hope he isn't swayed by other things. It's very much a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' and Powell having experience etc. shouldn't take precedence over how the team is playing as is often the case.

Other than his ability to play the 80, which may prove useful in some games, Powell doesn't really add anything that the other two can't do just as well or, in most instances, better.

We have two very good young hookers in the U19's academy Amir Bourouh and Aiden Roden. Both are very quick out of dummy half and have good passing games. Their kicking needs more work but I expect them to be challenging for 1st team spots in the next two or three years.

I've seen those Rogues and, as you say, both good prospects. I hadn't seen anything of Bourouh before this season so he's been a bit of a surprise (to me at least) but he's very quick and inventive. Roden I've seen before (isn't it Jack's grandson?) and again looks quick around dummy half. My only concern would be their size although, as we've all seen many times before, it's not the be all and end all.

The U19's squad list on the Wigan website looks like a potential goldmine.

Jacks grandson is Callum Green, another good young player, out at the moment with a hamstring injury, halfback or fullback.
Speaking of Halves there's also Harry Smith who appears to be doing well on dual reg at Swinton.

What’s the deal with Josh Ganson?

Always impressed me when I’ve seen him in the 19s/reserves but never really been given a go.

Of course...It was the Roden surname that threw me there. Which of the hookers do you see as the best prospect Rogues? I've been very impressed with young Amir on the limited viewings I've had. As NSW asked above; has Ganson slipped down the pecking order?

Harry Smith is arguably the one with the most potential and has already looked the part, particularly during the internationals. Good news that he's continuing his good form at Swinton.