115 tackles in 4 games, with a 100% success rate, ie 0 missed tackles.

Given the possession we had v Salford and in the second half v London and add to his offensive plays as well the contribution to the team is massive.

He is really making a run for a World Cup spot in the back row.

interesting question would be do people prefer Farrell at 12, or Gaz Hock? Farrell gives you the workmanlike effort, steady, dependable and will run his blood to water. Hock is the unpredictable x-factor that can win a game on his own, or smash somebody in the face and lose it for us ...

Not that Hock will ever play for us again, but just putting that question out there

I'd have Faz anytime over Hock

Slightly on the negative side (only slightly) he is the second most penalised player, one behind Justin Poore of Wakefield.

does the higher tackle count not contribute to his getting penalised more in the tackles?

would like to see his tackle count/penalty ratio and compare it to other players.

Faz, massive work rate, dependable, good in attack. It's just a shame that 2nd row is the only position open to him at the moment.

Quote: wigan pie man "does the higher tackle count not contribute to his getting penalised more in the tackles? would like to see his tackle count/penalty ratio and compare it to other players.'" Farrell is 19th in the tackles made. www.superleague.co.uk/stats

Quote: wigan pie man "does the higher tackle count not contribute to his getting penalised more in the tackles? would like to see his tackle count/penalty ratio and compare it to other players.'" Farrell is 19th in the tackles made. www.superleague.co.uk/stats

Could this not be his inexperience with the wrestling tactics brought in by Madge, which seamed to be see what you can get away with by holding the tackled player down as long as you can.
The penalties he gives away are not from dirty tactics but from around the tackle and something that could be sorted with a bit of advice from more senior forwards, who I must admit are a bit thin on the ground.

He's having a fantastic year and a starting spot has come at just the right time imo. He played as a bench player 95% of the time in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and after making a huge contribution in his first season I thought his impact was going a little stale and this starting spot has really sparked him up again. He's never had a real bad trot for Wigan by any stretch but he didn't really progress as I hoped and I'm sure that was due to a lack of minutes. He's now playing with added responsibility and he's come on leaps and bounds. One thing I've been impressed with is that he seems to have added a physical side to his game and is playing with much more aggression which is an area he's needed to work on.

As for the question of him or Hock? It's tough because they're so different. One thing is for sure they'd be immense in the same side with Faz starting and Hock causing havoc from the bench but that ship has sailed and i'm more then happy to see Faz playing as he is. He's made the loss of Hock that much easier to take.

Gotta say. Faz and hansen together sounds a damn fine prospect. Not the x factor of hock but two second rowers who get through the work will be excellent for the pack and the halfbacks.

The good thing about both Faz and Hansen is that as good as they are defending they also know where the try line is and they'll get over for a few(especially Farrell).

We've lost something in Hock but have gained in other areas via Faz. That can't be said for most of our other losses.

Which is why you're not a coach. Try getting on a plane to Sidney with them both and see which one the Aussies take off your hands. No disrespect to faz of course.

This. As good as Farrell is I can't imagine an opposition coach picking him out as a main strike weapon and I don't think opposition players are particularly fearful of him. Hock is a game breaker. yes he does stupid things, on and off the field, but he'll get you a lot more points than he'll concede.

I'd have Hock all day. Take the Huddersfield game. Hock would have found a way to get us over the line at the end there