Same again https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/07/ ... kefield-7/

Same again https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2023/07/ ... kefield-7/

I'd give Nsemba a run this week just to keep him ticking over at first team level

When Ellis and KPP return next week there will be some interesting decisions to be made. Throw Nsemba in as well and you would assume Mago, Singleton, Hill and Shorrocks might be the ones looking over their shoulders.

Nsemba in for Hill for me. That’s not a dropping but simply a week off to refresh ahead of him playing in the game next week and in a cup semi straight after.

Longer term, I still don’t know if Shorrocks gets in my side for the semi if KPP is back. I saw quite a bit of praise for him after last week and he’s a defensive workhorse for sure but in the last 2 weeks he’s made 34m and 30m at 4 metres a carry (following up a performance at Saints that saw him run the ball 3 times for 8 metres) That’s just not enough to be playing in the second row IMO and you run a real risk of getting pinned back in games if you have a second rower making that little impact with the ball. If he gets in the side, it would be as a utility bench player in place of Cust (who is producing very little in his spells and even though it might be a coincidence, we’ve conceded points when he’s come on to the field this past few weeks).

That will be the big call I think. The effort of Shorrocks or the bigger body of KPP. If Isa was back it would be an easy choice but as it is I'm not sure.

KPP's form before injury was terrible, he doesnt get back in for me

Agreed.

Nsemba is next in line.

KPP only gets a chance again when injuries or form dictates.

His final season with Wigan should have been a breakthrough year but it’s actually turning out to be very disappointing and he only has himself to blame at the moment.

Sounds like Isa and KPP should be back next week by Peets comments, in full training at least.

Ellis will be back too.

Competition for places ahead of the semi final.

This weeks task seems a lot more straight forward with the sad injury of Gale (even Lino and Smith are injured too).

Agree with giving Nsemba a game.

We are pretty short in that second row and it probably highlights how important is to recruit in that area when you consider that Isa is a pretty big miss and would walk back in the team if fit. I do think Shorrocks will keep his place tbh but it is a worry the lack of ground he makes. Hopefully getting Ellis back in before the semi will help share the load around. I do also expect KPP will get a place somewhere but that may be via us playing an extra forward and leaving Cust out.

Is Isa back next week? I thought I read earlier it was KPP next week and then Isa a couple of weeks after the semi. It’ll be a boost when he is back IMO.

You might have seen more than me pal, I’ve just watched the Wigan TV interview. “Kai and Willie are doing wrestle sessions with SOL and will be pretty much in full training next week.”

Wouldn’t be opposed to give Faz a rest before the Semi final.

Powell has said he’ll be back in 5 weeks

Not seen that yet. Sounds promising then, even if it’s just after the semi final for Isa, it’ll be a boost.

For those coming over I’d highly recommend the Distillery Bar in the new Tile Yard development.

It’s my new favourite place to go before a game.

Really nice bar with outside seating, but a bit of a hidden gem as it’s within the courtyard of a recently refurbished mill just over the road from the Bridge Inn (formerly Ruddy Duck) about 10 minutes walk from the ground.

It doesn’t get heaving possibly because it’s hidden away and has a great selection of beers and lagers.

If you are struggling to find it look for the chimney structure which is now partially a frame type build and aim for that within the walls of the courtyard near to the Hepworth gallery.

I’m not on commission by the way!

In regards the game Trinity have been massively boosted by the return of Fifita and the signing of Gale, who will be a big miss, but I still feel his influence will be seen over the team. Fifita has energised the pack and players like Atoni who has been woeful prior to his arrival are now stepping up and running their weight.

If Wigan are smart they will go for mobility in the middle which is why I can see Nsemba getting a game but the key focus of the attack needs to be on the edges where the lack pace and mobility in the centres and on the wings.

With my Trinity affiliation I’m hoping for a win for them if I’m honest given the situation the club is in and how important every game is for them, however if we target the edges I don’t see anything other than a Wigan win with our outside backs adding to their try tallies.

Wigan have a nasty habit of turning up to Wakefield half cooked though and also may have an eye on next week and if Trinity get off to a good start and “old man” them in the pack it could be a closer game than I anticipate.

Can we pay on the gate tonight? No info whatsoever on the Wakey website, and they're incapable of answering the phone in the club shop / ticket office.

You have to go to the ticket office to get a ticket which is now down by the entrance to the bar in the carpark.