I've just watched the Origin game from 2005 on Premier Sports in which Bowen played, scoring a superb try. The interesting point was that he spent most of the game playing in the hooker/dummy half position. His passing and decision making was very good so I wonder if Wigan will use him like that at some stage in games?

the guy will be the most skillful player in super league by a long distance. I can't wait to see him in space and in one on one situations.

Don't think he has the zip anymore that made him a threat from dummy half against big forwards so I would be surprised to see him consistently used at 9 although I exepct him to get in and do some scoots now and again.

I think he will be in a first receiver more than we are used to from our fullback. He had an excellent passing and short kicking game and was utilised in a traditional first receiver role in the oppositions 40 for long periods last season.

Can't wait to see him to be honest. He is my tip for MOS.

My only concern would be his defence, particularly against a big set of forwards with the potential to pick up a knock.

Did Bowen play tonight?

Yeah he started. Was pretty quiet to be honest. Didn't do much wrong but didn't do much with the ball either.

Hampshire looked far more dangerous than Bowen did. He has the potential to be a top top player.

Which I've been telling everyone for the last three years, same with Burgess and Williams.

Hampshire was by far the better player tonight. Bowen was pretty anonymous, bordering on poor, it would be a travesty if he kept Hampshire out of your side, he could be a real talent.

seriously people are going to take bowen's first game in close to 5 months and a brand new team as the bench mark for him? Shaun Wane has already said he will be playing both this year but hampshire has a lot to learn.

Bowen is at the same stage of pre season as everyone else and so can be judged against them. On last nights evidence he was poor. Hampshire easily outshone him. Only saying what I saw. Bowen will improve. But he needs to. And quickly otherwise Hampshire will have his spot sooner rather than later.

Great logic if he hadn't only just arrived a month ago. Also he is playing one of the main pivot roles in Wigans structure i will give him a couple months before writing him off.

Ditto..

And me.

It's harder for older players to return after pre-season than it is for younger players, just like it's harder for them to do a lot of things as they get older. It's just a natural deterioration.

To make a judgement on a friendly when Bowen played half a game is daft. He'll take time to adjust.

I know Hampshire's a player with immense talent and the potential to be a superstar but he's still got a lot to work on. He's terrible under the high ball and never looks confident.

He produces moments of fantastic skill because that's the sort of player he is but I'm not convinced he's a sensible fullback option in big games. Bowen is tried and tested and will hopefully produce some good form this year.

I would have liked to have seen Sarginson at fullback. I think he's got all the right qualities for that position, although would need to be tested under the high ball.

I've seen Sarginson plenty of times watching London, fullback is the last place you want him, he's got bags of potential, he's either a centre of a half back but trust me on this fullback NO.

His defence is woeful and he's not great under a ball, with better coaching he'll improve but never a fullback but hey feel free to put him there when you play us.