www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 056&type=1 Absolutely gutted for him. I hope wane plays Hampshire from the bench rather than Tomkins. Hampshire coming off the bench would spark things up abit, Logan just isn't good enough IMO. Hampshire is the type of player that could be the difference between losing and winning, Tomkins sadly is not.

www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 056&type=1 Absolutely gutted for him. I hope wane plays Hampshire from the bench rather than Tomkins. Hampshire coming off the bench would spark things up abit, Logan just isn't good enough IMO. Hampshire is the type of player that could be the difference between losing and winning, Tomkins sadly is not.

Really sad news. He's been good in all his games so far. Step up Logan, George Williams or Ryan Hampshire.

I think we may go with 4 forwards on the bench now like in the grand final.

If Mickey Mac was 100% I would agree BUT.

Micky Macs fitness will be the only thing that stops us doing it IMO. If they think he's ready for the full 80 then I can see a bench of Pettybourne, Dudson, Bateman and Hughes but in reality Tomkins will probably take Hughes spot.

It really is a shame for Powell.

Very sad news about Sam because he has given his all during the matches against Hudds and NZW, I also think that Mickey Mac would struggle to do the full 80 next week, due to the lack of time on the pitch against Hudds and NZW.

The consensus of opinion amongst Wigan supporters is that the young player who seems to have that x factor at present is young Hampshire, therefore in my opinion we should try and get the first half out out of Mickey Mack to try and contain the Roosters for as long as we can.

If we can contain them for the first half I would then sub MM, move Smith to hooker and bring Hampshire into the standoff position and if that worked and by chance we could get our noses in front MM could always return for the last 10 min.
All this is conjecture and maybe wishful thinking but you can bet that the Roosters will come to try and blow us away in the first half.

I think we can shock the Roosters with a fast start of our own. We're through our pre season, friendlies plus one competitive fixture compared to them who I believe have only had one friendly so they should be rusty (best hope they are).

We have been renowned for making fast starts for a few years now and we need they to be the case in this game to stand a chance.

Sorry to hear about Powell.

On a side note, Wigan have an 18 point start on the coupon. Others may have different opinions but I personally find that very tempting.

Wanes on a hiding to nothing here. Micky's not 100%, Logan's been average so far this year, everyone else, including Hampshire, is untried at 9.
Do we chuck Micky in and go for it, at risk of losing him for a big chunk of the early league games, or try win it with kids and save him for the regular season?

Any chance of Waney not being 100% truthful here and Powell making a miraculous recovery shortly before the game?

We've just arrived in Sydney ,at the same time the team arrived from NZ. Powell is in a cast. He told me he stood on a ball in training and has torn a muscle. The lad is gutted to say the least.

Really gutted for young Sam, he is an amazing professional for one so young and will bounce back.

I never think he offers much at hooker, but at half back against the Warriors, he was outstanding.

I would like to see Logan given his chance, people forget that he is still only young ( 21 ), and as such has much development in him. He is already running much better from dummy half this year and his passing is superior to many of the others. Whilst his energy in defence is amazing.

In such a pressure game, I think Ryan Hampshire may just get peppered with the high ball which always looks to be his Achilles heel. Perhaps a few more league games under his belt would give him the confidence to cope, but not yet.

So, start with MM, give Logan the last 15 mins of first half and first 15 of second.........

Absolutely gutted for the lad, what a time to get injured, when he's in the best form of his career with his first final appearance coming up

Kris Rads said in his latest blog he's never seen a player so devastated as Powell is about this injury and you can fully understand why. The lad has been patiently waiting for his big chance, watching the first team (including many if his best mates)win trophies whilst he's been in the background of the celebrations. He's finally looked like getting his big moment and this happens!

Terrible luck but I think he'll be the type who'll use the experience as a positive in the future.