Looks very light in the three-quarters - no Hardaker



rlhttps://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/04/13/wigan-squad-for-saints/rl

That's a blow, probably Bateman and Bibby centres then, I personally wouldn't have Isa anywhere near this fixture, last few times he's played against Saints he's completely lost it, going down to 12 men will be a disaster

No word on what is up with Hardaker yet, I didn’t notice anything on Sunday. The main issue with that is goal kicking but I suppose to worry about that we need to score some trys

I’d go-

Field
Halsall Bateman Bibby French
Cust Leuluai
Singleton Powell Byrne
Isa Farrell Smithies

Subs
Mago Partington Havard Shorrocks

He gave it a whirl in pre season.

We’ll just leave it at that

It’s a bit of an Adrian Lam pack but there’s not much else we can do. We’re shy of Ellis and Pearce Paul and the outside back absences mean we’re probably going to move a second rower to centre. The only other option would be to pair Miski and Halsall and I can’t see us going down that route.

It’s a bit deflating that Hardaker absence because it’s thrown up a few problems (who plays centre, who kicks goals and then what you do with the second row after shifting people around) but I still think the players will give it a fair crack.

Sod it, give Halsall and Miski a run, let's see what they can do under pressure, I just don't see the point of putting a 2nd rower in the centres unless you've absolutely no other option

Undoubtedly they'll give it a good crack. It's refreshing to say that after the Lam years, but also I'm sick of just giving it a go Vs them too. I want to win.

For me, it's partly down to bad squad management. We're looking at KPP & Bateman as better options than Halsall or Miski. Miski especially, is taking up a quota spot. If he's not ready, then why sign him? It's great talking about depth, but only when you can use it.

According to Wikipedia Miski has kicked 10 goals for Lebanon.

It’s certainly looking like a strange signing. One thing I would say is we’ve been unlucky that the absences are stacking up in the outside backs. I’ve said before I think we can deal with 5 or 6 injuries at a time and I believe we can but you wouldn’t want most of those to be in the same areas. Had everyone been fit, I think there’s a fair chance Hardaker, KPP, Marshall and Thornley would all start the game.

I’d go with one of Miski or Halsall but not both. I really like Halsall, so I’ve no concerns with him. I’ve no real concerns with Miski but it seems like Peet might have going off some recent selections. I’m not too down on Bateman starting in the centres. He’s had some outstanding moments these past few weeks and thinking back to them, a lot have come in spells at centre in the cup. Whatever we do, just please don’t put Isa there.

That’ll do, he’s in

Give it 12 months and he’ll be talked off like Frano Botica or Pat Richards.

I do hope Hardaker hasn't got a problem with that "bulging disc" in his neck. I noticed on Sunday that he was rubbing it after a tackle.