Of those four, Roberts is not being used and his contract will be allowed to expire, while Richards is running around like a spring-chicken. The only concerns I'd have is over Fielden - how will he recover from his injury? - and Finchy, who is still not firing on all cylinders, though he's firing on more than he was.

Wigan have no worries at all regarding the age of their squad.

Agreed, I think Roberts is done for. I just don't see him reclaiming a spot in the 17. If we could offload him during the off-season great. If not like you say, he'll have to wait his contract out. Which will be shame, but may well work in Wigans favor if it encourages him to want to leave.

To be fair to Fielden, I don't remember him missing many game for us during his time at Wigan. Whether times now court up with him, as it eventually does with all players, remains to be seen. But he has had a very hard career, playing a lot of games and hell of lot of minutes for a prop, particularly in his early days at Bradford.

I really am astounded by Pat's recovery. A lot of us were wondering whether he'd ever fully recover from that injury, having seen what it had done to so many other players. But credit to Pat and the Wigan medical team. He's playing as well as he ever has, and that was pretty much from his first game back.

Putting a side Finch's ever improving form. His actual fitness and health appears very good. Yes he had trouble with that neck injury, but I believe that was the only major injury he's suffered in his career to date. The fact that he was able to out pace Briggs in the CC over 60 meters really surprised me, and defensively apart from odd lapse in certain games he's looked safe as houses.

Madge and Wane may get most of the plaudits. But credit where credit's due. Mark Bitcon alongside Madge and Lenegan has been one of the best things to happen to Wigan in a long time. I don't know what Mark's contract status is, but I really hope he won't be joining Madge at South Sydney in 2012.

Good post, all of which I agree with.

Roberts may have been awesome in 10-12 games of his Wigan career but no matter how awesome he was, the fact that he's been average at best for the rest of his time here isn't acceptable if you want to be a long term Wigan 1st teamer.

And FWIW, I have a hunch Fielden will have a terrific twilight to his career.

The good thing for us though is that out most pivotal players like Sam, Joel, O'Loughlin, Leuluai and Richards are all on the right side of 30 and some by a distance. That can't be said about Leeds and when you look at your most important players in recent years guys like Webb, Senior, Peacock etc are all pretty close to the end and you don't seem to be producing quality youngsters in the numbers you were.

Some big decisions need to be made at Leeds in the next couple of months if they're not to be left behind.

I get that feeling aswell. He has got better and better throughout his Wigan career after a slow start and has alot of competition on his hands for a spot in the 17. I think that will be a good thing for him though because he seems to be at his best when he's got a real competitive pack around him and he will work his nuts off for his place.

Gill Dusdon looks a heck of a prospect in the lobbies v Fax game on now.

He is putting himself around a bit and i have got to say he is a big unit.

Benji Marshall and Billy Slater to Wire and they still have room for a few more world class signings rlhttps://forums.rlfans.com/viewtopic.php?f

I think he is a dual contract with the Crusaders so could be on the market if the Crusaders are dropped back down. Wigan blessed with back rowers but I like the look of Marinaro(spellling) at Wakefield: I don't know why HKR let him go.

From the Leeds 9 cross doesn't play. Leeds need to move a good few of those 9 on we have plenty of quality kids to come in.

I think Leeds will lose at least 4 of those 9 leaving 4 and cross?Who Is turning into our very own amos u20's super star.

The problem Leeds have is playing as a unit which is the coaching as much as the players.

The pies have a great squad. The biggest thing at Wigan is getting the next coach right. An average squad with a few gems coached well can win a title.

top quality players with an average coach can look great at times and then a total shambles! All in the same 80 mins! Actually from set to set in attack and defence.

How about Blake Ayshford, Wests are allowing him to speak to Other clubs due to salary cap issues. It was discussed on the Dragons v Wests game this week.

you have tommy Tomkins and Richards we have McGuire(by far our best player), burrow and hall. Plus sinfield is the perfect pro. Sinfield doesn't drink lives a good life. Sini at 30 + is still top draw.

Sinfield McGuire and burrow(who is playing great despite some around him not turning up) are our best players. You are right about peacock though.

As for the kids or lack of. I would say, bjb, Watkins, mcshane, Clarkson, hood, ward, singleton, stewart, dan smith and wilson say different

Plus we have bought a few kids hardaker who is simpley class and Pitts, Amor and ambler who are playing good reagular at sl level

Remember hall and ablett are still young as is lee smith

Would be a great replacement for George. Really rate him and still got his best years ahead of him.

I was under the impression he had signed long term for Wests and am surprised he is being forced out due to the cap.

I was the same. Was surprised to hear Gus Gould etc discussing how Wests are willing to let him speak to other clubs. Hopefully IL will be investigating as we speak.
Lawrence is also a fantastic centre IMO, however I can't see him coming to SL anytime soon.

He strikes me as a player that would really go well in SL, not a superstar but a great work ethic and attitude, good pace hands and footwork and excellent defence. Would be the perfect player to step straight into Carmonts shoes.

I would love one of the top names to come over but realistically I think he would be an excellent signing, anything better than him would be a real bonus.