Can we not just pack Hastings off to Aus on the flight George arrives on?

If he doesnt sign for us then i will seriously question the club management

It would but what about Harry Smith who doesn’t deserve to be dropped? One of Field/Hastings should be moved on if we are to re-sign him and I’d probably suggest it’s the latter given Wests wanted to sign him early

It’s such a tough call to make. We don’t need a halfback yet but are in dire need of one for next season. We’re in dire need of a prop now but if Williams coming early meant we’re couldn’t get one then what do you do?

The best deal all round IMO would be that he signs a 6 month deal at another club and then comes here next season but if it’s sign him now or not at all, the club will need to do it. It may then be a case that Smith goes on loan and one of Hastings or Leuluai shares the hooking role with Powell. In all honesty we could have all that attacking talent in the team and we’ll still grind out 2 point wins and leave 4 or 5 try’s out there under Lammy.

The obvious move would be Hastings to 13 or bench 9 as Powell hasn't been at his best recently.

Alternatively he might not play at all this year.

Absolutely but we must be signing him, assuming he [iwants [/ito come back to Wigan. I don’t think we need to release someone to get him in as we have a marquee spot but more for squad balance and harmony we need to.

You took the words right out of my mouth with the last paragraph. I’m already looking forward to grinding out 4pt wins with the best back line in the league.

Edit: I’ve just realised we don’t have a marquee spot with Hastings and Bateman. So that means Hastings will have to go now to accommodate GW, unless I have it wrong?

Weren't we told at the start of the season we have little cap space left? The "Burgess money" has been used to tie up Hastings and French and there will have been plenty of pay increases amongst the young lads especially.

Hopefully we can George in now without having to release anyone, but if the French injury rumours are as ssrious as to be believed perhaps he will be the one to bite the bullet even if it is only for this season and he opts to come back next season.

We need to be the club that signs George IMO because otherwise I don't see who replaces Hastings that is readily available.

Pure speculation, but I wonder if Tommy might retire?

id go with this

Whatever happens, I hope this puts Canberra off from keep coming here looking for players.

They could always try and produce a couple of their own.

Uh oh

Matthew Shaw has said Williams is as surprised as anyone with the news and nothing is sorted anywhere for this season.

That tweet backs it up. One hell of a meltdown happening in Canberra. It’s all rather amusing

He might end up staying in the NRL then for the rest of the season. That’d sure sort out headaches out anyway.

Do we even have room to fit GW in this season? By bringing him back this season do we give up the chance of strengthening our pack (all we have talked about these last few weeks is the need to bring in an experienced prop that does hard yards and long minutes).

Or does this mean one the NRL lads will go home early?

Hastings - Currently uninjured, seems happy to stay till season end.

Field - Long term injury, contracted for a couple of years. No known issues with homesickness.

French - Injured, awaiting results (potential long term). Known issues regards family. Expected to go home at the end of this season once contract has ended.

If nobody goes then we are top heavy in the backs as we head towards the playoffs (assuming French & Field come back fully fit).

But at the same time I wouldn't like to see him go to Wire/Leeds either as next season we will be looking to recruit.

If George signs anywhere it will be long term. Wire or Leeds wouldn't allow themselves to be used as a stop gap for 6 months so he could then go to Wigan. I really hope he signs for us.
How we fit him under the salary cap will be the conundrum.
Might be resolved, sadly, if French's injury is long term and he's out for the season. By all rumours he's on a fair wedge so if he was released (with a pay off) then that would make money available for GW. I don't know how the SC works regarding allocation. If George were to sign now then would 6 months salary count on the cap as 6 months has been taken on the Raiders cap, or does a full 12 months count?

As for him fitting in then I agree with as has been said, Hastings to 13 and George to 6.

Best of Luck to IL & Rads in getting George signed.
I hope they are successful.