I have been a critic of Powell in the past. More because I know he was a 7 and thought he should use that skill set at 9. I’m glad to see he is doing under Lam, I may not have much faith in Lam but he has done wonders for Powell. You’d be a fool not to see or admit that.

As for captain; I wouldn’t be against it but I do think Faz is next in line. Vice captain is the more likely (if that’s even still a thing!!)

Huddersfield used to be one of the best supporters clubs at one time, but since the time they spent in the Championship and their move from Fartrown, people in Huddersfield do not seem to have the same interest in the game now especially now that they are in a joint stadium which to many Wigan supporters sounds very familiar except for success.

A shame when you remember that the town is where the game was founded in 1895.

7 and 9 are completely different skill sets. I wouldn’t be quick to jyst say it is Lam that has improved Powell, maybe Sam has improved his own game to suit? Vastly underrated throughout the league. And i will say for certain hes one of if not our most important players. But yet some Wiganers refuse to see it? I do think Faz will be the next captain but also agree Powell would be a worthy choice.

I’m not sure Powell has improved as such but he’s certainly being allowed to play differently. He made his usual raft of tackles Sunday (50) and scored a try and in between that he’s now being allowed to offer more of a running threat with the ball and it’s that side of his game which will win over any doubters. He’ll never be a James Roby or Daryl Clark but when you look at some of the best hookers through the ages, they weren’t playing in that style either.

Just to clear the 7 skills at 9 aspect; it’s more the vision, the absolute to react quick to what’s going on around him rather than slinging out passes etc. In that regard he’s a different player to what he was under Wane. I agree with your post TBH, he’s definitely one of our most important players who goes well under the radar, almost to the point where his contribution is ignored or glossed over by that of Hastings or French. Without Powell we’re a much different side and a worse one.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Sam Powell in Wanes Englands train on squad when its announced later today.

The Knights it is. I sense Wane doesn’t want to go over board with Wigan players and leave himself open to favouritism jibes. I think you could make a case for Powell, Smithies and Marshall being in the top squad bit things can change.

It looks like Aussies born players won’t be selected going off this first group chosen.

Powell looks to be having a great season so far, but I can't see too much argument for him being in the England squad above Roby/Clark/Hodgson.

As for Smithies - impressive energy and defence but haven't really seen anything else from him at all to suggest he's anywhere near an international squad.

Really like the look of the squad - excited to see a Wane coached England take it to the Aussies.

Don't rate Hodgson one bit and Roby hasnt even played a super league game yet has he? I've said it for ages that Clark should be the go to man for the no.9 jersey. Roby is world class also I'm not saying he hasn't but he hasn't played.

On the Smithies argument. I am one of those who thinks if you are old enough you are good enough. If being the record holder for most tackles on a game isn't international standard I don't know what is. Especially when we have a severe shortage of loose forwards. That could be his position for years and years to come. Especially with Knowles committing himself to Wales

Wane said on Inside Super League with regards to Smithies "he will have to improve" so there's your answer.

The worry is he also said that Chris Hill was world class.

Christ. Even Wire fans have woken up to Hill now.

That is quite concerning

That is a strange one given Hill has been something of a liability for a couple of seasons now. I also find the inclusion of Charnley a strange one given he's also way past his best, Wane binned him off in favour of Manfredi at Wigan years ago and he's just seen him do next to nothing against Leeds whilst Marshall took Huddersfield to the cleaners.

A few strange picks in there but I guess it's good that he seems to be trying to put his stamp on it from the off, particularly with the non inclusion of the Aussies. Don't necessarily agree with it myself per se but it shows strong leadership which is what we'll need ultimately.

I've never been his biggest fan from way back when he played for England academy but IMO McShane has been the stand out hooker so far this season.

And currently leading the man of steel table. I think Richardson has taken some creativity work off him this season as for the last 2 years we have been missing gale with no quality replacement.