I'll reserve judgement on Hansen until I've watched it back on Wigan tv, I tend to miss the contribution of him because he's so defensively focused. Agree about Mossop though he's not really looked the same player since Maguire left (not saying that's why like)

I'm not convinced Mossop's ever been quite as good as his early billing tbh. He's a bit too nice for a prop forward if you get what I mean. He does a job for the team but he just lacks that bit of spice to take his game on a level. He sums up how our side has been in general these past couple of years in a way. He's pretty consistant and stands out against the lesser sides but when the big games come round and the gap in quality closes he can be found wanting.

He'd be in my fully fit 17 but probably from the bench.

I would put him on the bench on Friday. We are at home and need a 4th prop. Giving Powell 10-15 mins game time is better than not using a 4th sub

Personally thought that Hansen was superb last night.

Ran his blood to water and was involved in everything.

Would have been in my top 3 after Smith and Gelling

Agreed. He is going to have to play a lot better in the big games if he is ever to pove himself in the NRL. Every game will be like that game last night and I fear for him in Aus if he plays like that. Teams and the media will tear him to bits.

Thought Hansen had a good game, really seemed to be giving it everything and tried to lead the young lads by example! Didn't even think Mossop played badly either tbh, he was his usual solid self, made good yards, was only taken back when they had 3 or more in the tackle, and defended well.

The thing with Mossop is that he does the small things right and has a great work ethic. We will miss that.

Mossop had a spell 2 years ago where he caught the eye with his go forward, and I think this works against him a little because he has not reproduced the eye catching go forward that he did that year.

The fact is though defences put more effort into stopping his go forward since he has become an established player, and I also think he has evolved working more on quantity over eye catching stuff and also become one of the tightest defensive Props in the league.


I have no doubt Powell will come in and be a fans favourite with big hits and big runs, but I doubt he will ever be as good as Mossop at the small things that set him apart.

I think we will miss him and I think he will go well in the NRL as a strong up and down grafting Prop, they love them out there.

Andy Powell is set to make his Wigan and Rugby League debut tonight, with not playing first grade rugby for a while I don't think we can expect too much I just hope he has a solid performance and prove to the fans he is capable.

Two 10 minute spells will do to give him a taste.

It'll feel like he's played 10 union matches no doubt!!

Thanks guys, nice to know shaun wane reads this and listens to my advice

ready made scapegoat should we lose tonight...

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