I actually enjoy seeing the squad players. i really miss the u19 game before the main event, as we used to have at CP. being a long-distance fan, its not possible for me to get to the junior games, so seeing them brought into the 1st team in a structured way, is a bonus to me.
whilst seeing the 1st XVII every week is nice. the long term planning is an essential part of the modern game, so i appreciate seeing it done well. allowing juniors experience in a winning team can only (IMHO) be seen as good

I dont think for one minute that Sam was ill last night. Wigan know Sam is going, it isnt public yet but they know he is. For me Sam will play in the key games and we will use Hampshire at full back in the rest, get as much Super League experience as possible before he takes over the full back role next season.

IMO we need to play a settled and if at all possible our strongest team for the next two weeks to try and find some form before Wembley.

People on here asked why was Hampshire not in the HKR squad when everyone thought he would be, after being left out of the U19s last Monday.
Maybe Wigan knew last Monday that Sam was going to be ill on Friday.

2 of my favourite games at home this year have been Bradford and HKr. It's all well and good putting 60 on sides week in week ou and not getting to the finals. I'd rather rotate and get to finals in peak condition than limp out in semis. It also gives us a chance to see the next generation!

I still think that after all these years that Mr Frisk is a troll.

A few of the Wigan players were asking him how his stomach was on Twitter yesterday afternoon. Andy Powell being one of them. Seems he had the trots!

The trouble with resting Sam and Lockers or them not being in side whatever the reason is that the opposition get a real lift out of it and fancy their chances.
Last night I couldn't make the game but SKY's output was embarrassing. Their game headline was "Pay back Time"and that is all they were interested in.
Seems at times HKR got caught up in the hype too.
The disappointment in their voices at Josh's first try compared to when HKR scored was laughable.
Don't know how to overcome this as SW was slated last year for his squad going out in both semis. This time he's rotated his squad plus injuries and many are still not pleased.
Apart from giving the opposition a morale booster prior to the game I'm not sure what more SW can do to keep his squad as fresh as possbile and cope with injuries.

Il be honest dont see the problem.

I like to watch Wigan play. The team. I like watching stars, but I also enjoy watching the young kids and up and coming players as well.

Really doesnt bother me who does or doesnt get rested, I enjoy the game, I couldnt imagine watching or going less because some players werent playing as much.

On that line of thought, if say Sam went to NZW, would people just stop supporting Wigan?

Or if Pearl signed for another SL club (heaven forbid it) do you support them instead?

Im mot having a go btw Im being honest, I dont see the problem, for me the must win games should have all the best playing while everything else is the Coaches job to rotate and rest and is fair game for youngsters and fringe players.

Sometines I enjoy the closer contest rather then our stars winning a game in the first twenty mins.

Il be honest dont see the problem.

I like to watch Wigan play. The team. I like watching stars, but I also enjoy watching the young kids and up and coming players as well.

Really doesnt bother me who does or doesnt get rested, I enjoy the game, I couldnt imagine watching or going less because some players werent playing as much.

On that line of thought, if say Sam went to NZW, would people just stop supporting Wigan?

Or if Pearl signed for another SL club (heaven forbid it) do you support them instead?

Im mot having a go btw Im being honest, I dont see the problem, for me the must win games should have all the best playing while everything else is the Coaches job to rotate and rest and is fair game for youngsters and fringe players.

Sometines I enjoy the closer contest rather then our stars winning a game in the first twenty mins.

yes, i agree with that. I speculated weeks ago in another thread that the decision not to play Sam was Wanes , so he could see the options for "life after sam" and if he needed to buy a full back.

Top of the league and Challenge Cup Final.

Wane Out!

wont happen...full strength v Hudds, rest lots v Catalan
I have faith in the team, we will turn it on at wembley.

Exactly. Hampshire is showing huge promise and should be getting as much game time as possible (and I for one enjoy watching him play).

I'm actually surprised at how many people say they "refuse" to go or even renew their ST because Wane rests players. It's a bit pathetic if you ask me. Sam Tomkins isn't an entertainer who should be there on tap to entertain your kids! He's a full time athlete who is part of a [iteam[/i in a long, three-pronged competition. Take a look at yourselves!