It’s certainly looking like a strange signing. One thing I would say is we’ve been unlucky that the absences are stacking up in the outside backs. I’ve said before I think we can deal with 5 or 6 injuries at a time and I believe we can but you wouldn’t want most of those to be in the same areas. Had everyone been fit, I think there’s a fair chance Hardaker, KPP, Marshall and Thornley would all start the game.

I’d go with one of Miski or Halsall but not both. I really like Halsall, so I’ve no concerns with him. I’ve no real concerns with Miski but it seems like Peet might have going off some recent selections. I’m not too down on Bateman starting in the centres. He’s had some outstanding moments these past few weeks and thinking back to them, a lot have come in spells at centre in the cup. Whatever we do, just please don’t put Isa there.

That’ll do, he’s in



Give it 12 months and he’ll be talked off like Frano Botica or Pat Richards.

I do hope Hardaker hasn't got a problem with that "bulging disc" in his neck. I noticed on Sunday that he was rubbing it after a tackle.

Hardaker a big loss on top of all the other missing three quarters. It's left an unbalanced look to the squad. With one of Hardaker, Thornley or KPP there it doesn't look quite as threadbare. Even Marshall on the wing would have allowed Halsall to centre and again not quite as disjointed looking. Halsall and Miski together with such little first team game time between them would be quite a risk.

That said, even though a win would be nice, I don't think it's the be all and end all of the season. Good Friday or not there are more important games on the horizon and I'd sooner have players fit then if given the choice.

5 out though. Is that an injury crisis in Saints terms?

Still good enough to get a result but need to play our best and take our chances. Hopefully a cracking intense game.

Looking forward to it.

My hope is that the result doesn't influence everyone's thoughts.

From a Saints point of view if we win and win well there will be lots of Saints fans that will say "see they aren't as good as they think they are, we've shown them who's boss etc"
From a Wigan point of view if they win there will be lots of Wigan fans that will say "see Saints aren't as good as they think they are" etc

In actual fact both teams irrespective of Friday's result will be up there all season and bar Catalans, the Grand Final Winners and CC winners is unlikely to come outside of those 3 teams.

One result won't define the season despite one team having the bragging rights.

Spot on Stu. The bragging rights would be great but that's all they are. I'd rather lose this and win the CC semi any time.

Mind you, winning both would do nicely!

If you go on the VT there was a thread before the season started which predicted final positions which had Wigan down as 4th to 7th. A certain Yorkshire based journalist on twitter also had us down as 5th.

We are close to where I predicted (3rd) which was more hope than expectation, due to last year's poor performances, a new coach and a number of new players.

Still plenty of time in the season yet to go massive awry but so far I'm happy. If we can compete on Friday and in the semi then even better, although our best chance of silverware is the Cup, so would have to cause an upset.

It wont influence my thoughts if saints so be it,if wigan win so be it .Move on and upwards to the next game.
Love these games

Bateman has played more games at centre that Halsall has had hot dinners.....Bateman at centre 100%

I quite like Bateman as a centre, he’s got his mojo and offload back and offers a threat there whist being able to help out the forwards. Also defensively strong.

Hardaker dropped for disciplinary reasons according to Peet in his press conference. Not ideal.