Both Fielden & Coley have played well all season and should be in line for new contracts. Feka seems on the outer and not getting much game time.
Prescott I think is taking, or has taken, his finals this year for his law degree. That has to be a distraction. He's young, big and mobile and puts a lot of work in. I do think it would be unwise not to see how he goes in the future and give him another deal.
O'Carroll is not OOC this year so he stays.

The two rumours around seem to be that Sika Manu may come over from Melbourne or Louis McCarthy Scarsbrook may leave the smoke for us. Both are young and have plenty rugby in front of them. Also Hock may return next year.

I don't think we will be short of quality forwards for the foreseeable future. One maybe two additions and that will be it.

Every team needs a big ugly prop and Coley is ours. I would have no qualms about offering him a further deal for next year, and the same goes for Fielden who has a big work rate.

Louis McCarthy Scarsbrook would be a good replacement for either (although a little too penalty-friendly for my liking) but I would have thought that Harlequins would be keen to keep him, being as he is one of their own. I'd be surprised if he wanted to leave but I guess now's the time if he wants to make a big name for himself.

When does Davies fit into all this? Surely he's in line for first team rugby next season?

Don't forget Lee Mossop. Better than O'Barrell and Prescott IMO.

If ever Fielden was going to produce a big performance it was Leeds last week, but he turned in his usual adequate performance. That is as good as it gets now from Stuart; if he stays it will obviously be on much less money, which will free some dosh for someone who can actually take a big match by the scruff of the neck.

I agree with this. I think new deals should take into account how well they perform in the big games like Wire & Saints and in the play offs. I see no reason to not offer them both new deals. Andy Coley has been superb, but probably only has one more season in him, so a one year deal for him. Stuart Fielden's work rate is very high and he rarely misses a match. He's been around the block and, if I'm honest, I wouldn't like to see him at another club. He's not the blockbusting, world-class Stuart Fielden we thought we had initially signed, but he's a damn good prop forward still. I think his contract should reflect that and I would offer him a two-year deal. Feka would be the only prop forward I would replace. I think we need another senior prop forward and I'm told we're after/close to getting Luke Bailey. I would extend Prescott's deal for another year and make a decision out of two him and O'carroll who is going to be the one to keep. I honestly don't think we'll keep both. Ben Davies should get a couple more games this season - similar to the number Liam Farrell is getting - and that shapes up nicely for 2012.

I think our pack is shaping up nicely for next season. Plenty of size, power and skill. Andy Coley, Stuart Fielden, Luke Bailey, Paul Prescott, Eamon O'carroll and Ben Davies. Then in the back row we have some real size, Joel Tomkins, Harrison Hansen, Lee Mossop, Gareth Hock, Liam Farrell and Chris Tuson. Then the best 13 in the league with Sean O'loughlin.

The way I look at it is that we are currently top of the league and guys like Coley and Fielden have been at the centre of all the good things which have got us there. Both for me are better than 90% of the props out there and as long as any potential contracts are favourable to Wigan then I wouldn’t hesitate to sign them up. There are very few players out there who will be an improvement on what we have now and although we should be able to get hold of one top prop to complement Coley and Fielden trying to replace both of these and still find another one will be all but impossible imo.

Adding another top prop alongside these two would strengthen us no end. With Feka potentially leaving and Fielden being on reduced terms we’ve got the funds to do this and I’d hate to miss out on anyone.

Factor in the development we should see in Mossop, Joel, Davis and Faz and add a world class talent like Hock into the mix and we should have the best pack in the league next season IMO.

Your right, another quality workman like prop would be best IMO, we just need a pack that can better other teams and let our quality backs do the rest



The way i look at it is if we reach a final this season it will be a great achievement as next year we will be much stronger on all fronts if signings are handled correctly

I really like Kylie Leuluai at Leeds, i think he would be a great addition if he were available. Hard worker, can change the tempo of a game with a big hit on someone and is generally an all round good apple (granted he drops the ball sometimes in no-pressure situations).

Someone experienced like him to come in for 2 years would be a sound move for us i feel.

Just been told that Coley is retiring at the end of the season, Dissapointing if true, has been very good for us of late and still looks fit.

terrible news for wigan if true - dont do it Andy, you may get some silverware next year

Excellent news for Fielden as will probably secure a spot for next year for him, MM is a smart cookie and knows the key to a winning team is a stable squad, with fewer changes the better

he was retiring but has apparently changed his mind after the Leeds defeat

I knew some good would come of that defeat against Leeds.

No thanks.

A very over rated player IMO. Still he seems like a nice bloke....still an average Prop.