Hughes has got himself ahead of Tuson in the pecking order in my opinion but I don't think Wane will ever drop Tuson. Hughes just seems to have more about him. He runs excellent lines, he's got good handling skills, he's a good solid tackler and can provide cover in the backs which is useful.

The good thing about the back row forwards coming through is that they are versatile. Hughes can play centre, Lloyd can play loose forward or centre, while I'm sure Connor Farrell has played centre, stand off, hooker and loose forward.

I'd imagine that Rhodri would trigger a 'New Talent Pool Players Allowance' under the cap too. (He's about as clear cut an example of who the exemption applies to that I can think of). If he does qualify for this allowance, his salary cap value this season will be nil and reduced by 50% next season regardless of how many first team games he plays.

He's played RL before, for the S. Wales Scorpions, before moving to Crusaders. In any case, I think he's still too young to qualify - as I remember the "new talent" rule, it's restricted to 19-23 year olds.

That seem stupid but typical of the RFL

Was really impressed with him last night and Wigan are reaping the rewards for scouting in Wales.

Been saying it for years, if clubs looked in Wales & France, they would find more future stars than an unheard of Aussie. Also the French & Welsh national teams will improve.

Looks a fantastic prospect.

Not too worried about the number of second rowers we have. If he develops to his full potential I suspect we are going to have to find somewhere to play this lad and anyway I'd like to see Gaz Hock move to prop at some point, I can see him playing the kind of powerful, ball-handling prop forward role that Andy Farrell did in his last year at Wigan, which would free up a spot for Lloyd.

Forgot to say that he looks in tremendous shape. I suspect he has a very low body fat percentage.

It's nonsense, but these are the complete muppets who brought us the SC, licensing and the 20/20 and 20/25 rules.

A few people have said that to me.

Personally I think he is an out and out back rower. I just don't think he is suited to become a prop.

Maybe I will be proven wrong.

I could see Hansen moving up to prop in a couple of years more so then Hock. Gaz is just too dangerous on the edge to think about moving him anytime soon.

Rubbish Wigan. Relying on overseas players as usual.

so is there anything to stop a team signing a player for next season and whacking him on big money as a retainer? the wage wouldnt count as he hasnt played for the first team?