I wouldn’t be against Bateman at centre before Isa but I just can’t see it. I just think Bateman has grown his reputation to a point now as a back rower that you don’t tinker with his position. He’s probably considered as one of the best 5 second rowers in world rugby league now and I think they’ll want his influence that but further in field.

He played centre as well didn't he? That was my understanding anyway but fair enough if you know otherwise, I certainly didn't keep a close eye on London academy every week. I've seen him demonstrate the speed and ball skills for the position. When he played against Saints he didn't look out of place, looked physically capable of taking on grown men. Halsall I don't remember too much either way apart from the sin bin which I won't hold against him as these things happen. Hanley looked well out of his depth and would be the worst option IMO. I'm not saying he won't make it but he needs time in the Championship I think. He was dropping kicks and having the ball stripped out. Those things are momentum changers.

To my knowledge I don’t think he ever played centre for London in the academy. I guess he may have filled in there during games due to injury but as far as I know he never played there in any other capacity.

I think the highlights package that was widely touted around when he signed showed him rampaging down the right channel and offloading to the winger as he was running an outside line with the centre dropping inside.

He has shades of Gelling about him too in look and style so I think that also ands to the conception he has had a run at centre.

I totally agree regards Saints he came on and looked very capable and he has a belting pedigree via the England Talent Pathway and playing for a very successful England Academy side.

My concern is that there is quite a bit of hype around him and some big expectations. Not saying by you but there seems to be a bit of a “he’s a bit special” tag on him.

I worry if he doesn’t start making breaks on the edges of throwing a few offloads there will be rumblings of discontent from some (not you as I know you are not like that).

For me second row is our strongest position with 1 world class player, 1 international class player and a great workman pro along with a young lad in Smithies has shown he can contribute all be it he stalled a little last year.

Pearce Paul excites me because he has the potential to break the mould of our recent options.

He has the size and natural offloading game we haven’t seen since Tomkins or Hock.

For me though if he gets 10 games this year in the pack and just concentrates on the basics, ie strong carry and solid defence he will have had a good “debut” season (Saints game last year apart).

If he goes better than that fantastic.

I’m hopeful ‘22 after another years growing and maturing will be the year he takes the step up to being a regular in the 17 with a view to challenging for a top 13 squad number in ‘23 to replace Isa.

So Lam confirms that all of French, Hastings, Gildart and Field are doubtful for Round 1 plus Manfredi is out.

Will be a very challenging first few rounds - next to no attacking threats in the game today without the above.

Manfredi should have been cut with Burgess

He wasn't OOC tho, so how did you suggest we did that?

neither was Burgess

I thought you meant Joe sorry.

Didn't you know? You can just cut players like it's the NFL. Contract? What contract?

Nonsense. We're Wigan. We can sign and release who we want when we want.

How does Hardaker go for you lot?
His pace and evasiveness were his assets with us. Didn't think there'd be much more to us game when they went....

"much more to us game"

What the hell does that mean?