You make a very good point about Matty Smith and I think that is something people forget.

He has been very...very durable at Wigan - I would be interested to know how many games he has missed since joining us because there can not be that many?

I agree he would probably benefit from a rest if we can afford it.

If Smith is to be rested then v Wakefield surely rather than Wire?

Yep, would go with that.

Wire game too important and we may not get away with it on Thursday!

He got hit late a couple of years ago in a home game and missed 3 - 4 weeks, but I don't think he has missed many other games. Ever present this season apart from his one-game suspension, so he is due a rest.

We can then see how Williams at 7 and Rocky at 6 play together at first team level. And this would also give Bowen a run out at 1 without "dropping" Rocky.

rlhttp://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/ryan-hampshire-told-he-has-a-future-at-wigan-warriors-despite-sam-tomkins-capture-1-7222322rl

...Asked whether there would be a place for Hampshire next season, chairman Ian Lenagan added: “No doubt.

“If you look at the potential spine of the team, you have players who can fill in at six, seven, nine and one – there’s no question that Ryan Hampshire, George Williams and Sam Powell... we have enough room for them here.”

Promising noises about Hampshire.

It would be criminal to let talent like that walk out the door.

Something will have to give though.

Well, Powell, presumably.

No mention of Tierney though.

It's a shame but he's simply not good enough to break into the team. With Sam coming back he has no chance of ever playing fullback for us. He's played on the wing before but he also has no chance of getting in the team ahead of Manfredi or Josh.

It would be the right career move for him to leave us at the end of the season.

Whilst he wouldn't be 1st choice it could be useful to have Tierney around the squad as a 3rd choice fullback/winger. Outside of Thornley (sp) there won't be much cover out wide, especially with Budgie leaving.
Were he to leave, have we got any kids coming through who could do a job on one of the flanks in case of a 1st teamer's absense? Gildart is the only outside back I've really seen hyped up much.

He gets a mention in the full article : “I did the same with Lewis Tierney, and he knows what he needs to do. But Rocky can play in the halves, Lewis played on the wing against Salford – and played really well.”

The one who doesn't get a mention is Logan.

At the last fans forum Rads said they were looking to agree new deals with Hampshire, Sarginson and Charnley very soon. I've not seen any new deals announced since for any of the three.
Should any of them leave, or two out of the three, then keeping Tierney and Thornley would become essential.

Players may leave due to Sam's arrival but I'd be looking elsewhere.
Bowen and Burgess are going/gone! Patrick is on a loan deal and needs to be very convincing very soon if he is to stay. Hughes and Burke are out on loan, their return isn't guaranteed.
That's five players of which only one is a regular first teamer now.

A lot of Rugby to be played yet and some may surprise.
Sam Tomins will be fitted under the salary cap, you can bet on that with IL!

We have a partnership with Workington Town but we don't seem to be using it as much this year. Manfredi has played there a few times this season and when he went straight in to the first team he hasn't looked back. Tierney has played there spasmodically which isn't doing him or Town any good. Gildart played for Town last week and now he's gone on loan to Salford. Same with Greenwood, couple of games up there and also on loan at Salford. Other clubs are getting these players for at least a month at a time but our partners don't know from one week to the next if or who they will be getting. Doesn't seem right!!

The only one I'd keep from the potential departures you mention is Greg Burke.

Sam Hopkins is another who will probably leave. He'll be on a modest wage you'd think but it'll create a bit more room.

Lenagan has already stated that his arrival isn't dependant on the marquee player rule although he has stated it would help. We can't be too greedy but another big prop would be handy but if Sam's the only signing then so be it.