I know Hardaker is saying he is starting at 1, but for me that Is not the right call.

I think it must be a bit of mind games.

I just don’t see how we are not a better balanced side with Field at 1 and Hardaker in the centre.

Unless Field isn't fit?

Otherwise I deffo agree.

Same, he may want to give him 20-30 minutes off the bench. Would feel a lot better about the game with Ted's lineup.

There’s been talk about Fields back being an issue since he first came over, so it could well be a lack of fitness that keeps him out of the fullback spot but then you see Lammy’s comments that he’s like Bevan French in terms of pace but is able to ball play at that speed in the line at halfback and it looks like he sees him as a halfback to start with. I think we’ll see him on the bench when everyone is fit and he’ll be brought on to inject some pace in to the attack as opposition forwards are tiring and we’ll then see Hastings at hooker and maybe even him or Powell having spells at loose forward. I sense there will be times during games where it’ll take a bit of working out regards who is playing where and that could cause some chaos (in a good way).

I think (hope) a lot of this is mind games by Lam and that both Hastings & Field play. Whilst this is the first SL match of the season not many teams have played friendlies to help players get fit. Have Leigh played many? I only know one which was against Saints.

Wigan traditionally have around two-three friendlies each season: Scholars (Academy), local games. against Salford/Leigh (first team 40 mins).

The players in the off season keep themselves in shape, Field has been in the UK and training with the Wigan squad a few weeks now. Hastings he looks in decent condition so other than missing around 40 minutes of (friendly) match fitness had we been in normal circumstances is it that much of an issue. Players only get match hardened from Rds 1-3 every season anyway.

Unless they are injured (which I very much doubt).

I know Zak's been a great fullback over the years but I can't remember one game when Iv felt happy with our attack when he's played there for Wigan.

I don't like going off a friendly but Hardaker seemed to struggle with every kick v Salford. As did Bibby to be fair.

He was totally out of position on several occasions and looked very sluggish.

I’ve been very surprised and impressed with him as a centre.

He isn’t a fullback any more unless we don’t have other options.

I rather see Field or Hanley play 1 if/when French is out.

Agreed with Field. Hanley - I still have nightmares of what happened to him on the Saints game. Getting the ball stolen, dropping kicks, then getting steamrollered for a try in the Salford game. I'd be worried about them managing to stick bombs up and get at him from full back. At least on the wing you can have his centre and halfback (legally) slow down the kick chase so he isn't getting whacked as soon as the ball comes down. I don't like to write off a youngster off the back of two games but feel like players can really get exposed at FB. Wing may be an easier way for him to build confidence.

Just need to get through these first couple of rounds, by rd3 we should be looking at
French
Manfredi
Hardaker
Gildart
Bibby
Hastings
Field

That's a fair backline by anyone's standards

I think hastings is being punished for being late back due to the paperwork misunderstanding.

Another week training at this stage will make zero difference.

Fullbacks are so important in the modern game and the best are either lightning quick like French or to a lesser extent Evalds or they’re an extra halfback like Coote or Tomkins. Unfortunately Hardaker can’t bring either to the table after losing his pace and he’s never been a ball player. He loves playing there and makes no secret of it but the right call has been made for us and more importantly him by moving him to centre. He developed his game nicely in the position as the year went on last year and he’ll continue to do so this year once he moves back there.

Ah right. Didn't hear about that one. Makes things slightly more difficult maybe but our team on paper is strong enough to force a result hopefully.

To a certain extent I agree but he (Hanley) is of an age now where he needs to sink or swim.

He seems to be getting some rave reviews in training by other members of the squad.

For me Hardaker has never been a top fullback for Wigan, he’s been a very good centre.

I see no reason to move him back to 1 unless all the other realistic options are exhausted.

Looks like I am wrong though going off his comments, but I must say unless mind games are at play then I personally don’t get it.