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).

Leigh lost to Wire in Chris Hill's testimonial as well.as the Saints game

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.

I’ve always felt differently on that Saints game tbh regards Hanley. He was an 18 year old kid being absolutely peppered and just kept coming back for more. The whole game was played in our half and he must’ve had to deal with 15+ high kicks. He of course dropped a couple but he didn’t go in to hiding, he took some good ones after that and he kept offering himself up to take the ball in. He’s a natural talent with the ball and whilst I’m not sure he’s 100% ready for regular first team rugby, I do think he’s far closer than Halsall and he’ll do a good job filling in on the wing for a couple of games and in a strong team and against a side not as strong as Saints, I’d have no qualms giving him a couple of opportunities at fullback.

I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes on Friday. It would be nice if he gets a couple of good early touches and can build in to it.