Second in the DallyM last year I believe. Scored 130 tries in 270 games. Kicked a few goals. Played for Qld and scored winning Origin tries. Played for Australia and the All Stars. Why on Earth would we be interested in signing him?

I think it's a top buy and the likes of Hampshire and Tierney will learn plenty from him and will still get their chance against the lesser teams in the league. Whilst I wish we weren't losing Sam, I think we've done pretty well out of the deal personally.

How do we fit all these players under the Communist Cap as you like to call it?

Great signing, don't think you lose anything at all. It's just a stop gap until Hampshire matures into the roll. I though it was our job (Wire) to sign ageing aussies though?

Cheers,

I think we may be in agreement here. I would like to think that Sam Tomkins love for Wigan has no bounds, that he would dedicate his career to the club, but sadly that is not the case.

I would also like to think that those running the club would make a contract stick and keep Sam for another three years. We don't really know if Sam asked to go or if the club decided to cash in. Either way the reality is he's gone. This thread is about Sam's replacement who you seem to have (reasonable) doubts about.

Many of the posters seem a bit mystified about why calling him "marquee" or not is such an issue. FWIW I think it's a stupid term and was obviously mis-used to placate those/all of us disappointed to lose Sam.

It seems to be agreed that Bowen is a genuine talent. So whilst Wigan may have blundered in letting Sam go (or perhaps they had little choice) they have actually done well to get an excellent replacement who, as speculated above may actually, for one season, be better than Sam.

Given the situation I'm prepared to give IL the benefit of the doubt, especially considering Wigan's continued success on the field.

I can't be bothered reading through 16 pages, but here are my thoughts.
Having watched him on Premier Sports Bowen has been very very good in his games since his op earlier this season. If Wane uses him properly (and I think he will) then he could be good acquisition. It should also Tierney / Burgess / Hampshire further time to develop.

I understand it may be controversial and I think Sam could very well go on to be regarded as a better player when his career is over, but I do not think he is at the moment.

The level is so superior week in week out compared to Super League. No player will ever reach their full potential if they are to be considered World Class in this environment.

The Burgess lads are a great example, they have come on so much in the NRL due to the challenge of playing at a higher level.

I am sure Sam will also rise to this challenge, but at the moment on form I believe Bowen will have more impact all round as a full back than Sam has this year.

Let's be clear here. Most people have not said that Bowen is a terrible signing. There is no doubt that he, at least WAS a class player. The issues here are:

1. IL trying to make out that he is a "marquee" player
2. Question marks over his fitness

I'm sure every Wigan fan would love to see him perform next year. I am sure there will be games where he does. The question is how many will we get and will he be fit for this time next year.

Then again with the structure of the comp as we know it, maybe fitness isn't as big an issue as we (I) are making out. Wane can rest him over the season and pick him for the important games.

He's referring to Bowen's knee problems in relation to fitness. As for marquee, that's because he doesn't rate anyone

Not just me then? Bowen is a better fullback...... not a better player, simply a better fullback.

ST is too attack minded to anchor the fullback area when defending. Don't be surprised if NZW quickly move him into the halfbacks where he is an even more potent force on the pitch.

i would agree that Bowen is more of a complete player than sam but still would of preferred sam to stay but o'well

I think we all would but he's the best replacement we oculd have possibly found

Exactly. I'm looking forward to watching him play.

I don't get anybody having an issue with this signing. Sarginson, Clubb or even Pettyborne or Hopkins maybe but not Bowen. He's a super player and if we could sign more of these types and less Lauaki's and Clubb's we'd have an even better side.

I've had time to think about this too.

I think Bowen will be a good signing for us.

It's massively unfair on him to parade him around as a "marquee" signing, it's unfortunate that he is "replacing" Sam. To that extent he is the unfortunate recipient of IL spin.

Take these two things away and he is an experienced FB who, whilst I don't believe will be 100% all season, will probably have enough in the tank to perform in the key games. The structure of the comp means that is all he needs to do.

Its good to see you are slowly melting.