Doesn't mean it's the best team though does it? There's a couple Wigan lads who IMO need to make a bigger step up than what they did last year who get far less stick on here than the overseas players. Having said that, there are a couple of Wigan lads who I'd like to see get a chance more this season, for me it's make or break for a couple of our more established young players who need to get out of their comfort zone.

Joel Tomkins and Hansen for me need a good start or are in real danger of being overhauled by Farrell and Mossop.

Ditto.

1. Phelps
2. Roberts
3. Gleeson
4. Carmont
5. Richards
6. Tomkins
7. Deacon
8. Prescott
9. Riddell
10. Coley
11. Mossop
12. Tomkins
13. O'Loughlin

S: Leuluai
S: Hansen
S: Feka
S: Fielden

I'd have Hansen starting and Joel on the bench.
If Bailey is not retained then both could start with Mossop on the bench.

We'll probably also see O'Carroll used as part of the prop rotation.

When you add Ainscough, Pryce, Goulding, McIlorum and Farrell to that list then there's very good depth to the squad.

Personally, I think Hansen offers very little in attack apart from direct running which isn't necessarily a bad thing if he's used correctly.

IMO his direct running with his excellent all round defence works better off the bench to maintain the pace set by more elusive and effective-attacking second rowers such as Mossop and Tomkins.

Not if Feka and Riddell don't get fit. If they don't they should be dropped or we will be back to picking on reputation.

They will never be the players they ought to be unless they tow the line we all expect to be set by MM & SW.

Dave

Do people on here think Darrel Goulding has a future with the club? Personally i think he has failed to fulfill his potential and this year should be his last chance. When is he contracted at the club until?

I'd go with your line up. However I think you are being a bit harsh on O'Carroll who IMO can easily compete with Prescott.

Goulding just looks to be behind two better centres but overall your side is one that contains players I would expect to respond readily to the new tough fitness orientated regime we are supposed to be getting.

How Roberts will respond will be interesting. He needs to become the player IL signed him to be - IL's "flying winger". If his form is as erratic as last season he will not last long IMO.

Feka and Riddell must get fit before even being considered or that will undermine the new ethos. You can hardly flog the players in training and then pick two unfit ones ahead of those who have done the work.

Same with Pryce. Make or break year for Pryce. If MM & SW can get him fit and raring to go he could be an awesome player.

Dave

1. Phelps
2. Roberts
3. Gleeson
4. Carmont
5. Richards
6. Tomkins
7. Tommy
8. Prescott
9. Riddell
10.Coley
11.Tomkins
12.Hansen
13.O'Loughlin

14.Fielden
15.Feka
16.Mossop
17.McIlurom


EDITED.. McIlurom doesnt deserve to be left out. Deacon should be back up nothing more IMO. If things dont start well then bring him into the squad

I think Goulding was unlucky under Noble. He got dropped after being far from poor as Noble did his usual squad selection then when he was called back from Salford after showing some form back here he got injured.

I think if he gets a chance next season he must grasp it but Carmont only has a one year deal with the option of another and in the 2nd year it's expected (I think) we see him act more as cover than first choice and this may give Goulding his chance.

Dave

1. Phelps
2. Roberts
3. Gleeson
4. Carmont
5. Richards
6. Tomkins
7. Deacon
8. Coley
9. Riddell
10. Prescott
11. Hansen
12. Bailey
13. O'Loughlin

14. Leuluai
15. Feka
16. Mossop
17. Fielden

Totally disagree, we should play them even if they're not fit

Of course they should only play if they're fit. The same goes for everyone else in the team.

Like AJ I agree with this, though I'd have Tommy and Deacs playing 60 mins and Riddell 40, unless his fitness increases as his weight decreases.