iv said this to a couple to people but if your needing a big clearing kick and the opposition have 2 or 3 people dropping back its very difficult to find the floor, the thing what wigan do do well at what goes un-noticed is after a generally poor kick we always dominate the first tackle which is a big thing in our game

I don't disagree with you of course it's hard to play 60+ minutes when an important player goes off, I do however don't appreciate you suggesting he is becoming a liability based on 2 incidents he wasn't a liability last October when he played his part in Gleesons second try or his general play in helping us to even get to the Grand Final dare I suggest you wouldn't make your earlier statement had it been Sam Tomkins or Pat Richards is Richards a liability for getting injured in the Grand Final that could have cost us the win and would have for virtually every other team.

We cant be missing him if he hasn't played, but I get your point. We're playing with the same halves that won the title for us last year (except for when Tommy covers for McIlorum). With a bit of luck Finch will step into Deac's boots soon, then with Paaaaat back and Sam in his rightful place at 6 we'll be scoring for fun.

Agree with the posts regarding our kicking game, but it's been poor for ages and we've managed. Never seen Finch play but those who have say he's the missing link we've been waiting for in that department. Exciting times ahead.

I STILL prefer Sam in the halves than at full-back. He's never a full-back in a million years.

You never know with Radlinski coaching him he could just turn into a good 'un. Right now he's sadly wasted there, but if the long-term view is that he's going to be coached into being a full-back then he has to play there to learn it.

Personally I wouldn't bother, he a cast-iron number six. Train someone else upicon_smile.gif

Probably a week too early for Finch next week but might be a chance for Warrington. Excited by what he could bring to the side over time.

Sam Tomkins is a fullback in my opinion but its a pointless arguement anyway because I guarantee he'll play there all the time under Maguire unless there's a real emergency.

To be fair to Deacon I think anyone would have been injured after the hit he took today... I thought it might be a long term injury. lets hope it isn't because IMO he was our best signing in 2009 by a country mile

Maguire said that Finch is seeing the doctor this week and is very close. Deacon looked in a very bad way when he went off.
Sam must stay at full back the number of head shots he took today was all wrong. If he'd played at 6 today he would have been in the dressing room before Deacon. Hull would have seen to that.

Speaking of liabilities, anyone know why Roberts wasn't selected today? Assume there was still a problem with his knee.

If Deacon is out for next Friday, I'd like to see Roberts return to full-back and Sam move into the halves.

Never seen Finch play, and knowing some foreign players take a while to settle in, I'd be surprised if he made much impact until maybe Round 16, when it's warmer and the pitches have hardened up, and he's had a while to work with the team.
As for Sam, he doesn't join the line on the shoulder like you'd expect a full back to do. Opposition players are getting used to the step, or just battering him instead!

Deacon was taken to hospital, I don't know any further details.

Finch is needed, we are struggling on the last tackle.

Im excited by Tommy/Finch and with Pat not far away and possibly Amos/Gleeson, we could be really hitting our straps in a few weeks.

It just seems to be once every few games since just before play offs last year

it may be a little harsh but does anyone think tomkins went into hididng today after a couple of them bad tackles, cant blame the lad but if hes gonna be top player thats what you have to put up with im afraid