I think Paul newlove had same injury and was never the same again. It's a very serious injury so wouldn't expect him to ever get back to 100% but a 80% Richards is still pretty good.

We can't afford to take any risks with Pat. If he was only fully fit and match ready for the play-offs that would do for me. Prior to his injury he was the best winger in the comp by a country mile and I'm sure Madge will be cautious with him.

Madge knows Finch better than anyone, and he had a solid game, coming back from injury and first game in 7 months - even if he only does Deacon's role of being a good kicker and a fast pair of hands in the middle of the park for a couple of seasons. We sorely missed Deacs on Friday IMHO.

In Madge we trust.

agreed. take roberts last year when he returned for example.

If fit Pat would walk into the side. Not because Charnley is a bad player but simply Pat is a lot better and has proved it. Charnley also needs careful handling because we don't want the confidence knocking out of him.

So for me it's all about fitness. If Pat is fit, he'd get in the side as soon as his fitness allowed. The idea he might have to prove himself in the U20's to be worthy to replace Charnley is a none starter. Whether he should play a couple of games in the U20's to test his fitness is a different matter.

This is not the same as Noble picking his experienced players come what may and dropping young players like red hot coals because he would do that even if the experienced players were playing poorly or didn't merit inclusion. That does not apply to Pat IMO.

Exactly he needs to play in the u20s first not to prove hes good (hes the best in the league and I know that) but he has to prove his fitness thats all. If its a SL game we cant have him breaking down halfway through coz we may not have replacement.

Says on sky sports news Wigan hoping to have him back in couple of weeks!!

I really hope we aren't rushing him back like seemed to happen with Roberts. What he doesn't need is a recurrence, I'd much rather him start back with 40 mins in the reserves just to see how competitive rugby feels.

My brother in law saw him at the weekend on the treadmill at total fitness. Said he was going a fair old clip and looked pretty comfortable.

It's a world between that and getting tackled, stepping etc though, especially when you return the ball as hard as Pat does.

Its the agility that seems to be lost from an achiles injury not just being able to run. Though in Pats favour imo agility isnt his game, its his long stride that gives him his pace, and size that makes him a threat

One of the players tweeted pat last week saying '' you looked sharp in training''

Couldn't agree more. Just stating that that was what he was doing, and took it was a good sign that he is progressing. I don't know the exact stage he is up to with his rehab. If he is only 2-3 weeks away (rumour) then I'd imagine that he is doing more than just treadmill running?

He doesnt need to run.

He just needs to collect high balls on our line and their line.. and were fine.