4 signings that would beef the forwards up and strengthen a position we're weak in.

If there's nothing left for any further creative players, I'd want Deacs to stay on for another year to ease Mellor or someone into the 7 shirt.

Not sure about beefing the forwards up: losing Coley, Hoffman, Davies and O'Carroll and bringing in Lauaki, Flower and Dudson is a serious down-grading. I don't see any of your current u20s' forwards ready to step-up yet either.

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 581485.stm He's aged and lost his hair quick

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 581485.stm He's aged and lost his hair quick

How does an article about O'Carroll become that much about Fitzgibbon?!

Hoffman will be replaced by Hock who is also a left sided 2nd row.
Coley, replacement remains to be seen but Fielden is back next year with Prescott, Lima, Mossop, Dudson & Crosby.
Should Deacon retire I'd go with Mellor. Played SL for Quins earlier this year and was told when he played v Saints he was excellent. If d/r is to mean anything then Mellor and Crosby should be in the first team next year.
Centre is the main problem. Carmont in his last year in 2012, Joel still learning and will be next year if he stays at 3. An experienced centre needs to be signed for 2012 and most definately for 2013. Who and where from, who knows?

If that is true then not being able to retain O'Carroll for this reason is not very good.

Before his injury he looked the more natural prop than Prescott. He ran the ball in harder and straighter and never took a backward step. That is no slight on Prescott because he as come on leaps and bounds this season but that is just how it was back then IMO. Pre-injury of the two I'd have said O'Carroll was the brighter prospect. There is no doubt in my mind that while the injury didn't end his RL career it has ended his Wigan one and I think that is a mistake by the club. Coley is leaving next season and it is not yet clear that Hock will fit into the the way the team plays or where he will play. We also have Mossop who seemingly has a bit of a problem with his shoulder which has gone at least twice.

I was looking forward next season to see O'Carroll challenge for a place in the front row and I reckon he was more than capable of doing so. So this idea he would be 6th choice is not right IMO because in theory players are picked on form and he is easily good enough to give Prescott a run for his money.

Replacing O'Barrell with Lauaki is stupid. Unless his injury has had an involvement.

If indeed we have done. By all accounts we've signed 2 props from Crusaders so I really can't imagine we've signed Lauaki as well. 3 props? nah.

Always tried hard, but ultimately I think we have better options a head of him and it's no surprise he'd want to see more first team action.

I am already feeling sorry for Wane. Coley, Hoffman (he is better than Hock IMO) and O'Carroll out. Lauaki in plus Thomas (?) and possibly other Crusader rejects? It's like when Millward could only sign the likes of Jordan James and that other forward player who's name I forget.

Botham and Jonkers

Will it be his problem?

Lauaki was signed quite a while ago I think.