Isn't Spencer over-age as well?

I struggle to understand why Wigan signed Gelling.

On the official site last year Spencer's date of birth would have made him 19, but the age on his profile said 20. Bilko's site says he's 21 but last year it said the same date of birth as the official site.

As for Gelling, it was a signing for the future based on a recommendation. We seriously needed cover in the centres but also needed to Marsh to play regularly, so Gelling was seen as a cheap option as cover with the possibility of becoming a good player in the long run.

It's too early to tell what he'll be like in the future but if he doesn't succeed the club haven't lost much.

I don't buy this "cover for the centres" line - if that was the case why play a younger Hughes there out of position instead? Gelling isn't coming from a non-rugby background, he has come through the youth production system of a NRL club.

Does he use up a quota spot? That would be something Wigan will have wasted on him.

Just done a bit of digging by the way and I think you're right, Spencer is an overage player as he played for the same St Pats team as Molloy and Leatherbarrow who are both 21.

As for Gelling, if he's not considered good enough he won't play. Hughes was considered the better option so he played. If Gelling isn't considered good enough then he won't get picked.

Even with Gelling we're still a bit short of cover at centre which is why Hughes has been playing there, although I don't think Hughes is ever going to make a good centre.

We had three overage players today, Roberts, Dudson and Spencer.

Wire had Williams, McCarthy (and Riley?)

That's the max. allowed under the current rules.

Anyone know anything about Powell's injury? It looked like it could be a real bad one. Really don't want another young halfback picking up an injury in what should be a year where they get first team action.
Mellor still doesn't look like he's recovered from his injury properly.

I heard broken shin.
Not 100% though.

I think I'm right in saying that will keep him out for at least half a year although I'm guessing it depends on the full nature of the injury.

It could be a chance to develop the Williams / Hampshire partnership but I hope we don't try to push too much too soon.

Mellor will probably be playing a lot of games for the under 20's so it's not like Williams and Hampshire have to be thrown in together, but it's certainly a chance to give them games at a higher level. If it seems like too much then there are a few other options available.

It's just a real shame for Powell because it's a crucial year, just like it was for Mellor. For me Powell was potentially a direct replacement for Leuluai. Hopefully the injury isn't too bad and he can return before the year is out.

If it's a clean break it shouldn't be too bad.

Fingers crossed for the lad.

Birkett was Warrington's third. From St Pats on trial I think

Who was the big lad for Wire? Wearing number 35 I think? Very dangerous, ran the ball in well and made the yards.

We need to send the over age players out on loan to either a super league club if they are needed or a championship team.

Mellor, And Roberts need to be on a month by month loan at a super league club to stand a chance of playing for Wigan again. Although in my opinion Mellor is worth a bench spot at Wigan over Tuson, I don't understand why he isn't given one.

Also how can spencer be over age, isnt he on dual registration at Leigh?

Dual registration is for players under the age of 23 and not within a club's top 25 first team players.