Just watching the game again and Cullen comes up with a good point about creating structure and keeping the spine of the side all the same.

For the 1st time in a long, long time we've got that.

9-Mcilorum - 25 years old
13- SOL - 30
7- Smith -25
6 - Green - 26
1 - Tomkins

Tomkins aside that's what we need and gives us something to build from.

Add on top that Iain Thornley (21), Goulding (25) & Charnley (21) it means we should see our HB's, Centre's + 1 winger all staying the same for at least 5 years minimum.

I'm not.

We didn't win it last year and the 2012 Warriors would beat the 2013 Warriors, imo.

Certainly the future is bright, but right now we're too inexperienced.

Good post agree with all you have said. My thoughts entirely.

I think we're having a brilliant season so far and exceeding expectations.

I am however, realistic too. We're having a great run of form recently but when it comes to the crunch games we have only beaten a St Helens side with a stream of key players missing.

We lost to Huddersfield & Leeds and should have beaten Warrington. This, I think, mainly comes down to inexperience and we need time for all players to gel to compete when it matters.

It is looking promising with so many young lads and academy products lining up week after week.

To think we're top of the league now with an inexperienced squad is a mouthwatering prospect for 3 or 4 years time.

So far, pleasantly surprised. Only issue is same as last season, in some games against the better sides we fail when our usual game plan doesn't work. I made a topic the other week about dropped points. We are great when we get time and room, however we steuggle badly when defences close us down quicker.

As for the guys that have come in, well pleased with all of them. Playing as a team and less as individuals.

Thornley for Carmont- weaker short term but not as much as fe feared and could be stronger in the long run.

Green and Smith for Finch and Leuluai- Stronger in attack overall due to the kicking game but weaker in defence.

Taylor for Lima- Again possibly slightly weaker short term but this lad could easily surpass Lima long term.

Overall because of the emergence of Crosby, Burke, Tomkins Jnr etc the squad suprisingly looks about even in comparison to last year.

Maybe Wane and Lenagan know what they're doing afterall.

I don't agree that Green and Smith are weaker in defence. Wigan's defence has been very strong so far. I like the way Green stands very close to the scrum to close things off on the blind side. He does it every time and so itmust be a ploy which he executes very well.

Green's not too bad, but Smith is nowhere near as good in defence as Tommy was.

Not disagreeing, but name me someone who is a hard in defence as Tommy in that position!

Ive said it before. On paper we look a weaker side than in recent years. However the togetherness of this squad, the willingness to work for each other and the grit and determination is stronger than its ever been. There are no cliques or unsettled players on anyone thinking they are bigger than the club. This is whats making us a good side. The Unity.

That and people underestimating some of the newbies.

It is not just a matter of being as hard. Smiths defence is just not really good enough at the moment regardless of comparisons to Tommy.

I started by saying "not disagreeing", but as usual you see the negative!!

In fact, i'm muting your posts so i don't have to read your depressing rants again.

Damn, i can't...

I agree with you about Tommy, but having said that there aren’t many who are. The man was a human wall.

Please read DaveO post above... and prepare to be told off!!!!...