He runs like somebody has tied his shoelaces together. A bit like Thornley

He looked lost, he was getting a bit of stick off Green a few times for running the wrong lines in attack. I'd like to see Bateman get a go next week against NZ.

I would also like to see Hopkins be given some game time, both him and Bateman can improve us and I think both will take their chance.

Could be unlimited subs in NZ.

Thing i noticed the most was the fact as soon as he gets tackled he tends to go down without much of a fight, especially for somebody so big and mobile.

Wasn't impressed myself, our attack seemed to stop when it reached him on that side. Hopefully he will come good when he gets used to the flow of the team.

Agreed with all this to be honest.

Bateman looks better, Hughes played better in the NZW game. As I've said before I'd like to see Pettybourne tried there (he was predominantly a SR for the bunnies)

Luckily we have strength and depth in this position. If Hansen was still here he wouldn't get a look in.

Seriously? I, for one, wish Hansen was playing against the Roosters

I mean Clubb wouldn't get a look in.

At this point in time it seems that the benefits of clubbs size are outweighed by unfamiliarity with the system and a general ineffectiveness, leading me to prefer a starting second row of hughes and farrell with bateman on the bench too.

Not a bad call. I thought Jack played well today.

Watching the Huddersfield game live I said my biggest frustration from the off season was Hansen going. He fitted in to our systems and style of play to perfection and was a really important player IMO. He unlike Tomkins and Richards could have been kept IMO and even though we may have lost out on a few quid it would have been worth it IMO.

I said after the Saints friendly I liked the looks of Clubb and I think he can do a job for us but at the moment the players just look like they're quite rusty and that will take time to settle. Having a number of new players playing within our structured style of play for the first time is leading to teething problems that will be difficult to overcome for next week.

Another lad who must be kicking himself is Chris Tuson! He'd have been a starter this year IMO which is what he wanted.

Agreed.

However I do question how much Wigan went all out to compete in that game against Huddersfield? Im not saying that we threw the game but it would not be the first time we have taken it easy and then suddenly turned it on when it matters most.

Clubb was not alone in looking a little rusty, let's see how rusty he looks in the WCC should he be selected.

You never throw a game but we looked very much like the team turning out in the latter stages of last years league campaign last Friday. There was just that desperation missing but it will be there in spades next week.

It may not be enough but it will be there.

Reminded me of Leeds at home - we were a totally different side the week after in play-offs!

Definitely.

I remember the Leeds fixture in the league and they made an absolute mountain of metres (about 1900 iirc) and then turned up a couple of weeks later and got smashed in the forwards making less then half that ground.

O'Loughlins presence can't be underestimated next week but even he will have to go some for us to pull this off. This Roosters side has class from 1-17. Our hope is that they're underdone and that they treat the game as more of a friendly then a final (which I doubt).