19 for Hull KR

Quote: Rogues Gallery "
Quote: Rogues Gallery "Burke shouldn't really be playing prop anyway as he's not that effective there - he's a loose forward or second row and that's generally where he features for Wigan.

James is there to add depth to allow younger players to go out on loan and gain some experience, such as Greenwood (who need to be playing more regularly and don't qualify for the U19's) and to avoid having to rely on props from the under 19's, who might be very promising but can't be expected to play week after week.
Had someone like Greenwood remained at the club he'd have been on dual reg most weeks when he really needs to be playing at Super League level.

For props there's a big gap between U19's and actually being ready to play week in week out in Super League so it makes sense to have some experienced bodies in the side who can go out there and do a job without having to risk any youngsters.

Since Lauaki and Powell have left (no great losses really) there's a need for a bit more depth. Wigan ended up with a prop forward on the coaching staff and decided it was worth giving him a contract to allow better squad rotation, whether that's at the beginning, middle or back end of the season.

Since James won't be playing week in week out he might be able to give a little more when he does play.'"

Spot on.

But just to add, and this may not go down well. I'm not sure if Greg Burke will ever make a top class forward. I don't think he has enough pace for any of the back three positions, so it'll have to be as prop if he is going to do it. I know he has a lot of admirers at Wigan but I'm not convinced at all. Hope I'm wrong btw.'"

I would have to agree - I look at Burke and think of Bryn Hargreaves to be honest. But that's right now and I've enough experience watching the game to know that the development of young players can sky rocket out of nowhere in a year or two - some players just reach their potential later than others.