Great news, top class young talent, future star.

I hate it when a player signs a 4 year deal.

I hate it when a player stands on one leg puts a flower behind his ear and sings Olly Murs songs.

Just be glad it wasn't a 5 year deal

More seriously: Great news!

It usually means we are about to sell the player.

Can't we have some stability in the team for just one season ? We have a massive clearout every year nowadays.

We didn't win the 8 by constantly selling our players.

(Cue the excuse; "oh those days are long gone !"icon_wink.gif

Very good news re Williams but I don't think losing Green is a big issue.

Mind you I think he has a rather over inflated view of his worth. He has said he doesn't rule out a return to the NRL but I don't see a queue of Oz clubs lining up.

In fact if we kept Bowen and lost Green it might make it more likely Hampshire got a go at 6.

By his half back partner I meant Hampshire given they have come through the junior ranks together

How long had Powell got left on his deal?

I have heard a whisper he may be coming to the right side of the Pennines next year.

Not sure tbh but it wouldn't surprise me. I think he's the one of our current options the club may just about feel comfortable enough letting move on. Don't get me wrong I believe he could be very good but when you look at the options you could understand it. He's got to get past-

Green and Smith- a double winning pair of halves who took out the individual awards in both finals between them.

Williams- a new four year deal in the bag. A supremely talented youngster who's talked of as a future international. He's tough in defence and offers more threat with the ball then Powell.

Hampshire- Probably the brightest prospect at Wigan and in superleague right now. He can play halfback or fullback, he's rapid, a huge threat with the ball and can kick goals. He's that good many would sacrifice Green for him.

McIlorum- Powell can play hooker also but there isn't a hooker in superleague who's getting past Micky Mac with Wane in charge. He's his biggest fan and knows that he's the heartbeat of the team.

Powell may well just find himself in the right place at the wrong time at Wigan. He'd have waltzed a place in our team a few years back.

At the end of 2012 season Lewis Tierney signed a two year deal, Greenwood and Williams signed three year deals and Burgess, Hampshire and Lever signed four year deals according to the reports from that time.

Going off that it makes sense that Williams has been tied down first.

I have heard a whisper Hampshire is signing a five year deal at saints at the end of the season.

Well. I heard Powell has signed/ will sign for Cas to replace Jamie Ellis as an option at HB.

Quote: stillinthepast "This thread seems a bit strange, it talks about Williams getting a 4 year contract and also mentions that Powell still has a few years to go on his deal, but no mention of the length of Hampshire's contract (who is said to be the best Wigan prospect for years). I always was under the impression that Hampshire's contract ran side by side with Williams deal. This season Hampshire has never been considered for first team halfback cover when it has been required for the first team, it as always been for the fullback position only. There have been matches this year when Hampshire has not been in the 17 when Bowen as played even though Williams and Powell have. Now I have read today on the Wigan Rugby League fans forum that Hampshire's contract is up at the end of the season and he is refusing to sign a new one. Surely someone more informed than me can clarify the situation regarding the length of Hampshire's contract and if it is up this year there must be some hold up saying that Williams has been given a 4 year deal which has been accepted.'" www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/20041431

Quote: stillinthepast "This thread seems a bit strange, it talks about Williams getting a 4 year contract and also mentions that Powell still has a few years to go on his deal, but no mention of the length of Hampshire's contract (who is said to be the best Wigan prospect for years). I always was under the impression that Hampshire's contract ran side by side with Williams deal. This season Hampshire has never been considered for first team halfback cover when it has been required for the first team, it as always been for the fullback position only. There have been matches this year when Hampshire has not been in the 17 when Bowen as played even though Williams and Powell have. Now I have read today on the Wigan Rugby League fans forum that Hampshire's contract is up at the end of the season and he is refusing to sign a new one. Surely someone more informed than me can clarify the situation regarding the length of Hampshire's contract and if it is up this year there must be some hold up saying that Williams has been given a 4 year deal which has been accepted.'" www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/20041431

I am always impressed by how much time Williams seems to have. He almost walks up and plays the ball without being in a hurry. Rarely have I seen someone as small but assured in defense since Luluei.