Disagree. His fitness in previous games has been really poor and has been at fault for a few tries when defence should be his strongest aspect (especially as he offers zero with the ball). He's shown nothing that suggests he's about to have a good game, never mind against the champions. How low must Wane think of Greenwood/C.Farrell that he continues to pick Patrick infront of them?

Hampshire is a typical Wane selection.

He has convinced himself Hampshire can do it based on his performance against a very poor Wakey side who put him under no pressure and, IMO, due to his faith in young players is ignoring past performances of the young player (not that great at FB).

He's done it before and its gone "t its" up against good teams.

So this is one interesting selection!

To be fair he's picked Bowen in big games before and that's gone "t its" up too.

Might as well have a dangerous young liability who could develop into anything as a ponderous slow old liability who always looks like each game is another game too far for him.

For what it's worth I'm far more nervous about a Wigan team with Hampshire at full back as I view Bowen as a massive weak link for you lot.

I'd say Hampshire has done well on all his FB outings bar the two friendlies. Certainly didn't think he did much wrong against Hull KR and Wakefield, and remember him having a cracker against Saints at their place a couple of years ago. I'm not saying he'll definitely make it at FB but he's well worth a shot IMO.

I agree he's been poor. It's just a gut feeling thing for me. Maybe I'm being too optimistic but I think he could explode in to this game. There's been nothing to suggest that but maybe I'm just thinking law of averages says he must do soon.

It should be his last game for a while though if he produces the same poor performance he's come up with so far. With Crosby and Sutton back and Flower and Lockers to follow in the next few weeks he could find himself at Workington (if allowed) for the majority of the season.

I'd be more nervous of him when he has the ball then when Bowen does but defensively I think you can get plenty of joy.

A lot will depend on who's dominating territory. If we do he could burn you in attack but if we get pushed back and are sitting in our own half a lot of the time I'd be surprised if he doesn't make an error or two.

Still don't think he's a fullback but he is a terrific talent.

The only flaw in your logic is the form of MM. Bowen and Patrick are copping plenty of stick but MM's form is just as bad. Re your 17 I'd probably start Tautai then bring on Farrell as things hopefully open up.

A quick glance at "The Champions" board see's them all getting there excuses in early... lol

Haven't we been down this road before with SW when Murphy played full back against Leeds in the playoffs and was exploited with bombs by Sinfield...

I would go with experience in the big games, Saints have brought Wellens back in...difference in thinking.

What?

It's typical Wane when he's not selected and typical when he is selected. How do you know the selection is down to Wakey rather than, I don't know, training, ability, fit without disrupting other positions and external influence from fans and other stakeholders?

However, it's typical for coaches to manage a team, pick the squad and final team.

Nothing to do with injuries then

You mean the game were the most experienced man on the pitch Brett Finch went for a glory kick across the field instead of a 5 metre grubber for touch , which Wigan would have defended and won the match?

Well Rocky big step forward keep going !

He did well. Not brilliant but no major errors either and it certainly wasn't his type of pitch. I just hope Wane does the right thing with him, even if that means a rest on Monday but picked for the Catalan game. For the TEAMS sake Wane needs to be very careful over the next three games.

I think he needs a run of games to be honest mate. His ability / potential is there for all to see but a decent run would build his confidence. I do understand what you mean but I'd let him crack on for a bit!