Somebody likened Lockers prop role to that of Graham and that looks a good comparison to me. He can make the yards but also use his fabulous handling ability to bring others in to play. His role hardly changed tbh, in fact all it did really do was to allow Bateman to get in the middle of the pitch as well and he will thrive in there.

Sean O'Loughlin as we all know is a massive human being and is well suited to playing in the front row as he carries the ball well and as other people have mentioned on this post has great ball handling skills close to the line, he also broke the line on at least one occasion if I'm not wrong last night? The biggest plus for Wigan would be he will be interchanged so his risk of injury I would imagine is decreased by some margin. It could well prove to be a massive plus and great decision by Wane.

Lockers was impressive as ever and whatever ever role he asked to fill,it does make you realise that our props,Flower aside are a little bit average as others have said Sutton could have potential but we do need someone the sooner the better.

I thought it was a stroke of genius from Wane. Allowing Bateman to be a middle while keeping Lockers in the starting line up. Our 8, 10 and 13 are our middle unit, looks impressive with Bateman Flower and Lockers. I see Burke fitting nicely into this, he's got good hands and size, probably while we've always retained him when others have been let go.

With Lockers I cannot speak highly enough. Outstanding in defence, can make the hard yards like a 'prop' and has hands like a half back.
I think I've seen him play centre (for England under Smith) 6-13 at Wigan.


I think he could cover most positions on the pitch, only his lack of pace would let him down in some positions.

On that pitch he seemed to be the only "prop" capable of accelerating into contact. Everyone else just seemed to squelch into the tackle.

If Bateman is an "edge" why is he playing in the "middle"?

I think the hooker should be called a "Gusset", something or some one who gives a bit of stretch or flexibility around the "middles".

But someone else can tell MM he is a "gusset " not me.

He can clearly play both, hence playing on the edge and in the middle, and also an outside back when needs must.

If you watched our games last season you'll see he featured in all positions mentioned.

If you actually don't know the difference I can explain. Otherwise I'll not waste my time.

It's never too late to learn so educate me.

My only issue is will he do the same amount of drives as a standard starting prop?

If he will then don't see a problem but if he doesnt then it will put a lot of pressure on the other prop / centres to take the ball in which will inpact the amount of other work they can do........ centres - Score tries and create final pass for tries

Many moons ago the scrum was contested with the ball feed directly between the two packs, similar to what you see in union. The props would prop up the scrum and hooker who's job it was to 'hook the ball' with their feet obtaining possession for their team.

Nowadays the scrum feed rarely sees a put in between the two front rows, thus meaning no 'hooking' takes place. Usually we see the ball feeder feed the ball into the second row of the scrum etc.

However the 9 plays out of acting dummy half, when the player is tackled his duty (usually) is to retrieve the ball after an uncontested tackle to feed out from dummy half.