My concerns exactly with our pack when you compare it to Warrington/Huddersfield, and as you quite rightly said - it is of no dis-respect to either Prescott or Mossop who are both playing out of thier skins ATM (well prior to Prescott's injury he was). Cross is IMO a very good short-term signing and will significantly bolster our pack in both size and aggression with the likes of Fielden (when he returns), Lima, Coley, Hoffman, Hock, Lockers etc etc.

I don't go onto other clubs forums and call them Dire, Stains etc - I leave for that for here so your point on that is irrelevant.

You've obviously not read earlier posts in this thread then with other Wiganers being criticised for slagging off the signing, so again your point on that is irrelevant.

Ok, lets say for arguments sake that your not over here trolling or trying to convince everyone that it's a bad signing using absolute P155 poor arguments.

1 question

He signs for Wigan, never plays a game because the 4 established props play every game every week from now till the end of the season (5 if Fielden does return this year which there seems to be at least a touch of doubt over).

Would it be a bad signing?
What would Wigan have Lost?

Now then, lets say on the other Hand, just like we were trying to say to even the Wigan fans who thought it was a bad signing 3 weeks ago when Coley,Prescott,Mossop & Lima were all fully fit. What happens if we pick up just 1 injury and a suspension?
We suddenly don't look so well off in the front row do we?
If he performs well and impresses in training he comes in and he either

A/ Plays well
B/Plays Bad

Either way I don't see how Wigan lose out as it would be better than sticking Hansen/Hoffman/Hock there and buggering up the 2nd row options and/or bringing Davies/Crosby in who obviously looking at the coaches decision (And Surely no-one can argue with his track record) don't look like there ready for business end of season rugby.
If this allows Coley a bit of of flexibility from now till end of season to get the best out of him, then that's got to be Good for Wigan?
If this allows Prescott a bit more recovery time friom the knocks he's picked up this season then also Good for Wigan?
If this allows Lima to play 45/60 mins a week instead of the 70+ he's done for the last few games whilst carrying knocks then Surely (You guessed it) Good for Wigan?
If this allows Mossop (Who believe me does have a problem with the shoulder) maybe a bit of a rest somewhere on the run in then Good for Wigan?
If this means we don't have to rush Fielden back if we get injuries somewhere else in the squad, good for Wigan?
If it gives any of the above 1% or more incentive to play well then guess what? Good for WIgan?

As I said 3 weeks ago when we knew he'd signed. We'll only know how good a player for Wigan he is after he's finished the season.
For now, given the added options it gives Wigan at this point in time in Size,experience and many other areas I fail completely to see 1 Negative aspect to this signing.

In your opinion.

IF he doesn't play then it will have been a mistake, because you will most likely have paid him.

If He does and adds to your squad then it will be a stroke of genius by MM, if he does play and does all well then you'll all look pretty silly for trying to say how good of a signing it has been. All i did was share my opinion, obviously an opinion shared by other wigan fans, but hey hp, lets label the warrington fan a troll for having a discussion. No wonder people refer to this board and the fans on it as the flaming third reich and the N***S.

is he able to play in the cup rounds or not

Excellent post, Jukes! All well reasoned logic - nothing Warrington trolls can intelligently say to counter your rational argument. ( No doubt one/two of them will try...!)

IMHO I think your all being a bit 'touchy' whenever someone dis-agrees with the Cross signing - although FWIW, truewiganer, some of your comments were quite frankly, laughable.

Anyways, when a logical argument is posted - similar to the Wire poster's above, it transcends into what can only be described as "My Dad is bigger than your Dad". Petty. I'm all for debate and whatever - honestly, but this is borderline Year 4 playground "I'm not on your on" tig stuff.

So, before I'm shortly sent to the gallows to be hung for 'treason' - I shall make my position clear:

- Good signing
- Win, win situation for everyone.

Reet, thats me done. Mr Hangman, I'm ready.

Yes he is

Let's ignore the fact he's been absolute gash in SL and he has been gash, to deny it shows you know love all, no matter who he's played for.

It's a win win situation

He's cover for an injured prop
He's short term

If he's still gash he's gone in October
If he's good he helps you out all the way till October and provides an extra option.

round, singular.

Nail. Head. Smashed it.

So no short term signing can ever have a negative effect (according to wigan fans).... good to know.

A prop NO

A play-maker YES

So if ben cross plays well and ends up having a shocker in the Grand Final letting in a half-back or another prop to score the winning try at OT, then he will not have been a bad option? Behave, this thread could really be brilliant if he tanks (Again). Don't forget the optimism of leeds fans at the start of the year by there great new signing.