I understand it may be controversial and I think Sam could very well go on to be regarded as a better player when his career is over, but I do not think he is at the moment.

The level is so superior week in week out compared to Super League. No player will ever reach their full potential if they are to be considered World Class in this environment.

The Burgess lads are a great example, they have come on so much in the NRL due to the challenge of playing at a higher level.

I am sure Sam will also rise to this challenge, but at the moment on form I believe Bowen will have more impact all round as a full back than Sam has this year.

Let's be clear here. Most people have not said that Bowen is a terrible signing. There is no doubt that he, at least WAS a class player. The issues here are:

1. IL trying to make out that he is a "marquee" player
2. Question marks over his fitness

I'm sure every Wigan fan would love to see him perform next year. I am sure there will be games where he does. The question is how many will we get and will he be fit for this time next year.

Then again with the structure of the comp as we know it, maybe fitness isn't as big an issue as we (I) are making out. Wane can rest him over the season and pick him for the important games.

why is there question marks over his fitness?

and in the general opinion he is a marquee signing.

He's referring to Bowen's knee problems in relation to fitness. As for marquee, that's because he doesn't rate anyone

Not just me then? Bowen is a better fullback...... not a better player, simply a better fullback.

ST is too attack minded to anchor the fullback area when defending. Don't be surprised if NZW quickly move him into the halfbacks where he is an even more potent force on the pitch.

i would agree that Bowen is more of a complete player than sam but still would of preferred sam to stay but o'well

I think we all would but he's the best replacement we oculd have possibly found

Exactly. I'm looking forward to watching him play.

I don't get anybody having an issue with this signing. Sarginson, Clubb or even Pettyborne or Hopkins maybe but not Bowen. He's a super player and if we could sign more of these types and less Lauaki's and Clubb's we'd have an even better side.

I've had time to think about this too.

I think Bowen will be a good signing for us.

It's massively unfair on him to parade him around as a "marquee" signing, it's unfortunate that he is "replacing" Sam. To that extent he is the unfortunate recipient of IL spin.

Take these two things away and he is an experienced FB who, whilst I don't believe will be 100% all season, will probably have enough in the tank to perform in the key games. The structure of the comp means that is all he needs to do.

Its good to see you are slowly melting.

What is the definition of Marquee Signing, the phrase that seems to be such a bone of contention with a couple of posters?

I take it to mean a top class player that people will come to see, an exciting signing that will prove to be a crowd pleaser and put revenue into the club.

I may be wrong with my definition and I would like to be corrected if I am.

If my definition is correct the reaction on here would confirm he is a marquee signing.

I've been wondering for a few days now how people can't say Bowen is a marquee signing?

He's been arguably the inform player in the whole of the NRL fpr a good few weeks ago. The season before that he was the runner up in their MOS competition!

He's got a pedigree that 2nd to none that's been built up by season upon season of sensational performances.

If Asotasi is a marquee signing then Bowen is definitely in his bracket. Same goes for other marquee signings like Hoffman, Barrett or Lam in years gone by.

Then again it won't fit in with the agenda some people on here like to push.