Would have to bulk up a bit to play prop

Release him from his contract but pay him off on the side, spend some cash on Larne Patrick and Tom Burgess and get Scott Dureau for next season. Maybe a cheeky bid fo Kallum Watkins while were at it and we'd be sorted for the next 5 to 8 years.

Larne Patrick is a must though, him Prescott, Mossop and Lima would be frightening with Hock, Hansen and Lockers in the back row and Micky Mac smashing them.

Although we've somehow carried Roberts for 2 years from Easter Monday 2010.

an t'other

Stuart has confirmed on Twitter that he won't be back til August!

August 2013

who would give him a contract?? big money deal on the cards from bradford take a bow mr hood

If he finished now and was honest with himself he could move upstairs and take a coaching/conditioner route with us and it would free 100k minimum up. I like the bloke and I know he is a proud fella who would like to think he still has something to offer but you have to be realistic. We have an abundance of front rowers at the moment and I don't think its worth waiting 4 months for him where he still might not be right or on form to get into the first team. Similar situation to O' Carroll last year. Unfortunate but that's professional sport I'm afraid

Big blow for Wigan, but more so for Stuart. I know Wane was very keen to have him back in the side & Stuart being the professional he is has found it very difficult being on the sidelines for so long. The most testing peroid of his career as he hasn't spent much time on the sidelines previously.

The club aren't giving up (just like with Eamon O'Carroll) and are hopeful he will feature again for the cherry and whites before the season finishes. He would be a useful addition to the squad at the business end of the season. No plans about his next contract have been made that I am aware of, but it is a make or break situation for Stuart.

I dont know the cap rules but cant we de-register him for this season?

We don't need to play by the ([sizeHKR[/size) rules. We are Wigan and we own the RFL.

Don't think we will see him play again, not for Wigan anyway.

Always thought the contract extension was ambitious and the news will suprise few people.

Fielden is the kind of person i would like to see involved in the England set up as part of the back room staff who can support and help develop younger players.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought if someone didn't play in a season they were not part of the cap. As Karl Pryce salary didn't come off the cap in his first season at Wigan alsoa couple of years ago a Stains coach had to have his salary as part of the cap as he played against Catalans at Catalans, it was a weakened team before a CC final.

I could be wrong on the above though.

At 32/33 does that make him a wire target for next season???

Critical blow to our chances this year for me - I think we really needed him this year after losing players like Coley and Hoffman.