I think Riddell deserves a place more than Smith does.

That's called "damning with faint praise", isn't it?

By what measure did Roberts not perform against Quins? It just seems to me like criticism for the sake of him being an Australian. He didn't get the good ball that Ainscough was given. Ainscough was given 3 opportunities and took them all brilliantly no question. Roberts on the other hand was given none bar the chance of a small half-break through a Bailey offload in the first half. Aside from that nothing, but he saved two tries, ran the ball in strongly when it came his way and won the game for us with a great intercept. He's a proven performer and should be a cert to play on the wing next week for me.

On a seperate note, isn't it great how O'Carroll has made such an impact this year that he's a definite in everyone's 17 right now. A vast improvement so far on last year and much more potential to come.

I'm not sure what your point is. Pryce doesn't play hooker or stand-off.

I freely admit an element of my criticism is because he is an import. We have far too many of them! Also, I'm basing my opinion on his entire contribution this season, not just against Quins.

TBH the WC changed how I feel about not just Wigan but the game over here as a whole and I posted as much at the time. For me, Riddell, Phelps, Smith and Roberts can go home now.

Sorry. The point I'm making is that being unfit is patently not a problem in other positions or else Riddell for one would never gat a start.

what would be the benefits of swapping oloughlin and j tompkins positions.people on this forum often say they would like to see them swap positions.why?

Well firstly surely you have to base an assessment on whether a player should play next week based on their last game, especially if they've played well which IMO Roberts did.

I empthasise with your opinion on overseas players but I do feel that the RFL are doing all they can to address the issue with the new restrictions coming in place over the next few years. I think 5 overseas in the 17 is a realistic figure that all clubs including Wigan should be aiming at. Smith, Phelps and Bailey will leave at the end of the year along with Mathers and Coley. You would hope that Wigan would be learning lessons now and alos taking into account what the fans want and not go too heavy on recruitment from overseas if possible - maybe 1 big name with any others domestic signings but it is difficult because of the availability or lack thereof of quality.

Probably because while O'Loughlin was injured for a few months last season, Tomkins filled in at Loose Forward and was probably our best player.

A 3% Paul Prescott is stil better than Andy Coley. Absolute garbage and one of the worst props weve had in a very long time

It is but its true, Im not saying he is playing well, but I would rather see Riddell on the team sheet than Smith atm.

We need an interchange at 9 whether Riddell starts or McIlorum.
Thought Noble got it right with Piggy starting, replaced by Tommy and Sam T going to 7.
Go with the same team again.