They've no choice but to bring them in to a weakened side currently. That comment does seem a strange one but I think Wigan breed a tough culture of youngsters having to swim and not sink in the first team regardless of circumstance and that has stood them in good stead so far.

It'll be interesting to see what they do with team selection at the weekend. If Lockers is out then who'll go in at 6? I'd be tempted to get Powell in there rather then Gregson and give Waterworth another crack at hooker.

What happened to Jamie Doran? Is he still around?

He's playing at Workington after his Wigan contract ended.

Ta. So, of the young halves, that just leaves Shorrocks, and he's injured?

There are some good players around who only mature later in life. Brown is a good example. When our backs are to the wall we have no choice but to promote but the structures below the first team are so haphazard that progress is a bit of a lottery. It probably also means that good young prospects are lost to the game when alternative career paths offer more stability. At least the old A team route allowed some lads to play semi pro within our club structure.

I agree that Gregson looks likely to step up to regular first team duties.

Once again Gregson seems to be one of those players who falls between two stools, standoff or second row.
Is he to small for second row and by that I mean even if he fills out he is still by height small in stature or is he creative enough to play halfback on a permanent basis?.
As other fans have said he showed great potential against Wire when he came on in the second half.
Maybe if he shows a good passing game it is time to have a think about what Levrier said the other day, it may be worth a shout trying him at hooker whilst MM is out.

I seem to remember Gregson playing in most positions in the u19s. He doesn't seem precious about where he plays but I hope that someone is looking at the situation because he looks useful. I know that "try him at hooker/centre/fullback" is often the cry when someone doesn't seem to fit at their original position or if he is too similar to another player in build or style but in the case of Gregson it may well be a while before he settles down into a single role. One problem is that with so many injuries we expect too much of the young lads. In previous years he could have expected to be spending some time in division one learning his best position.

I always worry when a player doesnt have a specialist position, hints at someone who will become a jack of all trades and a master of none.

Someone like Sam Panapa, for example...?

Hmm, maybe the exception rather than the rule? That was over 20 years ago.

We have a glaring problem at stand off. Williams and Shorrocks out, Lockers struggling and playing out of position. Powell having to play at 9.

Time to recall Hampshire. Career long stand off and now's the time to give him an extended run there in the first team. Time to do it now before we start losing matches.

If there is a recall clause in the loan deal the there's just no excuse for him not returning to Wigan. A quality stand off if what we need desperately, time Hampshire was given his chance.

This sounds sort of like what Leeds fans say about Sutcliffe.

Also, I remember him kicking a few goals in the 19's, maybe he will take kicking duties if he plays the whole game at stand-off.

Wane has pretty much comfirmed that Gregson wlll play at stand off v Wakey.

Gregson to me genuinely looked more threatening in one half at standoff against Warrington than Hampshire has in four games for Cas.

Harsh reality for Hampshire- enormous potential shown at academy level but that potential has not turned into anything yet.