I agree, we shouldn't. But it's hard not to be hopeful as Crosby and Sutton look like what they probably should still be - academy players. Good prospects but not big or strong enough.

Disappointed we didn't go for Ashton Sims.

I'm not totally convinced by Simms so far but he would definitely help guide the young forwards whilst we are missing the likes of O'Loughlin and Flower.

I also think we are missing a little size in the back row especially when missing O'Loughlin. Minichello will be a good buy for Hull FC.

I hope our recruitment is already in full swing for next year. I still think we will be in the mix for both trophies in SL once our injured players return but we have to look at replacing Bowen, Burgess (Manfredi hopefully) and the transition of playing without O'Loughlin for large periods of the year.

Possibly, but Crosby is 24 (?) with over 70 first grade games, I'd say he was past the prospect stage now and it's time for him to develop. He's shown glimpses but I don't think he's been consistent.

I tell you what ,with this new intense set up i think the RFL did the worst thing they ever did in axing the academy system. The step up from under 19s could be too much for some players & on top of that we have lost a whole tier of player involvement throughout the league.

I do agree and they sort of go hand in hand. I think we'll be fine when Mossop and Flower are back because that's two good props which will in turn lead to more space for our halves.

Williams has been impressive but Smith needs to offer more. A lot of the England tourists are struggling! Charnley, Burgess, Smith and Farrell well below par and Sarge and Lockers either injured or just back.

Ian Lenagan should agree to loan Joe Burgess to London Broncos for the rest of this year. He will make a difference down there.

Was Tautai injured as he did one spell played ok and I never saw him come back on

Maguire developed a very simple, effective, aggressive system. The off the cuff stuff was solely down to a once in a generation player. Maguire wouldn't have been as successful with the present incumbent in his team.

You are a very strange person.....

Back spasms after his first spell apparently

It's been a frustrating start in terms of injuries because he does look good when we've seen him.

Thought he must be injured because it certainly wasn't ideal conditions to be a forward interchange down last night, but the sky commentary team never mentioned it.

Went to the game and would say :

Positives: Attitude, bottle, Clubb, TT first half, Bateman, size of crowd.

Negatives: Bowen (will he ever be anything but terrible in a big game?), Burgess, starting Props, halves, library esque crowd until last 5 minutes of normal time.

My overall view is that Broncos there for the taking but Wigan were a bit clueless with the ball, kicked poorly and are game but undersized.

Consistent refereeing?

Positives -
Clubb - One of his best performances in a Wigan shirt
Bateman - His defence was huge. Really seemed keen to make up for the absence of Lockers
McIlorum - He just did what he does. Great defence, lively around the ruck
Farrell - Back to his old self, his work rate was phenomenal and he dealt with Thaiday well
Williams - He provided a running option, his defence was outstanding and he caused problems with some excellent short kicks. Great composure for Budgie's try too
Sarge - He was just a bundle of energy. Never stopped running. Showed signs that he will continue where he left off last year

Negatives -
Burgess - He always looks nervous, but last night he seemed to play nervous. At least he took his try well
Bowen - He was shaky in defence and completely ineffective in attack. If we had another decent centre we'd be better with Sarge at fullback.
Smith - He wasn't too bad but he should be putting himself in the spotlight more with Green gone. Williams has outplayed him in both games and Powell showed a much better range of passing against Huddersfield. At the moment Smith's kicking game is his only saving grace.

One thing to mention regarding kicking. We really should have kicked on the 4th tackle during our first set in extra time last night. We weren't getting out of our own half, there was nothing on but acres of space to kick in to and pin them down in the corner. Instead we waited until the last, kicked it down the wingers throat and they made plenty of yards. Had we pushed them back early on we would have had a better chance at gaining the upper hand in terms of field position. It just looked like the only plan was 'head down and drive until we get close enough for a drop goal'. Brisbane were just so much smarter in extra time.

To be fair extra time was always going to be tough as we started the period by receiving the kick.