I really don't want this to get into a personal argument, so I will be brief.


1. Previous captaincy of teams means zip. As stated, citing Lockers being captain of the school team is laughable.

2. MM- He is unlikely to state that Lockers was "gutted" about losing the captaincy is he? Think about all the implications. Same with Lockers.


And before we start this season, and for the record I don't "hate" Lockers as some have insinuated. I do feel he is overrated, but that's because some put him on a pedestal.

I think he is a decent enough player, with an excellent work ethic. He is a solid 2nd row imo and both his game and Wigan's would benefit if that fact was realised.


What doesn't help him is the burden of leadership (as it doesn't suit him), and being asked to play in positions where he is made to look foolish. e.g. Stand off. His nature of putting his hand up and doing whatever is asked of him (a great quality as it is) doesn't help in this respect.

I appreciate this is a little off-topic, but I thought it worth making the points that I am making are not founded on a predjudice against Lockers, more my own interpretation of the facts.

I can't agree with the thesis that Lockers only supports this five-man thing because he has no choice.

He does have a choice.

In the past, there have been major issues at clubs when players have lost the captaincy. Ellery Hanely and Shaun Edward are two names that spring to mind.

Lockers could easily take his ball home if he wanted to. But he seems to be genuinely on message with this. And regardless of whether he deserves the 'pedestal' that people put him on or even whether he deserves to be captain or not, I think the lad should be given credit for putting the good of the team ahead of any personal priority.

Most one eyed and straw clutching post I've ever read.

Did Sean not rate Mr Higham either Dave?

I'd have thought we all would have learned by now!

Here here, Lockers IMO was and still is a fantastic captain. However this 5man captain system is - as by the reaction on here - slightly controversial, but I like the idea.

Lockers, Fielden, Bailey, Carmont, Deacon and Tommy L are the people I think would probably be in the 5 - but Maguire seems to be 'un-predictable' and I could/probably will, be completel wrong

Forgive me if I'm wrong but isn't Fielden a 'senior player' anyway?

Proof? I don't want/need proof. If I'm being quite honest it doesn't bother me too much who is in the 5.

the five should be

fielden- one of the most senior players who has been around super league for years.
lockers- been in the wigan team since 2002, whens his testimonial?
deacon- wigan born and bred, natural leader, captain of bradford
gleeson- captained england, wigan born and bred l
bailey- been all around the game, and has been a leader in this squad for a while

I was speculating - but as you say, Fielden is an experienced player and has IMO leadership qualities.

Lets not turn this into another player bashing thread.

I don't think you'll be far wrong there

2/5 me thinks!

Lockers was appointed Wigan captain by Millward and was retained in that role by "Mr misplaced loyalty" Brian Noble.

In other words he was appointed to the role by two coaches who I do not rate so why is that a recommendation?

It's no use people saying he was appointed captain by this or that coach as if this proves anything if those coaches were not considered any good!

Dave

What did you think of his performance yesterday Dave?
1) as a player

2) as a captain

Dave, your post basically took half a dozen professionals from the sport, most of whom had both played and coached at the highest level; several respected captains in their own right and said that your opinion on O'Loughlin was right and all theirs was wrong! Now, I have nothing against Meglomania per se, but I do feel that was attaching just a liitle too much significance to your own views. Ever considered the fact that you might actually be wrong once in a while?