Move MM to 13 as Lockers must surely step down after this season, Sam at 1, Smith to 9, Rocky n George 6 & 7

I think if the players are broken down into two groups who could interchange in those groups we have a cover option and can keep players. 1/6/7 are covered S.Tomkins, Hampshire, Williams and Smith. The hooking covered by McIlorum, Powell and L.Tomkins with two playing at any one time.

Smith could do with a break to allow his hamstring to recover and McIlorum has seemed off his best, is he carrying an injury? In any case, there's strength in cover and the ability to switch players around. I don't agree with the negativity of a few fans around Smith and L.Tomkins - both are very good players, certainly well deserving of their places in the team. Logan reminds me of Micky Higham, he isn't MM but who is?

The 13 position I feel will be going towards Bateman but again cover could be drawn from the hookers, Clubb or maybe our larger halfbacks (depending on the opposition).

Bowen and Burgess are already on their way out. Doran, Tierney, Hughes, Patrick, Burke and Powell to go as they are surplus to requirements.

Smith may also have to go to secure Rocky's long term signature which would be sad but necessary.

Logan to stay as he would be our back up starting hooker should Micky Mac get injured/suspended.

Sad for Powell as I think bar injuries he may have already pinned down a spot. Doran has the skills but lacks pace. May make a good hooker.

Burke and Hughes had their chances but didn't seem to make the most of them and Tierney is living off his fathers reputation somewhat. All good solid players but we have better on the books.

And when it doesn't work out for them on the big stage then what do we do?, they may have performed spectaculary in the lower grades but thats no gaurantee is it

Looking to the future the older players will be replaced by younger guys. Smith is the oldest half back we have so will probably be first out the door. The thought of Hampshire, Sam and Williams in the same team is mouth-watering. It would terrify the opposition.

A complication is the length of existing contracts as I'm sure both Smith and Powell recently signed 4 year deals.

I can see us doing a Chelsea, with good prospects on loan all over the place.

Bateman will play 13 when Lockers retires.

So I take it no-one knows whether Hampshire is contracted to the end of 2015 or 2016. Can anyone confirm?

End of 2016 with a further 1 year option for 2017 in Wigans favour.

That's excellent news! Thank you Rogues.

Thanks for this reassuring news, Rogues. So many of us have been concerned that Rocky might be able to leave at the end of the year. Just out of interest, does it state anywhere when all the players' contracts expire - or do you just have to be in the know like your good self?

Let's hope IL and Rads offer him an extended contract in the next 6 - 9 months. Williams's initial contract was to run till October 2105 and they gave him a new 4 year contract before the start of this season, ie when his old contract still had a year to run. Rocky was given 4 years (in contrast to Williams's 3 in October 2012), so if there is any consistency they will get it all sorted before he enters the final year of his current contract and thus ward off any potential suitors.
I am confident that IL and Co. know what they are doing - but for us supporters it would be nice to know sooner rather than later.

I like Williams as a player but surely that's a Tad too long for a contract?

I'd prefer Sam to come back and play 6. Even if he does play full back we need cover for him.
Hampshire is that cover. The guy's so talented I just can't see them letting him go.
Our attack is now so fluent that Ryan's coming ino the line it seems odd that anyone should take his place.
For me every day of the week it's Sam at 6 and Hampshire with the 1 shirt next year.