There's no doubt that Wigan are now very strong in the forwards, an area where they had been powder puff for some time. The fact that Walters (someone who I would've loved us to sign) couldn't make the 17 for the Final is indicative of this. They have size, athelticism and some aggression now in defence. Havard, O Neill and Nsemba all still very young too.

Interesting question Stu, following the England Academy squad announcement. Both Wigan and Saints have 5 each. Much is being made of the 'golden generation' at Saints. Is Wigan's actually as strong? I understand Stephens, Vaughn and Sambou aren't included but Eckersley, Douglas and Nsemba more than counter that. What's your take?

I expected Wigan to have a decent number of selections as their Academy has always been strong. I don't know much about them apart from obviously Farrimond and Keith Mason's lad. I do believe though that Nathan Lowe is very highly rated within the club- a classy centre who needs to work on his defence but is a good player.

I expected Dagnall, Whitby and Robertson from Saints but I don't know as much about the other two. It seems like Davies has had a good season and from the tries I see each week, he looks a decent back rower.

Nathan needs a few games in the pack to develop his tackling technique. Having said that you can coach defensive skills not so much attacking flair.

Very true. The description I was given was he is similar to Newlove in style and class. That's obviously a huge shout.

Bennison is their worst player since Jack Owens. Owens was probably better. They are very weak on both edges, something we should be exploiting as much as possible in a few weeks.

Whoooooops

Tbf, Salford are a very good side atm

First side in any sort of form that Saints have played for a while, so it was a game I was interested to watch. Salford are a really good side.

Painfully slow back line, would never wish an injury on any player but god help them if Welsby is ever out for period of time

Salford just done the double on them well deserved.
Thought saints had snatched it but Salford did well.

Please dont say Wigan are slow at moving of a tackle St Helens so slow moving that it reminded me of that speedster Wellens in his pomp.

He absolutely carries them. Great player

Welsby has taken a bit of stick from a small section of Saints fans today and in recent months. A few comments knocking round along the lines of ‘another half ar*ed effort’. A sign of frustration because as pointed out, they’d be snookered without him.

I fully agree. I am surprised that Matautia did not get pinged a few times, a lot of his tackles were late today.

It was more of a grab then he threw Sneyd on the ground as a point of intimidation,that worked for them

It was my youngest lads football presentation yesterday so I was out all afternoon and haven't seen the game. I'm also one of those fans that won't watch it back when we lose, sad I know.

I think more of the fans frustrations are with Wellens and how risk averse he is. It makes it worse when we see our nearest and dearest doing so well and a rookie coach who has never coached before (Head coach I mean) completely transforming the club. Farrimond being given a chance on Friday shows a willingness to try the young lads.

Wellens has not blooded any young lads really, Stephens has only been given a chance due to too many injuries in the forwards, same with Delaney last season.

We have a young lad absolutely killing it in the Academy and Reserves- Robertson scoring 3 basically every week and clearly far too good for that level. Lomax has been out and yet he hasn't even had 20 mins. London away would've been the ideal game. Royle and Davies aren't Saints standard and get about 20 mins game time between them, absolute waste of two subs.

Yesterday didn't surprise me too much. We have been a wet weather team now for a while and in dry conditions against a team that promote the ball so well, we struggle as was proved.

I said a couple of weeks I would be absolutely staggered if Wigan didn't finish top and given we have to play them twice, Warrington twice, Leigh away twice plus HKR and Salford still then we are in a real danger of not finishing in the top two.

Wellens is clearly staying next year yet the club haven't made an annoucement. Not sure when they will pick a time as July is a very tricky month. Cas at home next game should be routine but Wigan away will be very hard obviously, plus Warrington who can be hit and miss but are a team that know how to beat us and have the game plan to do so.

In relation to Welsby I think people are going off the fact that he is now a big earner so more is expected. He has looked back to his best lately but I suppose you have to temper that with the quality of opposition. I think we are lost without him but unfortunately when he doesn't fire then he gets the blame from a small minority. I wonder whether he is starting to regret not going to the NRL.

It's going to be a couple of seaons transition for us I feel as the old guard start to break up and we introduce the new lads. I know we are talking to a few players but a lot depends on whether Matautia stays or goes as to what direction we go in. He has been my Player of the season by a distance but I'd be amazed if he does another year. A NRL club will come in for him for sure.