If Sams injured and Roberts doesnt come in the surely we've got to get shut ASAP as it would mean hes so far down the pecking order its not worth him taking up cap or quota space. I think it was in the pre-season game at Salford when Marsh played FB and was completely ineffective and Pat's strikerate drops significantly when he moves from the wing.

If MM is not willing to put him in if Tomkins is injured, then I doubt he will ever get a game. Thus, get rid.

Sam will be fit imo

he had a knock to the head. we are now a week from the game. he'll be hunky-dorey

Who ever gets the FB berth for Monday, if they are the slightest bit suspect, Dobbo will have a field day with them.

I'd put Pat there, safe as houses - whereas Amos seems to flap when he gets a high one and the pressure is on - by all accounts not running too good in the 20's either almost as though he's not confident the knee is fully right yet.

It does limit us somewhat in the wings though, especially for those kicks to the corner.

If Sam was out, it would be Pat to 1, Goulding to the wing and Carmont back in centres.

But Sam will be fit, so it's a non-issue really

Sam to have "head test" at the weekend, to see whether he can play on Monday. Thnx to Bilko on Twitter for that. Also we may see the return of Hansen against KR, a few weeks earlier than expected. www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... _1_3417262

Sam to have "head test" at the weekend, to see whether he can play on Monday. Thnx to Bilko on Twitter for that. Also we may see the return of Hansen against KR, a few weeks earlier than expected. www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... _1_3417262

pat.........he came into the line brilliantly on sunday.....and was safe as houses under the bombs.

If Sam's out, it has to be...

Pat to FB
Goulding to wing
Carmont back in at centre
Hansen in for Tuson (who keeps falling off tackles)

HH is still injured I believe

Quote: dirtbag83 "HH is still injured I believe'" www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... _1_3417262 “He’s worked very hard and done everything we’ve asked of him, and there’s a chance he could be right for Monday." Michael Maguire

Quote: dirtbag83 "HH is still injured I believe'" www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... _1_3417262 “He’s worked very hard and done everything we’ve asked of him, and there’s a chance he could be right for Monday." Michael Maguire

Attack: Roberts full back, Pat left wing.
Defence: Pat full back, Roberts left wing.

Best of both worlds?

Hopefully none of this will matter and the punch to the head will not have been too serious for Sam...

However, I really do think you're overstating Roberts' weaknesses under the high ball. I could say in response that it is rare that you need 3 players back on a regular basis for kicks, and that Pat and Charnley would take the majority of kicks - but I trust Charnley even less for high kicks than Roberts.

Roberts got caught out in out (returning) game against the best kicking game we have played against all year. He didn't struggle last year, or the year before. Roberts at full back with Pat on the wing is a far better attacking prospect than any alternative I can think of, and imo is no worse in defence than any others.

Carmont is expected back, so you'll have to choose between Goulding and Roberts for the wing spot. Personally I think Goulding doesn't deserved to get dropped - he played well on Sunday - his pass for Richards' try in particular, was superb.

I'd obviously prefer for Sam to play (and then the team picks itself), but I think it'd be interesting to see how we go without Sam in the side. Let's see who else steps up!