I don’t remember the negative comments to be honest but I agree they’re looking very silly now. Some of our greatest signings have been NRL cast offs.

He's going to frighten the opposition no matter where he plays in the back line.
The defensive line will always have to be on their toes when facing a player who can step and move like he can.

But where to play him? Depends on how we structure the team. If we're splitting the halves he looks like a fb for me. But then you have the dilemma of what to do with Zak. For me I imagine French to be more of an attacking threat than Zak, but Zak is a better defense fb. Zak is the best defensive fb we've had since Rads.

If we're looking at more of an 'old school' 6 and 7 give French a go at playing off Hastings. Can you imagine the pace and strike our back line will possess with French running off Hastings with the likes of Gilly, Manfredi, Marshall, Burgess and Zak outside of him.

I don't want to see French as a play maker as such. He's a strike weapon. He shouldn't be putting others through gaps, he's the one to put put through the gap.

Agree with this. I also think Zak will go up a gear next year. He's been absolutely rock solid in defence and does the tough stuff probably better than any other fullback in the league. This was never more obvious than last night when comparing him to Sam. That's not likely to change as it's been a big part of his game throughout his career. However I think we'll see more of the 2017 attacking threat from him next season as the gaps to run into will definitely be there. You only need to look at Hastings' stats to know he's the best in the league at opening up a defense.

I agree. I really rate Zak. Always have. I truly believe he's the best defensive fb we've had since Rads.
Not just saying this as a Wigan fan with cherry and white tinted glasses, but his exclusion from the GB squad is a massive error for me.

If there were any negative comments there weren’t many. It’s been very much a case of those who know of him saying he could be brilliant over here and those who didn’t saying his NRL record looked good.

It certainly wasn’t a reaction like Sammut’s signing got.

I don't understand it, especially in the light of Jamie Shaul making it. Even the Hull fans think he's been poor this season. When you factor in that Hardaker can also slot in at centre, a position we're not exactly blessed with depth in, it seems like a very questionable decision.

I can only assume it's due to his past record. If that's the case, I would hope he responds accordingly; keeps his head down, continues to work hard and has a sustained period of the stability he seems to be enjoying at the moment.

A player with that level of balance, agility and speed off the mark could absolutely destroy big lads playing in the middle. If Hastings is dictating play behind a more dominant pack and guiding us around the park then, French playing 6 could be a perfect fit. He will undoubtedly exploit any space that’s left in the blink of an eye. Conversely teams would have to really focus on him which would result in space out wide. Hastings has the ability to make the right decisions and launch French through the middle or to go out wide and launch our 2nd rows, centres and FB. Very excited about the rest of this season and even more so about next.

This...

Additionally on the international scene defence is imperative. With elite players attacking from all positions having a tactically and tough as nails FB is a must, both for last man tackling and defusing bombs and dealing with other kicks.
I personally don't think there's another British FB who's as good as Zak in these situations, arguably Widdop, but certainly not Coote, Shaul, Lomax, or dare I say it...Tomkins.

French's two first half tries were an outstanding watch from the East Stand.

From all that was said he left the Eels as he didn't want to play on the wing. OK he will when needed this season but next with a settled squad the all will probably change.

No doubt he'll play off Hastings' passes but will we also be getting an on the shoulder half back? I hope so. With his footwork and power he could be devastating. What an exciting player!

Fans on here early this season were calling for a blockbuster prop, classy half back and someone to bring an exciting brand of rugby to Wigan. Now we've got them in Burgess, Hastings & French.

If ever there was a season to get down to the DW and watch Wigan RL it will be 2020.

Without a shadow of a doubt. I guess it depends how GB are looking to play as some of those players bring other things to the table (extra pivot etc) but, given Bennet's focus on defence, it does seem a strange decision to not have him there as an option at least.

i said the same on Friday players make breaks and there is a very poor back up, i thought French would inject himself more in the middles to feed of any offloads

It's truly mouthwatering, Ted. Any new half combination has an element of chance regarding whether it will click but, if this one does as it has the potential to, I doubt we'll have seen a more exiting pairing in SL.

P. S. When I wrote 'truly mouthwatering' above it autocorrected to 'try mouthwatering'. Not that I'm one for omens but...

There maybe a chance we'll also have another half back in place for next season.

What have you heard Brian?