100%. I think about what team I’d pick to start next season at times and I struggle to fit in all the forwards I’d like to as it is.

Feel sure Isa is the right choice for #13 having thought about it. Bateman is a natural right side second row and we haven't had one of those since he left. Smithies hasn't earned a starting spot yet. Partington is the only viable alternative for me but Isa's experience should get him the shirt.

TBH I’m not fussed who gets it, all those mentioned are worthy contenders IMO

I wonder if the club have considered or are considering "retiring" the 13 shirt?

Why?

Not for me, it should be one of the shirts that any young backrower should aspire to wearing, a legends shirt.

In recognition of a very special and loyal player and as an acknowledgment to Sean`s outstanding contribution to Wigan Warriors and to Rugby League.

No no and a thousand times no, the 13 shirt is a position in the field, I get the move to squad numbers but the number described the position.

What about the other players who’ve played loose forward for us? Hanley had it, I remember him silencing the saints fans before kick off at Wembley when he ran down the touch line to test his fitness, he then went on to destroy them in the match. It passed to bell then on to Farrell, the shirt is part of the club, you add to it’s value and prestige as a player you don’t own it, you are lent it

In my time supporting Wigan I’ve seen some great players in that shirt we can’t forget that legacy we build on it.

He isn't the best 13 we have ever had so why would we? Do we retire number 12 too when Faz goes?

The retiring of jerseys (unless that player has died whilst at the club in the Marc Vivien Foe example at Man City) is more than cringeworthy. Birmingham City wanted to do it for some 16 year old kid FFS.

It's worse than giving a number to the fans.

Agree 100%

I have seen many players in the 13 shirt. My first being in 1958. It was Roy Evans who was a butcher and who along with his father had a shop in Lower Ince.

And so I go back a very long way as a truly loyal supporter.

And yes, Sean may not be the best 13 the club has ever had.

But he IS a special player who has remained loyal to the club and who didn`t sign for the dosh and who didn`t move on for more dosh.

Anyhow, I just wondered if the "retiring" of the shirt was a consideration.

Absolutely correct. The 13 shirt to us is what the 7 shirt is to Manchester United and it should be something you strive to wear and feel a huge buzz when you make it. It should be given to somebody with the talent and personality to handle it and that would be John Bateman IMO, regardless of him playing at loose forward or in the second row.

Whenever you get asked that weird question of ‘what is your favourite number?’ by one of your kids or whoever, I always say ‘13’ and you get looked at like you’re crazy choosing ‘unlucky 13’ but it’s been anything but for us. In my time watching us it has been worn by Ellery Hanley, Andy Farrell and then Sean O’Loughlin (with a couple of others in between on a less permanent basis), that is just incredible! Absolute legends of the game pretty much one after another. Who wouldn’t want to earn that jersey?!