For the experience he bring alone will be massive to players and coaches.

The major downside as to why this move could or is being linked to happening though is due to the loss of Smithies.

I’m guessing Thompson will be first choice 13 even if he doesn’t wear the number should Farrell come but either way it will be a downgrade on Smithies and whilst you can’t fault the lad for going it’s frustrating he is leaving.

Completely agree. He has been a key player for us last season and even more so this season. Its sad to see him leave, as i think he would be next in line to be captain when Farrell retires. Nothing is certain and we certainly can't be over confident, but with the signings we've made there is a window of opportunity where we could very successful over the next few seasons and its a shame that he wont be part of that.

As for Owen Farrell, I'm quite cautious about him coming. We've got a big pack already next season and i just hope it doesn't unsettle the squad because we're trying to fit an expensive union player into our side. I understand the sentiment and the magnitude of signing him but its one we should be cautious about.

As good as Smithies has been a fully fit Luke Thompson at this moment in time is better.

There seems to be an acceptance on here that he is going to come back a shadow of himself. The foot injury is fully healed now and he has a point to prove. I think we're going to get a peak Thompson who will do well for us.

When his 4 years is up and Smithies has filled his bank balance with aussie dollars he can come back and replace him.

You'd have thought the RU press would be all over this, a lot of them don't want him in the team anyway and he'd be the perfect scapegoat if England get beat.

Smithies will be a huge loss. For me he's easily the best 13 in the league and seems to get better week on week. He'll be the starting 13 for England and will only continue to kick on from there.

Personally though, I think he's jumping the gun by a couple of years. It's obvious to anyone that there's a good feel around the club. I can't believe a player who's gone through some of the bad days, would leave when things look to be turning. We could be in for a special period here and he'd be right in the middle of it too.

Completely agree with all of this. The guy's a machine and its gutting to lose him irrespective of any other recruitment.

I really dont understand why people think Farrell is signing for Wigan.

Happy to be proved wrong but its pie in the sky stuff

Wigan tv has an interview with IL. He’s said Fields the best player he’s seen during his time as owner and it’s great we’ve got him at least another couple of years.

Anyone heard any rumours about you signing Cherry Evans from Manly?

Straight swap for Cade Cust

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/sam-tomk ... yer-62857/

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/sam-tomk ... yer-62857/