Keighran and Ellis back at Wigan a few days ago, French and Field back today.

The staggered returns probably cause the intensity of training to go up a few notches.

Reports in France that Owen Farrell has signed a 2 year deal with Racing 92 and will join up with them in the summer.

Just seen a picture of Dupree. He trimmed down quite a bit it appears. Wonder if there trying to make him more mobile

I’m very excited about Dupree. When we first signed him I thought he’d be a Mago type prop, big impact, low minutes, sloppy defence but he blew me away.

Held up in defence and could play big minutes. He’s a tackle breaking prop and that’s what we really needed.

Only turns 24 in February and after a Wigan preseaon he’s going to get better and better.

Already a fringe England player.

Quote: jonh "Reports in France that Owen Farrell has signed a 2 year deal with Racing 92 and will join up with them in the summer.'" https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67896635

Quote: jonh "Reports in France that Owen Farrell has signed a 2 year deal with Racing 92 and will join up with them in the summer.'" https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67896635

On the topic of Mago, he looks a lot leaner too on the preseason footage.

I noticed that too Jonh. Was a different player in the second half of the year.

I’m an optimist but I’m so excited about our props/middles next year.

Byrne - now enters his 6th year in the first team. Carried a knock for most of last year. Had a coming of age game at Catalan away. Gutted he missed the GF

Havard - 5th year of first team. Hopefully we can get him right injury wise. Wire in the cup was the best performance I’ve ever seen from a prop at Wigan in about 20’years.

Ellis - wasn’t sure about him initially but took massive steps forward last year. Absolutely key when we were down on props. Coming into his best years as a prop/13.

Mago - again improved performances last year, combined with a slimed down version. He’ll be playing for a contract again next year.

Dupree - as discussed. Tackle breaker, international forward. Quality.

Thompson - obviously will all come down to fitness. On paper, international level, dream team forward.

Cooper - nothing but a bonus anything we get from him this year. Form was just improving before his injury. A nice option to have in the squad. Picked for England in 2022.

Hill - held his own last year. Played in the semi final of the playoffs. Unlucky to not get the spot for the GF. Only 20 should be good after another preseaon.

Chan and Eseh - 2 raw prospects but good potential, both have decent amount of SL experience. Hopefully we can improve them.



10 good options there to cover 6 positions in the 17 (8,10,13 and 3 on the bench). People thinking we have too many need to remember we spend most of last year with 3/4 out.

We’ve come a long way from back end of the careers Clubb, Flower and the likes of Singleton, Bullock, Mitch Clark etc

A real position of strength now. Should lay an awesome platform for our exciting spine.

I don’t like to put pressure or expectation on players but I’m very excited from what I’m hearing about Eseh.

He was the potential to be a very dominant forward and whilst he probably doesn’t start in our 17 I’ve a feeling he may push his way into contention once he gets his opportunity.

He was a big lad but I’m told he’s packed on a good bit more muscle and he offers something a bit different to the others in our pack as a player who looks to promote the ball in traffic.

Walters I’m expecting to promote the ball on the edges like KPP did but we’ve not had a player with that natural instinct in the middle since maybe Danny Sculthorpe/Hock.

You look at the body shapes of Mago and Dupree and I think you can see straight away what competition for places is doing. When you have 8 or 9 good options for the 8,10 and 13 positions, you’re going to need to bring your best or you’re not getting in.

I’d give Mago particular credit. He could easily have thought ‘F this’ with a new deal in his pocket and GF ring and a Cup Medal in his cupboard but he looks to be taking on the challenge. Maybe it’s the beauty of the one year (plus an option of an extra year) deal but his commitment is great to see.

Nothing more than a gut instinct but I think Eseh could be the breakout player too Jonh. Looks really settled here as well. Had a few words at the night under the lights event and him and Chan stood out as having really integrated into the squad. They both seemed like they'd 'come home' if you get what I mean. Leeming too from the socials although he wasn't at the event as he was ill. Looks to be a really good intake of signings this year with everyone contributing and buying into the club and it's approach.

Team for Cas Rd 1
Field
Miski
Keighran
Wardle
Marshall
French
Smith
Cooper
O'Neil
Byrne
Farrell
Walters
Ellis

Dupree
Mago
Thompson
Leeming

A bit early but bored because this is the absolute worst part of the off season, six weeks to go and it seems forever away

He’s out isn’t he first few weeks of season?

In my opinion we absolutely must go full strength and all out in the first have to get some competitive miles on the clock.

Can see Eseh and Chan becoming fan favourites.

Chan seems a right character from what I’ve seen on socials.

I think Esehs will be targeting 12/15 Wigan games with his big breakout being in 2025. Still a baby for a prop and will take a year to learn the Wigan way.


Roll on the preseaon games!