Yes, Junior is only due back at the wend of April. No need to rush him, it is a long season.

Noticed a picture of Havard from today and he looks to have filled out a bit too.

Looks like our performance and strength and conditioning departments have been very busy pulling this pre season together.

Nice article on Chan today too, living with Dupree and sounds like there is a real good core of lads that are around the same age that have all become very close away from the pitch.

He mentions he sees himself as a middle predominantly and that is where he wants to play, however also says he has been training as an edge forward too.

We have a fantastic pack this year,so looking forward to see what they can achieve

I’m glad he’s training as an edge. Last year we had Smithies who was a middle but could comfortably play on the edge. Shorrocks too.

With Nsemba injured we are down to 3 with Isa Farrell and Walters.

Can’t really see Eseh, Byrne, Cooper, Ellis, Dupree, Mago or Thompson playing on an edge. Maybe Havard at a push.

If Chan could slot in there at an emergency that would be helpful.

Dan was right in 2022 when he said what he said about 2023 and 2024

My thoughts as well. I’m not sure if Isa will start games or come from the bench early in the season but I’m pretty sure he’ll be involved. I think Peet will want that Wigan experience he brings, especially with so many new forwards likely to be in the team.

My guess to miss out would be Cooper. He has produced miracles by the sounds of it to be on track to be available for the start of the season but it’s a massive ask to be ready for a WCC after that injury and in the back of possible minutes in a friendly and at Cas.

Isa also brings flexibility to the squad, covering back row and centre. I think the bench across the year will tend to be two front rowers, a back row and a hooker. When Nsemba is fit he needs to be prioritised for the bench back row spot.

I think Cooper's a wait and see scenario - as you say sounds like his rehab has gone well but the friendlies will tell us where he's at.

Burgess to HKR after being sacked by Salford.

That home grown left edge of Williams, Farrell, Gildart and Burgess.

The young 3 should have followed Farrell’s example and had a long successful career.

Now they are floating round at mid table clubs they have no connect to whereas Faz is winning trophy after trophy with his home town team.

Lesson to the younger lads.

I get the point but not sure about Williams in that equation. Whilst I’d loved to keep him at Wigan he went well in the NRL and is the current captain of England.

Where one friend goes, the others seem to follow.

George next? Seems unlikely, but then look at the silverware he voluntary surrendered to play for Wire.

Yep, same with Charnley (wasted years at Sale and Wire) However he did manage to win a Challenge Cup with Leigh unexpectedly.

Burgess and Charnley were both fabulous wingers. If they had taken different paths they could have been great wingers. Charnley’s full length of the field try in the CC at Wire was brilliant.

Burgess and Charnley were both fabulous wingers. If they had taken different paths they could have been great wingers. Charnley’s full length of the field try in the CC at Wire was brilliant.