I found out yesterday morning that Nene McDonald was named on the bench against us on Saturday but was then told that he wasn't allowed to play. Seems like he's signing for someone. My initial thought was Wigan with Isa retiring and I was putting 2 and 2 together but it seems like Catalans have been chasing him so he could go there.

[quote="Stu M":8k8ss693]I found out yesterday morning that Nene McDonald was named on the bench against us on Saturday but was then told that he wasn't allowed to play. Seems like he's signing for someone. My initial thought was Wigan with Isa retiring and I was putting 2 and 2 together but it seems like Catalans have been chasing him so he could go there.[/quote:8k8ss693] Don’t see any reason why we would be in for him we are pretty much covered across every position in the backline and I don’t think there is any way he’d be a priority. It’s a secondrow we need. Like for like with Isa but 8 years younger would be perfect.

[quote="Stu M":2q3b6mhg]I found out yesterday morning that Nene McDonald was named on the bench against us on Saturday but was then told that he wasn't allowed to play. Seems like he's signing for someone. My initial thought was Wigan with Isa retiring and I was putting 2 and 2 together but it seems like Catalans have been chasing him so he could go there.[/quote:2q3b6mhg] It's a position Catalans need a bit more in IMO, so it would make sense. It's a shame that it would likely lead to another French player losing a spot in Romano though.

[quote="NickyKiss":3jiwn77k]It's a position Catalans need a bit more in IMO, so it would make sense. It's a shame that it would likely lead to another French player losing a spot in Romano though.[/quote:3jiwn77k] They already have seven non-federation trained players on their books.

[quote="Zig":csod31vf]They already have seven non-federation trained players on their books.[/quote:csod31vf] Maybe they're trying for a dispensation. If they got it, they would have 12 non French players in their squad, with all 12 likely to be in their starting 17. That is really poor (as is 11 to be fair) from a club who IMO have a responsibility to try and produce French talent. I love Catalans and the trips over there but it's an area that's concerned me for a while.

[quote="NickyKiss":palvf17v]Maybe they're trying for a dispensation. If they got it, they would have 12 non French players in their squad, with all 12 likely to be in their starting 17. That is really poor (as is 11 to be fair) from a club who IMO have a responsibility to try and produce French talent. I love Catalans and the trips over there but it's an area that's concerned me for a while.[/quote:palvf17v] At the very least English players should count on their overseas quota.

McDonald wouldn't get in Wigan's team.

[quote="TKOR":2m7c0np2]McDonald wouldn't get in Wigan's team.[/quote:2m7c0np2] I think you could make an argument he's a better player than Adam Keighran. But Keighran is settled in the group, is three years younger and can kick goals. Plus we have Eckersley backing up - it's not worth it for Wigan. I'm still hoping Salford will announce a takeover with some wealthy owners and be able to keep it all together because they have a strong side there.

[quote="NickyKiss":cej7gi74]Maybe they're trying for a dispensation. If they got it, they would have 12 non French players in their squad, with all 12 likely to be in their starting 17. That is really poor (as is 11 to be fair) from a club who IMO have a responsibility to try and produce French talent. I love Catalans and the trips over there but it's an area that's concerned me for a while.[/quote:cej7gi74] Hull KR are the same.

[quote="jonh":2pyai6if]Don’t see any reason why we would be in for him we are pretty much covered across every position in the backline and I don’t think there is any way he’d be a priority. It’s a secondrow we need. Like for like with Isa but 8 years younger would be perfect.[/quote:2pyai6if] Sam Stone

[quote="The Whiffy Kipper":aubumcu2]Sam Stone[/quote:aubumcu2] Say it often enough WK and it will probably happen Not a bad shout though.

[quote="jonh":hc81b87n]Don’t see any reason why we would be in for him we are pretty much covered across every position in the backline and I don’t think there is any way he’d be a priority. It’s a secondrow we need. Like for like with Isa but 8 years younger would be perfect.[/quote:hc81b87n] One player I wish Wigan could have got hold of as an Isa replacement is Seth Nikotemo. He's a great get for Wakefield - really powerful second rower and only 20 with tons of potential. If the timing of Isa's retirement would have been different he'd have been a good target.

Chan to Salford on loan. We don’t need one but I’d be excited if we get an another signing.

[quote="NSW":2xihep0h]Chan to Salford on loan. We don’t need one but I’d be excited if we get an another signing.[/quote:2xihep0h] I really think we do need a secondrow and it’s fairly important we get one.

[quote="Zig":a8b1kvn4]Say it often enough WK and it will probably happen Not a bad shout though.[/quote:a8b1kvn4] I read somewhere that several clubs where interested in him and Isa has gone just put 2+2 together

I am thinking they’ll be in the market for another player. Would be good to get a decent utility player. Imagine some of isa’s money would have gone on the faz deal maybe and the rest to strengthen others deals, maybe harvie hill

Age considered - Faz’s new deal is probably a reduction.

Chan's loan to Salford now confirmed

Have mentioned this before but the 'four' year deal for Field was misreported by the press and possibly by Wigan themselves. Hence Field not appearing in any OOC lists. It was actually a 2 year deal with a 2 year option - report below. WIGAN WARRIORS star is “not too sure” where his future lies beyond the 2025 Super League season. The Australian speedster is out of contract at the end of the year, with Field lighting up the northern hemisphere since his move from the Parramatta Eels ahead oft he 2021 season. Since then, the 27-year-old has registered 45 tries in 76 appearances and has formed a formidable partnership with fellow Aussie Bevan French. However, with Field’s deal running out this year, he is unsure what is in store for him beyond that. “I’m not too sure really – I’ve only got this year left and then we’ll see what happens after that but I’m open to anything,” Field told NRL.com. “If something came up to go home you’d obviously think about it but… you’d be leaving here as well, which is a great club. You’ve got to weigh things up when the time comes, I guess.”

I imagine he’ll be wanting a NRL contract. I think he’s bought a house over in Aus with his Mrs. Be good to keep him but won’t begrudge him leaving. Not sure who’d we have at FB? French or Eckersley maybe

Pretty sure he’ll be staying, can’t see the NRL clambering for him given size and injuries. Would be a personal decision if he’s happy to be a squad player. Would solve the Farrimond problem. He’d slot into the halves with French at FB. This group will stay together though I reckon.

Would great if he stays. I was watching an old game with prime Tomkins the other day, I’d love to have seen this team with a prime Tomkins in it, would be unbelievable

[quote="WWste":3rxwuodl]I imagine he’ll be wanting a NRL contract. I think he’s bought a house over in Aus with his Mrs. Be good to keep him but won’t begrudge him leaving. Not sure who’d we have at FB? French or Eckersley maybe[/quote:3rxwuodl] French, with Eckersley at halfback.

[quote="WWste":nzdwrdeq]Would great if he stays. I was watching an old game with prime Tomkins the other day, I’d love to have seen this team with a prime Tomkins in it, would be unbelievable[/quote:nzdwrdeq] I've said it before, Tomkins is the best fullback that I have seen at Wigan and I've been watching them for a long time. Had Danson been at Wigan he would not have gone to Catalans.

[quote="Zig":3dslc1fo]French, with Eckersley at halfback.[/quote:3dslc1fo] You mean Farrimond I presume. There may be NRL interest in Field but you know there will also be some reservation around the physical side. Feels like almost all NRL backs are hybrid athletes these days with a mix of speed, skill and strength - there would likely be concerns that Field would get tossed around like a rag doll if he played full back. And we know he struggles defending in the line.