[quote="TKOR":2h15voz9]Personally, I think the strength of RL is in its club rivalries. We seem fixated on pushing the "international game" when in reality it isn't half as popular as Wigan vs. Saints or the Hull derby. The rivalry, and even the animosity, is something we should tap into more. The story around Williams playing against Wigan, Thompson against Saints, etc., makes it either mean more or adds a bit of intrigue to the neutral.[/quote:2h15voz9] I agree with this. I do think Welsby in a Wigan shirt would be fantastic too. He’s a top notch player and can you imagine the response and the build up to the derby game. I though have a different mindset when it comes to the international game. I cannot stand it when club loyalties cause fans to boo and jeer our English players because of the club they play for.

[quote="Stu M":1neybrg4]This is the issue now with Wigan's financial muscle. There are rumours from everywhere which creates a bit of scare-mongering. Don't get me wrong I'm as bad given that their wealth is worrying for the rest of SL, but there's no way Wigan are signing Welsby, Robertson and Lees.[/quote:1neybrg4] This article suggests that Wigan are looking to recruit this season, mind you I'm not suggesting it is any of those you have named. What we have done though is increased the cost to St Helens or any other teams thinking of recruiting them. The lack of noise surrounding Lees is deafening. I see more information has been release re Knowles future today. https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... de-101210/

[quote="Stu M":1neybrg4]This is the issue now with Wigan's financial muscle. There are rumours from everywhere which creates a bit of scare-mongering. Don't get me wrong I'm as bad given that their wealth is worrying for the rest of SL, but there's no way Wigan are signing Welsby, Robertson and Lees.[/quote:1neybrg4] This article suggests that Wigan are looking to recruit this season, mind you I'm not suggesting it is any of those you have named. What we have done though is increased the cost to St Helens or any other teams thinking of recruiting them. The lack of noise surrounding Lees is deafening. I see more information has been release re Knowles future today. https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... de-101210/

[quote="Stu M":1itng0a1]Really? Because you don't like him as a person or feel he is over-rated?[/quote:1itng0a1] Over-rated I’m not sure. Over-the-hill absolutely.

Welsby I felt had a quiet season last night was less of a thorn in the side against Wigan. However one player can’t do it alone and saints were carrying some passengers last season one being Lomax. I don’t think he’s overrated however if saints form doesn’t pick up it’ll affect his game. I imagine Briers will be helping him

[quote="Azul":1k3pxgcm]Over-rated I’m not sure. Over-the-hill absolutely.[/quote:1k3pxgcm] Welsby? If that's who we are on about I agree with the general consensus. Wouldn't want him but because he's a villain to us not because he's a bad player. Also I want other sides to be strong and have identities. Like it's nowhere near as fun playing Leeds now they have a load of journeymen.

Just seen Michael Buffer will be doing an announcement at the Leigh game plus they are setting a chapel up outside the ground for couples to renew their vows. This must be the most wackiest thing I’ve seen us do. If this doesn’t create some noise I don’t no what will

Welsby is top class. He's a character you love to hate and he probably had his least effective season to date last year but he'll bounce back at some point. I do wonder if he had the decision to make again, he would've gone to the NRL instead of signing that last deal. I think he needs the challenge to continue progressing but you should probably do that when you're in top form and full of confidence and that would've been the case had he gone at the end of 2023. I don't ever see him at Wigan tbh but I suppose stranger things have happened.

[quote="WWste":2apuk3e8]Just seen Michael Buffer will be doing an announcement at the Leigh game plus they are setting a chapel up outside the ground for couples to renew their vows. This must be the most wackiest thing I’ve seen us do. If this doesn’t create some noise I don’t no what will[/quote:2apuk3e8] I really rate that. It's just the sort of big game/event feel the opener of Superleague needs. Michael Buffer is only rolled out for the very biggest boxing events nowadays, so to get him over here for Wigan vs Leigh is great to see.

[quote="Azul":2qdo4wze]Over-rated I’m not sure. Over-the-hill absolutely.[/quote:2qdo4wze] He’s 23!! If that’s over the hill then what are most of us that post on here?!