Some rumours were swirling around that Wigan were looking at signing Matty Lees from Saints, commencing in 2026. Rumours were especially strong on the wiganwarriorsfans forum. That rumour was killed today, as Lees has extended his contract to remain with Saints until 2029.

Second row concerns me. In reality we have 2 specialist secondrows in the squad. I’d class Walters as a utility forward. I’m guessing we are keeping our powder dry to see who becomes available in the NRL. Most likely early doors would be Josh Schuster who would be a massive risk but a total fresh start could be the catalyst he needs to get his love back of the game.

[quote="jonh":164t24zn]Second row concerns me. In reality we have 2 specialist secondrows in the squad. I’d class Walters as a utility forward. I’m guessing we are keeping our powder dry to see who becomes available in the NRL. Most likely early doors would be Josh Schuster who would be a massive risk but a total fresh start could be the catalyst he needs to get his love back of the game.[/quote:164t24zn] Not that he’s going to leave his Dad but I really have liked the look of Jed Cartwright at Hull. He’s off contract at the end of this year. Not sure he’d be happy with a back up role though.

[quote="NSW":11yggjf2]Not that he’s going to leave his Dad but I really have liked the look of Jed Cartwright at Hull. He’s off contract at the end of this year. Not sure he’d be happy with a back up role though.[/quote:11yggjf2] I was thinking more of a mid season recruit to make sure we are ok for this year initially.

[quote="jonh":ad32x03y]I was thinking more of a mid season recruit to make sure we are ok for this year initially.[/quote:ad32x03y] Willie Isa would have been a real handy player to have in the squad. Good that the club does the best thing for the player but it leaves us a bit short.

[quote="jonh":20qajrth]I was thinking more of a mid season recruit to make sure we are ok for this year initially.[/quote:20qajrth] I don't think we'll be signing anyone Jon. There are 3 genuine first teamers currently looking to fill the 2nd row berths and a couple very promising youngsters who will need game time. Since Isa's retirement, it's probably our thinnest position for squad depth but not so much that I think they'll feel the need to add a body purely for cover. There's also the option of running Eckersley there in training as additional cover, as well as a couple of mobile props who could drop into the back row at a push. I think both Byrne and Dupree have had spells there.

[quote="Phuzzy":2kc1yj6p]I don't think we'll be signing anyone Jon. There are 3 genuine first teamers currently looking to fill the 2nd row berths and a couple very promising youngsters who will need game time. Since Isa's retirement, it's probably our thinnest position for squad depth but not so much that I think they'll feel the need to add a body purely for cover. There's also the option of running Eckersley there in training as additional cover, as well as a couple of mobile props who could drop into the back row at a push. I think both Byrne and Dupree have had spells there.[/quote:2kc1yj6p] Thompson can play 2nd row if called upon. We also have some good young lads who can fill in.

At least one new face in 2026 is a must imo. New faces, especially the right ones, keep everything fresh & continue to move the needle. Who that person is or, more importantly, who they'd replace however isn't a straightforward decision.

Surely it would be Hirst to come in at second row next? I think he is back at Oldham on loan but not sure if he's training with us as well? He is almost 24, a good 3 years older than Nsemba so should be ready for first team.

[quote="Wigg'n":34c4dtlf]Surely it would be Hirst to come in at second row next? I think he is back at Oldham on loan but not sure if he's training with us as well? He is almost 24, a good 3 years older than Nsemba so should be ready for first team.[/quote:34c4dtlf] He’s only been in the pro game for 12/18 months and full time environment for 3 months. It wasn’t too long ago he was plsying for Armondbury Spartans in the Yorkshire Men’s league. I’d be surprised to see him this year.

I could see Tyler Kerr maybe getting a crack at second row at some point. He looks a natural 13 but he's versatile and sometimes you need to take your chances where they come, a bit like Morgan Smithies did before then moving to loose forward.

It doesn't look like Chan will ever make it with us.