That was my thought but at least he got off the ground and challenged.

Otherwise, I thought he had a decent game.

Oh my sides, they split.

Roberts messed up more than once under the high ball tonight.

I don't see what your problem is.

Give him time to settle, he has proven he has more quality than Phelps, just allow him a run to prove it.

I don't disagree he is quality. Has started to improve and take the line on more, even went for the outside a couple of times tonight. Excellent speed for Locky's kick through as well.

I think you may be right fwiw, long term Roberts has to be seen as #1, with Richards having 2 more years and Ainscough's development.

Phelps will be retained imo, and could also offer competition for Carmont at centre next year.

But at the moment, Phelps has nothing to do with Ainscough not playing - which was the original point - he is fullback on merit.

Roberts is improving without doubt and he's coming up with some great tackles at crucial points so thats nice but he needs to stop hesitating as much when he gets the ball.

I can't help but cry out at mtaches for him to just pin his ears back and go for it instead of dancing about on the spot.

Not a clue how he managed not to get the try in the right corner in the 2nd half! It was harder not to score.

He scored. Was a poor call from the TJ.

I thought he probably did aswell but it shouldn't have even been close.

He had an age to dive in yet decided to jump about on the spot instead of just diving over.

I think it's probably just a confidence issue with him and the overall signs are good enough.

He's been better then either Richards or Scott Donald at Leeds in their debut seasons and they're probably the best 2 allround wingers in superleague.

My original point is Phelps is technically poor in defence, he must not play centre. Phelps is a part of the back 3, we have 5 players capable of playing in the back 3, 3 of which can play 1. If we retain Phelps i worry Roberts will not be given a run at 1 which he needs. If Roberts gets a run at 1 i think he will make it his own. If he does not get a run at 1 he will be given the nod over Ainscough on the Wing. This is without even considering Pryce as a first team option. For me our squad lack balance. I see the merits of Phelps for 1 more year, but in truth we have enough cover and support in the backs we are a similar position with Bailey. Nobody can doubt his commitment but the opportunity cost of having him in our squad is too great in my opinion.

Phelps also made at least two major errors one that led to a try. He is a player who gives 100% but like TL who also gives 100% isn't a natural in his current position in the side IMO. I though Phelps was pretty shaky under kicks (as was Roberts). I think he is going to get exposed at some point as not as good as some people like to think.

Being better than Mathers isn't the only qualification required to be Wigan FB.

Dave

I thought he was pretty poor all round. For once he was given the ball in space on more than one occasion and he wasn't fast enough to get away completely. Got caught each time.

It was his error that coughed up possession that gave Salford the set of six from which they put up the bomb he dropped. I am pretty certain he made one or two other handling errors as well.

If Ainscough had a game like that it would be being cited on here as him not being ready.

Dave

Two things then.

What do you consider his natural position?

The Mathers comment - true, it isn't, but that doesnt prevent him from being the best fullback at the club either!

History would say Roberts is the better 1. He is a good player, needs a bit of a run in my opinion. I expect big things from Roberts in 2010.

you having a laugh phelps defence pulled out of the sh@t how many times tonight just love the bull sh@t on this site

Technically he is poor, he puts his body on the line but that does not mean he is quality. I have never seen a player get it so wrong in such a short time regards his defensive technique, he has been destroyed in defence when playing in the centre because of it and in big games against good teams will again.

Tommy-looked very dangerous ball in hand
Lockers-once again, brilliant
Smith-we look so much more organised in attack when he plays

Mentions to

Phelps-100% commitment
Feka-started to run straight again
Hock-defence is poor but no-one better going forward

Even thought Fielden had an alright game