Would you want him back though? The problem being the player we lost would be different to the player he will become playing union. Massive risk taking players back from Union IMO - At best his skill set, athletisism, and fitness will stagnate, if not go backwards, to the point where he is no longer the player he was at wigan.

If he did come back he may never be the player he was, or it could take him anything up to 2 years to get back to where he was! Look at Lee Smith/ Karl Pryce/ Chev Walker etc for perfect examples!

This was part of the sadness for me of him going - Not only losing a W.C player we had, but also knowing that he will be such a terrible waste of talent playing a game where he is likely to only see the ball 3 times a game!

Joel would compliment this current side as a second rower and cover for centre. He's a fantastic tackler and athlete, however he was prone to massive brain farts such as the pass he made over the try line in CC semi against Stains and the constant penalties conceded acting as "big Brother" to Sam. Some of Wigans current success is down to discipline and not giving away cheap yards. Wane has Hock counting to 10 nowadays (except for Stains matches) so maybe he could iron out these problems that exist with Joel (even Sam has his moments).
It would be interesting if IL was asked today who he regrets losing- if Joels name would be mentioned?
That try at wembley and the home match against Wakey (when Roberts bust his knee) where he ran the full length without breaking sweat are reasons he would fit in this side. A massive counter puncher with top rate speed. Similar to Lee Gilmore and look at the length of his career. These athletes last a long time and always deliver