The loss of Bateman has played a huge factor in exposing the weakness in depth at centre IMO. If he were fit he'd be playing there and he's that good a player, he can do that to a level some full time centres would love to reach.

One thing I would say in Forsyth defence is that it's a real tough spot to cut your first team teeth in, especially when your playing in a vastly weakened side. If he gets the nod this week he's likely to have Joe Burgess outside him and Liam Farrell on his inside and that automatically makes his life a bit easier.

He's been a mixed bag but there's definitely some talent there.

Isa has very clearly demonstrated that he should never see a centre spot again unless there is absolutely no other option. Against Hull, Brucie was outstanding and I've got confidence in him. Im sure he'll go into good things for us!

For me Forsyth is simply not ready for an extended run in the first team. If there's no choice then so be it. Isa is too slow imo and struggles, the two best options are Burgess or a SR. If Tomkins is not up to it I'm sure Farrell could do a job there.

I'd put Gregson there before Farrell but Gregson's defence has been found wanting previously and hasn't had much time to work on it having been injured.

I've mentioned Gregson in conversations at matches. I think he'd do pretty well as a stop gap in the centres and would look more comfortable then Isa.

In truth though if Lockers is back Friday I think I'd probably just put Tomkins in there. He still looks mobile enough to me to play there.

cant be worse than Forsyths

I'm not sure what you expect from the lad? He's 22, had 4 1st team games at centre, the most difficult position to play defensively and absolutely nothing has gone through that flank. He's had no experienced players around him and played in a totally depleted squad and I've said a few times, against Hull I thought he was MoM. Against Leeds he did well but it was our senior players who let us down that day. Against Cas the team were poor for most of the game but Forsyth worked his nuts off. Ok a couple of passes round the back didn't come off but at least he tried in a well beaten side!

Ideally lads like Liam will be drip fed into the team when injuries are not an issue but he's been thrown in at the deep end I think he can hold his head high!

If he gets the nod this week with Faz inside him and with Burgess outside I suspect you might see something different.

Forsyth's defence has not been that bad, he has shown some good signs cutting moves down. There are some problems with the attack but as others have said it is hard when you have young players going up against experienced pros I would like to see him teamed with Burgess. He has not been embarrased in his games against Hull, Leeds and Cas.

Quote: MattyB "Clubb definitely out? What's the issue with him/how long?'" No time frame but out of the easter schedule www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-l ... -1-8488857

Quote: MattyB "Clubb definitely out? What's the issue with him/how long?'" No time frame but out of the easter schedule www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-l ... -1-8488857

It's a shame this. Clubb has had some blinders against Saints but to be fair, he's looked a bit off the pace the last few games. I wonder if he's been struggling with the injury but put his hand up to play knowing we were struggling with injuries?

Just on Forsyth and his defence: it doesn't seem five minutes since the same kind of criticisms were being levelled at Gildart, and now we see him as a key member of the first-choice 13 (and even a possible future international!). As with Williams, as with Gildart, SW and his staff have shown that they can recognise raw talent and build on it to produce the finished article.

Escare has been better in defence they any of us imagined he would be but there's still work to do. He's been let down by his teammates a couple of times recently because they should have got support to him quicker but he still should be completing the tackles on Albert Kelly and the big Cas second rower (Jessie summat or other) which have lead to try's.

There's no doubt he's having an excellent year though.

plenty went through his flank v Hull, he has Joel on his inside so isnt so exposed.

Wrong. They tore us open time after time down Gelling's flank and nothing at all went through our left edge. The only thing that came close was the offload from which Albert Kelly scored but that was more central and he ran past everybody!