So much of this is speculation and guess work. And doesn't even answer the post.

Sure, in an ideal world every side would have a pair of George Carmonts or Matt Gidleys or Paul Newloves. But in the real world... Leeds have been playing a second-rower in the centres for years. Doesn't seem to have done them too much harm, although I admit they do have two 'proper' centres now... Even plenty of NRL sides do the same. But if Gelling continues as he did at the weekend, with Gildart growing in experience and confidence, and Sarge back and fit, and Bateman clearly able to make a pretty good fist of playing there, I don't see centre as a position of primary concern for us.

Did you miss my suggestion we should have smaller first team squad so we can afford another good hooker if needs be? He'd be an integral part of the first 17 in the same way the two half backs are so I don't see why a decent wedge should not be held over for such a player. We have also had two good hookers in the side in the recent past when the salary cap has been in place so saying the salary cap precludes this is demonstrably not true and it isn't savvy cap management. It's Wane's choice to play Powell as the sub hooker and I am sure you'd agree when MM goes off and he comes on, 9 times out of 10 the opposition get a role on. If he wants to spell MM then it needs sorting out.

He was ok after the game, got a finger in his eye in a tackle.

You can set your watch by sub times it seems as for the atmosphere given how fowl friday night was i thought it was ok to be fair.

Do you mean he prefers sitting in the stands watching Cas than sitting in the stands watching Wigan?

No I didn't miss your suggestion. I think there are merits to having the younger lads part of the squad for their own development and for depth across the entire team, this against having Powell on the bench is a no-brainer for me.

I don't think Powell is setting the world on fire, and I do envy teams who have two very good dummy halves, but I'm also see the value in having a player who can cover 6/7/9 on the bench.

Where was the speculation?
I believe IL stated we agreed terms with Huddersfield and a package with Ferres but he chose Leeds. That ain't speculation and showed to me that IL is prepared to splash the cash and that we have room under the cap or he was to be our marquee signing.

What specifically did I "guess" and what didn't I answer?
There are no short term answers because we have laid our stall out for at least a season.

As I said we don't see Powell playing at 6 or 7 very often and I can't remember the last time either 6 or 7 were injured. It seems a luxury we can ill afford given the negative effect it has on the team when he comes on. It wouldn't be so bad if Wane subbed by the clock during the regular season where we can get away with it against lesser sides but he does it in challenge cup games and finals as well where we can't.

What do you want me to say? I still see the bigger picture, with McM and Powell and how they both benefit and fit into the team. I still see the reasoning and purpose in spelling McM in the first game of the season on a terrible night against a big pack on the first game of the season after a bone graft. Don't you?

If you read the latest (wigan evening news) then it is surprising that McM played as much as he did given that he had little pre-season, only started training fully a week before the Catalan game. I suspect that we will see more of him in games going forward.

It's not just Wigan who do it though is it? So there is obviously a reason. Just watch the tv games over the next few weeks (here and in aus) and take note.

It will be interesting to see how it's handled if we end up reducing our interchange down to 10 or 8 in the future. The NRL are cutting down on this and it will mean forwards will be required to do longer stints.

Players like Isa, Farrell, Bateman etc will be invaluable as they play big minutes and can cover various positions.

Robot like coaching again......which Noble was slaughtered for.

We need to bring more imagination to using the interchange bench.

I know they will be using statistics they have from training and pre-season to when they get to the red line of being over worked but changing Micky Mac when he ok to carry on is just stupid.

Agreed. Was a testament to his desire and dedication to see him play.