Agreed it looks like he's a bit of an unknown. Is he as much of a gamble as say Gelling was? I don't think so (and Gelling was successful for us in the end).

I'm excited. I will repeat my post from around a week ago.....

For only the 2nd time in the IL reign (so over a decade) are we looking away from the Wigan Borough for genuine talent. The first time being the Melbourne trio (who came here under different circumstances).


Hastings - Quality. Signed.
French - Quality. Signed.

Burgess - Quality. Rumoured.

Without YouTube highlights undoubtedly most of us would be questioning the French signing, who is he? Any good?

Reminds me a little of 1984 when we signed a certain John Ferguson. He did alright for us.... You never know!

I've hyped up players before they've kicked a ball for us to then only turn out to be garbage so I prefice this post with that acknowledgement, BUT

Christ this kid looks good. There is a cracker where he makes a break, kicks the ball over the top of the fullback, skins Brett Morris and regathers/collects and scores. Brilliant. Another cracking clip of him playing out from fullback with a no look pass to setup a score. Appreciate these are anecdotal highlight clips, but I am genuinely so excited to see this guy play. In this league, raw pace, balance and footwork is devastating.

On social media people are debating where he would play and getting het up over who might drop out - who cares? Isn't this the way it should be? Competition for places.

Personally, I would see him introduced on the wing and ease him in.

I have definitely been quick to jump down IL/KR throats before when things havent been great, but top marks on this one. If we have got George Burgess too I'd get a season ticket again. No shame in admitting it.

I wonder.

If Wigan played French at fullback,Joe Burgess and one of the other three wingers, with Hardaker and Gildart in the centres would it be the quickest backline in Super league and probably the fastest since the days of Paul, Offiah, Robinson, Connolly and Inga?

I'm similar in regards a season ticket. I go 95% of games home and away anyway but don’t bother with a season ticket due to missing the odd game for holidays but if we pull of a signing like Burgess on top of getting players like Hastings and French I’d feel compelled to back the club and buy one. I wouldn’t make much of a difference to the coffers as I go anyway (and it probably costs me more over the year) but you get excited by big players and exciting teams to watch and I have mates I’m sure would go more, I’d take my daughter more, my nephew etc.

If we manage to get Burgess over the line then there’s going to be one hell of a buzz going in to 2020.

Glad I don't sit next to you Mr Happy

Playing off a pack of Burgess, Powell, Flower, Greenwood, Faz, Lockers

Hardaker is the best defensive fullback out there and I'd be sad to see him movex to another position. But maybe Lam thinks we need someone who's better chiming into the line in attack.

Still think French will move to the halves with Hastings.

Hardaker to stay where he is.

"The only reason Hastings would stay for two seasons is if he’s poor the first season"
For me Hastings would have to be really special to go back to the NRL. Lots of young half-backs coming thru,he may have missed the boat over there

I think we’ll try him at six and see how it goes. I had a look at the club page for the side he’s been turning out for though and reports he’s been in the halves for them seems wide of the mark. He’s been at fullback for at least the last couple of months.

2020 line up;

1. Hardaker
2. J Burgess
3. Gildart
4. Bibby/Hankinson*
5. Manfredi
6. French
7. Hastings
8. G Burgess
9. Powell
10. Flower
11. Greenwood
12. Farrell
13. Smithies**

That is one formidable line up.

*I’d probably err towards Hankinson but it’s still for me a weak spot. Having said that it’s arguably one that can develop and evolve into something special.

**I do think SOL will drop down a shirt, and it would be a tough but the right decision. Working on the presumption he doesn’t opt to retire

French
Burgess
Gildart
Hardaker
Manfredi
Sammut
HAstings
Burgess
Powell
Flower
Greenwood
Farrell
Clubb