We wouldn't. We "hated" (your overly strong word) Tomkins because he was a generational talent who loved a bit of winding up too. Do you genuinely think Farrell is going to come in and have that sort of impact for people to care as much? I reckon he'd probably be a bit like a Tommy L with a better kicking game. Hardly terrifying. I'd struggle to dislike him let alone detest him with unparalleled passion.



I didn't bring him up.



Exactly, I've already said I hope you're daft enough to thrown money at him rather than signing a top half from the NRL for example.



It probably would be, as you Wigan fans seem hooked on the idea. But his impact would be far more noise than match winner IMO. I'd sign Bevan French 20 times before I signed Owen Farrell - it's all just fluff and bluster, which is why I can't see it happening and can't see why Wigan fans would want it to just as you're getting your act together through sensible decision making.

Anyway back to the original point of the thread - Willie Isa is rubbish

If Farrell came to Rugby League it would be as a ball playing 13 rather than a half IMO

Isa for me is our LMS. A great guy, loves the club but has limited abilities. LMS plays the pantomime villain better though.

By the way I totally agree IF we did sign Farrell it could well be fluff and bluster plus he could be a monumental failure. He could actually deliver, albeit a long shot, but if he did what a story it would be. Our game is woefully short of any national presence and we now have an owner who maybe prepared to take a punt.
Interesting that you’d take French. I suspect it’s got a lot to do with the excitement he generates. For me he isn’t our most important player, that’s Smith. If I was looking from the outside looking in I’d take French all day long as he’s got the X factor. If Farrell did succeed he would have the XXX factor.

You're still talking as though every Wigan fan is saying they want to sign Owen Farrell. It's a real mixed bag and even the ones hoping for it to happen are basing it as much on the profile boost it would bring, rather than the on field stuff.

Sign him, don't sign him, does it really matter to our chances of success? (we can't go and sign a big name NRL player with any money we'd spend on Farrell as he'll cost nothing on the cap unlike NRL players). We'll have a very good squad going in to 2024 and beyond. We have a team chocked full of players at a great age, who have yet to hit their peak and who are constantly improving. We have very few players we're reliant on, who are in the latter years of their careers and will need replacing within the next 2-3 years. It's all building very nicely (I think you realise that to be fair and it's part of the reason you're trying to find some faults) and we look to have far less headaches on the horizon than some other clubs.

Wigan are doing a lot right and look like they might move into a dominant period - I agree. I'm not looking for fault, I just find some of the Farrell/Edwards stuff fascinating.

But you've not given any indication as to why they wouldn't work, despite (especially on the part of Edwards) suggestions as to why they could/would work.

It's quite simple - I think they are gambles/risks because neither has been involved in RL in any meaningful way for about 20 years.

Farrell in particualr I struggle to see the point other than a Wire/Inglis style publicity stunt. Edwards - I'm not saying he wouldn't make a top coach, I just think there is a long queue of RL coaches that I'd go for first for the type of money you'd be throwing at him. Also, he shafted you!

That Edwards stuff has been fascinating you for a good while then! It was nearly 5 years ago



I doubt you'll have to worry about Farrell either but if a Billionaire wants to bring in a high profile player, out of his pocket, that'll cost the club nothing on the cap and at worst just help bring the club and sport some much needed publicity, that's his business.

Funnily enough, I was thinking the exact same with the LMS comparison. At no point have I ever really rated him, but trying to be more fair minded I've eventually come to the realisation that he's played a valuable supporting role in a pack filled with more talented players. Exactly the same with Isa in his time here.

And LMS might be a better pantomime villain, but I think Isa's the one you want when it comes to actual acts on villainy on the pitch!

Isa should've been released years ago. Wouldn't get a game at Pats. I'm sure he's a great bloke. So's my Grandad. But he's sh-ite at playing rugby and never got near pulling on a Wigan shirt

I'm sure he (Isa) is absolutely devastated to find out what some no mark who hasnt got a clue thinks of him

His GF (multiple) and World club challenge medals and the respect of the hundreds and hundreds of players and coaches he's worked with over a 15plus 1st team career counts for nothing

I Think you're drunk.

I wouldn't have Farrell or Edwards for a gold pig, ever.