Problem is Joel at centre might be the lesser of two evils, their maybe no suitable centres available.

It's a very difficult job to think of more then 1 or 2 realistic options who are available in the position for next season especially ones that are good enough.

Outside of King, Ratchford or possibly keeping Carmont I can't think of any and many wouldn't be happy with Ratchford.

this is all fine in theory but for mine we are spoling the chances of one of our brightest stars - joel could be a world class backrower...

in a year or twos time when he gets a big nrl offer to go over there playing as a second rower (where he is far more involved) or sta at wigan 'helping out the team' and he then goes to oz we can have no cause to complain. loyalty is a 2 way thing

get joel back to where he belongs!!!

exactly he isnt good enough there, get a youngster in there who has the positional knowhow.

stevemascord.com/2011/06/08/hoff ... ace-blair/

stevemascord.com/2011/06/08/hoff ... ace-blair/

[url=http://stevemascord.com/2011/06/08/hoffman-ready-to-replace-blair/Hoffman to replace Adam Blair at Melbourne[/url

'Hoffman has an option to leave Wigan at the end of the season and is thought to have politely declined joining the Cherry and Whites’ coach Michael Maguire at South Sydney.'

It was quite encouraging to hear that he considers he has two options - Melbourne or another year at Wigan.

That said, I'd be absolutely stunned if he opted to stay here.

I know there's all kinds of crap written online, and that you can't take anything at face value, but that reference to Hoffman being put off staying because of the uncertainty regarding the coaching position was pretty irritating. Another reason to be miffed about Madge going early.

Yup, i noticed that word too, but as you say, probably just "paper" talk. I don't think any of us are suprised that he would choose to go back.

The longer this goes on and its gone on far longer than I thought it would - the more I think Wigan may be looking at someone other than Shaun Wane for the head coach's job.

If Blair moves then surely Hoffman would return to Melbourne.
It is a credit to our club that it is just between Wigan and Melbourne and no other club is being considered. There isn't another club that wouldn't want Hoffman in their pack.

As for Joel, I'd prefer to see us sign a quality right centre and Joel revert to his original position of right sided second rower. He was devastating there last year and could be again should a quality signing could be made for the 3 shirt.

Hard to know to what extent that's actually a factor though

Even if Madge was staying there is every chance Hoffman would still be returning.

But as MadDogg says, the longer passes without Wane being confirmed the less likely it seems he will get the job. If the applicants for the job have been as high profile as IL suggests he will have a difficult choice.

Unless it is a case of IL (or indeed Wane himself) not wanting to change the existing dynamics within the coaching structure

would be gutted to lose him because our coach hasnt been decided yet