Tomkins
Charnley
Goulding
Thornley
Richards
Green
Smith
Prescott
McM
Mossop
Flower
Faz
Lockers

Dudson
Logan T
Burke
Powell


Thats the team i would like to see, that would be our strongest side given the injuries and i had to take Hughes out he hasn't impressed me in pre-season then again neither has thornley however Wane spoke highly of him after the Warrionton game so he's probably going to get the nod. If Sam Tomkins is out i really think we should put Pat Richards at ful back because the kids weve used in pre-season have simply not delivered the confidence to throw them in, far to many spillages and not enough skill in attack, Richards is safe as houses for me! Use maybe a thornely and gelling combo in the centre and wing.

I agree, I think he has earned it.

I did have Wigan winning with +20. I've still got them down to win, but not so sure that it will be the clear victory I had thought about 2 weeks ago.

A lot will depend on Salford and how they are set up, come the opening game. It's getting a little tight to be bringing in new players.

I don't really care as to who plays. What I DO care about, however, is the attitude of those players donning the Wigan shirt.

We need to see 110% committment for this initial game, bearing in mind the recent off-field distractions.

A mediocre disply and a 'can't be d' attitude is easy to spot, and doesn't bode well for the rest of the season.

I’d take that with a pinch of salt. Last season we saw Gelling and Thornley play on the wing, O’Loughlin play at stand off and hooker and Smith play hooker. Plus the longer term moves of Hughes and Lloyd to the centres and Lauaki and Flower to the front row. I’m sure if Wane doesn’t think Murphy’s ready we’ll see Richards run out at full back

Phil Wilkinson Tweets,

Young Wigan full-back Jack Murphy has joined Salford on a month-long loan - and WILL be eligible to play against his parent club on Friday.

There's a comment in todays MEN saying Murphy was a Salford target.

Our squad is barebones as it is.

Are there any inward coming players on the horizon ?

Smart move this, gives him an opportunity to show us what he can do after a very shaky off season and hopefully indicates Tomkins is fit

Dunno, but some people seem to know the in and outs of the cats backside, best ask them...

looks like my posts about playing Murphy are out the window given the news that Murphys gone to Salford.......Sam at 1 it is then

An article in MEN today about the Salford takeover that mentions the Murphy loan deal also states we are in the market for an experienced centre and may be "active in the transfer market this week". Anyone think of any possibilities?

that would mean we have brought in 3 centres in 2 seasons, I'm not doubting it but I do think we should give Thornley and Gelling a crack before bringing someone in. I'd say an experienced prop proven at Sl level would be a better move but I doubt whether there are any available or we wouldn't have signed Taylor.other than that best to save our many in case any key long term injuries occur

well you was half right, you just had him down for the wrong team

An experienced centre might be a smart move, Hughes back to SR with Hocks departure giving more cover (especailly with Wane commenting theat Gelling needs to improve in the SR position), and I suspect Wane may have decided that Thornley and/or Gelling haven't shown enough in pre-season. Of course it would all depend on who would be available - especially at this stage of the season.

Murphy to Salford might be a good move - if he gets game time there it will be valuable experience.