I think that's a fair assessment of Matty. I have supported him because I think when the chips are down he is a decent big game player who you can rely on.

I think that to play hooker you need a good tackler. Powell has excelled in this role because he will tackle anything, a bit like Williams does. For that reason I think you are more likely to see George at hooker if Powell needs a spell. Sarge can play at 6 if you want Sam at 1.

Personally I would prefer Sam at 6. He won't have the searing pace that he used to have, I think we could see that towards the end of 2013. His other skills will be to the fore. He is the best passer of a ball in the club along with Lockers. His kicking will come on a bomb now that he hasn't got Johnson hogging every play and his step in either direction will creates tons of chances for himself and others. Plus his only real weakness is catching the high ball which won't come into it.

I'm indifferent about Smith, I fully understand the issues people have with his performances this season, but also expect to see a better player once the other pieces are added to the puzzle.

I see Smith's strengths as his passing and more importantly his kicking game, I'd compare him more to Adam Reynolds at Souths, someone who can control field position with his kicking putting us on the front foot which often relates to tries.

With a running 6 (Williams) playing off him, a second pivot in Sam linking to the backline and a strong pack in front of him I expect to see him shine. Adding Williams and Sam will add the pace and dynamic edge the teams needs and is currently lacking.

Sarg is a decent full back, but his decision making linking in the backline is way off the standard of Sam, Sam will bring out the best of the backline from the FB position.

When Sam returns to the starting side this season he will predominantly be at 1, although he may make his come back in the halves off the bench depending on how that game is going (a sensible option IMO to get Sam into positions and to get a hold of the ball and a feel for the game)
I have been told by Shaun that he wants Sam to have a free role in attack from Full Back and that he see's big gains when both Manfredi and Charnley receive the ball from kicks with the option of Sam running out of the back with them

That is some back three and with plenty of strike options IMO

Great to see Tomkins back. Not sure whether its just me but everything about our club seems to be dull, boring, lacking passion and enthusiasm albeit still being so close to the top of the table. Hopefully the return of Tomkins and a big win against Hull on Friday will inject a bit of excitement into our season and we can kick on from there.

I think Sam's long term future is at 6 but for the next season or 2 he will stay at full back. We need to be careful not to expect too much too soon on his return, the best case scenario is 3 or 4 weeks before he is back to his best, worst case is he never gets back to his best.

As I said.

Bums on seats.

With the way we are playing, I'll be disappointed if it is a big Wigan win.

I'm presuming he means big as in any win would be a big win given the way you're playing.

I'll take another one by a point if needs be and I'll be delighted with it.

Yes, "big win" as in a big two points against top 4 rivals rather than 20, 30 point " big win "

I did think that could have been his point.

Think it will be a really close game, just think you will sneak the win, with you being at home, big players coming back and an easier game at the weekend.

Starting on the bench, coming on to play 6. George to cover 9.

That would make sense as Powell can't play 80 mins every week.

Our form has been patchy and it'll take us a few weeks and a decent injury free run to get up to top speed.

Going off Sunday I'd make you slight favourites but it should be a real tussle. I see Frank Pritchard has picked up a one game ban. Whilst that's a positive for Wigan I was looking forward to watching him.

I didn't mean points margin. You're a contender this year and i'll be very surprised if you don't make the top 4.

Sam just left me a voicemail, but deleted it before he got going.