Another Wigan youngster released.

I understand we were interested but pulled out in the early stages mainly due to wage demands. Not fussed we missed out on him to be honest. Solid player nothing special for me.

The only players departure that would warrant the term 'disaster' would be Stuart Fielden.

13 games between them (Pryce & Phelps) is not enough to warrant extensions IMO.

The only lol on here should be aimed at the shortsightedness of some fans. Let's not let personal grudges get in the way of facts.

Just like Goulding (who has got a new deal) Pryce has provided excellent depth during the times Amos, Gleeson or Carmont have been unavailable for selection. Being able to call on a player like that has meant we produced consistent performances over the season and finished in the top spot. Having that buffer stopped games like Quins at home happening more often.

Now with Ainscough leaving, Phelps & Pryce all apparently going who do people suggest we will call upon 2 step in when injuries occur next season? If Amos and Goulding both get injured who steps in?

Is it worth holding Charnley or Marsh back at the club when we desperately need them to play a full season of SL rugby before Carmont retires next year?

Coley is obviously included in that, but he has already admitted he is signing on for a year unlike Fielden.

Either of those two leave and we're right back to square one again.

I have no personal grudges. I only know a couple of people on this forum & I'm in no contact with any players at the club (apart from a bit of stalking on twitter).

Darrell Goulding and Karl Pryce are two completely different players. Darrell Goulding has held down a first team spot. He has played regularly since he made his first appearance against Warrington away back in March. Karl Pryce hasn't. He has been used for depth in the side & to cover for injuries. That is why Darrell Goulding has been given an extension & that is before we even talk about the merits of each player.

Our fantastic squad depth has played [ia part[/i in our success this season. However I don't know how much we can attribute that to Cameron Phelps who has only played five times? We've not needed him this season. At fullback, we have Amos Roberts, Sam Tomkins and Pat Richards who are vastly superior to him. In the backline we have Gleeson, Carmont, Marsh, Charnley and Goulding who are all also better than Cameron Phelps. We've not needed him this season & we would not miss him next season IMO. I think it is shortsightedness on your part not to see how valuable that extra quota spot could be (given the obvious reduction in quota players allowed & lack of British talent) for next season in recruiting a hooker or another prop forward or to allow us more flexibility should we lose a player due to external influences, such as Gareth Hock (cocaine use) or Mark Riddell (personal reasons).

Again my argument is the same for Karl Pryce. How much will he be missed? The lad is 24 and that is not an age IMO to just be a 'cover player'. This season Pryce has only played 7 games. I don't believe we will miss him. We've had injuries to cover (the Hull KR game) and Josh Charnley stepped in easily. I think Josh Charnley is far more capable than Karl Pryce of doing a reputable job & it is in Charnley's best interests (and the clubs) in terms of development for him to be getting more first team opportunities than someone who is 24 and still not producing the performances to warrant first team selection on a regular basis. And once again that is before we even discuss the attributes of each player.

In my opinion, we don't need Cameron Phelps (25) & Karl Pryce (24) at the club & I don't think they have contributed in any triumphant way to our successes this season. I don't think either of them have a long-term future at the club as neither are good enough. I think the cameo roles that they have played this season (as highlighted by the number of appearances) could be the role that Stefan Marsh and Josh Charnley could play as of next season. I think the wages of Pryce/Phelps could be used to reward Josh Charnley and Stefan Marsh with better deals - aren't Sale Sharks meant to be sniffing around Stefan Marsh?

I think players like Cameron Phelps/Karl Pryce would only start to hold Josh Charnley and Stefan Marsh back in terms of opportunities to play if they are tied to a no recall loan deal from a Super League club. Even if it is a 24 hour callback you have to start the process all over again when they next go back to the club. I think they will get more opportunities (as well as it being better for them in terms of their development) to stay here at Wigan and take their chances when they arrive (just like Darrell Goulding), because only that way will we see how they fit into the squad and if they have a future at Wigan. It is difficult to measure how successful a player will be when they are playing at another club, because (chances are) they will be playing with better players & in better systems at Wigan than at Hull KR or Castleford Tigers for example.

Charnley and Marsh are both still young enough to go out on dual reg next year, meaning they can be recalled with 24 hours notice. I wouldn't say they're in desperate need of a full season of SL rugby as they've both shown that they're ready and capable to step into the team should they be required, Charnley especially.

Why would anyone call it a disaster letting go of Pryce and Phelps?

This season Maguire has picked his team on performance not favourites, hence how Goulding has become a regular and Roberts can't find a place in the 13.

Phelps and Pryce haven't played when fit this season as they haven't been good enough. Both haven't be able to hold onto a place when its come their way due to performance, nothing else.

Look at our backs, for the 1-6 positions for next season we have:

Richards
Sam
Gleeson
Carmont
Roberts
Tommy
Goulding
Charnley
Marsh
Finch
Deacon

That's 11 players (plus more youngsters coming through) all gunning for 7 spots. I'd also sooner see the younger lads get a chance and make a name for themselves like Phelps and Pryce have over and over again.

It also wouldn't be hard to imagine that Phelps and Pryce are on more money than the younger lads, this is a factor in a salary capped sport.

Furthermore Phelps is an Aussie, this also needs to be considered, there's only a few places per team, surely if you're going to import, it should be for a first team regular, otherwise, what's the point?

It is, I really hope IL can secure those 2 deals.

I'm very confident he will/already has.

Surely if they were leaving, they would have had the official "send off" the others ( Bailey, Feka etc) got yesterday.

Maybe Phelps and Pryce will also be on board next season too!

Bailey and Feka were always going Riddell was announced a while ago. I would assume everyone else would be waiting to negotiate deals with us or elsewhere at this moment.

I certainly think there will be more departures from the squad and i also expect 1 more high profile signing.