You are entitled to your opinion, however, dont expect to be appointed youth talent scout any time soon will you.

First team debut, 19 years of age,scores two tries, fielded every high ball except for the off side one, pulled off a superb one on one ball and all tackle when they broke in the second half, and you were disapointed !!!

Yes he's raw, a bit flat behind Finch in attack and wasnt deep enough in defence occasionally, but
Matty is one of the best prospects in the super league at the moment, and barring injury I expect him to be our first choice full back next season.

Fully agree.

His flaws were minor and his strengths a major plus. There will be very few 18/19 yr old kids make debuts like that anytime soon.

5 or 6 games at fullback with Sam at 6 this season and plenty of appearances for Leigh should ready him for a possible starting berth next year.

The above scenario should it pan out as we'd all like it too, would go along way to solving next years problems at halfback. I'd be all for it.

It would indeed. In attack at least we'd have a scary team with Russell at 1 and Sam at 6.

I'm still saying we should try and sign Matty Smith for the 7 jersey if Finch goes. He's not a superstar but he'd keep us ticking over with 2 attackers like Sam and Russell in the team.

I can certainly see the sense in that. A good steady away player with a great kicking and passing game would compliment Sam and Russel perfectly. Whether that's Matty Smith I don't know.

Just watched the tries he scored on the highlights, they needed some scoring. he looks a powerful runner for an 18yo.

As someone totally unbiased, I thought Russell had a very good game. A fullback who makes a mistake is noticed as he is usually out on his own, but the lad played with a lot of maturity, and it is wrong to knock him.

It was a cracking game of Rugby, and the atmosphere was good. Thanks to all the Wigan supporters who came.

Pretty impressive stats from Russell and Mellor. It's just a pity about Mellors three missed tackles, but that was probably partly down to fatigue and the fact that we were two subs light for much of the game. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2012

Pretty impressive stats from Russell and Mellor. It's just a pity about Mellors three missed tackles, but that was probably partly down to fatigue and the fact that we were two subs light for much of the game. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2012

Weren't Widnes given offside at that time? If so that error wouldn't be counted.

Yes think they might have been actually.

Widnes were offside for one kick but he looked shaky diving forward to catch 2 kicks in the first half. If he plays against London then Gower would give him plenty of practise to get it right.

Yeah Widnes were offside for the one he dropped (which from the other end looked to go backwards and he regathered) and he lost the direction of another but in the main I thought he got to grips with the high kicks as the game wore on.

He does look quite awkward catching them with each one looking like it'll knock him off his feet but that's just his style. He crouches to take the ball in and takes them close to the ground.

Again these were minor issues that he'll work on. His natural talent is so exciting.

Signed for Hull FC ?