Flat as a pancake

Quote: sergeant pepper "I'm not trying to knock the kid I promise.

I see him 2/3 years down the line as being a dominant 7. It was possibly a little unfair on my part to write off his attacking skills. He has turned out a few good moment like his hand in our last try yesterday and that killer offload against Widnes. He's getting close to Smiths level (current England 7) and he's still just a pup.

BUT i know you touched on the notion of natural attacking instincts and I just don't feel he's overly blessed with enough to be a long term 6. He's certainly got enough to be a very good 7 who can do what Smith does and add a little more on top.

Hampshire on the other hand has that 'Jink' in his locker. I'll hold my hands up and say I don't know what his distribution is like but I know he's a threat when he's on the ball. If he was at 6 it would put another option in out attack that would hold defenses and create more space for others.'"

I think Wigan and most teams are trying to go down the route of having split halves where 6 and 7 are largely irrelevant. Obviously some players will always be stronger in certain areas but having left and right side halves rather than first and second receivers seems to be the aim. The partnership of Williams on the left and Hampshire on the right worked so well for the U19's, although that doesn't mean it'll work at Super League level.

Hampshire has excellent distribution. His passing is very good and he reads the game well. I think he's being kept away from the halves because he's a little bit lacking physically compared to Williams and Powell. Given how halves are expected to go right to the line before passing it could be sensible to protect him a little.

As I said, Williams' playmaking ability needs improvement, like most young halves, but it can be hard to tell how players will develop and to what extent. Hampshire is a more natural halfback and has a lot of the required skills already. I do think that Williams has the potential to be a real quality halfback though and the only way he'll develop into that is by being given the opportunity and a little patience.

Even if it doesn't work out, I think Williams is a natural rugby player and would offer excellent utility value. If he doesn't become a regular halfback I reckon he could easily play hooker, loose forward and even centre or fullback as long as he retains his pace. His defence is incredible for his age and size, he's quick, has good footwork, is deceptively strong and has very good handling skills including a good ability to offload. He's one of those players who I think will find his place in the team somewhere.

Also worth mentioning that Jamie Doran got MOM for Workington yesterday and had a storming game by all accounts. He took me by surprise with how well he played last year but if he keeps playing well he could get his chance in the first team.