I've got a feeling we may end up with Sika Manu. For starters he's out of contract at the end of this season, and with the Storm looking to shed some cap in time for 2011 they may not have room to resign him. Plus with Madge's obvious connections with Melbourne he'll no all about Sika and his abilities, and with him being a NZ he doesn't have any SOO commitments that can some times be the stumbling block that stops young Aussie's coming over to SL.

I guess with his age and potential it would be a decent signing.

I can't help but think we need the finished product however and not a work in progress.

We've got plenty of young talented players but maybe we need that Morley or Peacock type leader?

Keep the faith in IL and Madge. this is their opportunity to set the platform for a successful wigan team for the next 5 years. The recruitment at the end of this season is huge. we have 12 players off contract so any player who we feel is a weak link may be allowed to leave. This is Wigans chance to really kick on from the foundations that have been laid and build a very good side.

I'd agree, in a perfect world it would be great to sign someone of the caliber of Morley or Graham, not Peacock as his form has deteriorated rapidly over the last 18 months or so. The only problem is there aren't any British players available of the same ilk of Morley or Graham. So it forces us to go overseas, and when you do go overseas the possibility of attracting a player of the same quality of Morley or Graham is incredibly difficult, due to the representative opportunities open to that level of player in Auz.

So it leaves us with two options, to go old, with someone such as Bailey who we may get a good couple of years out of, but will ultimately have to replace in the not to distant future. Or we could go with the likes of Sika, who I disagree is a work in progress, I feel he's very much a player for now, and one of the best we could get of those available.




I'd be in favor of not signing anyone for next year if Madge feels none of those available are suitable. We've gone pretty well this year with what we've got. I just don't want us to sign a player for the sake of it, and be stuck with his wages taking up valuable cap space that could have been better spent 12 months down the track. But having said, that I do have complete and utter faith in Madge and Lenegan to sign what we need.

i'm confident enough in IL and MM that any signing made will improve us.

dream world would be a top class scrum half and prop.

Again in Madge we trust. If he thinks he's the right guy then i'm all for that

I think we could well end up with at least one if not 2 of the players listed below. If we did i would be delighted.

Sika Manu
Date of Birth : 22 January, 1987
Height : 180 cm
Weight : 107 kg
Position : Front row, back row
Rep. Honours : 5 Tests for New Zealand 2008-09; World Cup 2008
Junior Clubs : Randwick Kingfishers
Previous Clubs : Nil
FG Debut : v Sydney Roosters, Olympic Park 19/5/07
Club Debut : v Sydney Roosters, Olympic Park 19/5/07Biography
Career: Born and raised in Wellington, the home of Stephen Kearney, Manu graduated from the Junior Kiwis to the senior New Zealand side in 2008 and played a key role in their World Cup triumph. He was a regular in 2008 for the Storm after making his NRL debut in 2007. Manu was set for a massive 2009 season but was robbed of the chance by injury. Still, he managed to play 10 games for the Storm, as well as a Test match earlier in the year for New Zealand.

Preview: Manu is expected to return from a badly broken leg early in the season. He will be determined to make up for lost time and his return will be a massive boost to the Storm’s forward pack.

Jeff Lima
Date of Birth : 4 April, 1982
Height : 182 cm
Weight : 107 kg
Position : Front row
Rep. Honours : 6 Tests for New Zealand 2007, 09; Four Nations 2009
Junior Clubs : Mangere East Hawks
Previous Clubs : Wests Tigers 2004
FG Debut : Wests Tigers v Manly, Leichhardt Oval 25/4/04
Club Debut : v Warriors, Olympic Park 19/08/06 (Rd 24)Biography
Career: Lima has come from rugby league’s version of “nowhere” to now be one of the game’s premier props. Plucked from France after injuries struck the Storm’s squad in 2006, Lima quickly worked his way into Craig Bellamy’s rotation, with the Melbourne coach making him a permanent member in 2007. He played a pivotal role in the Storm’s grand final march that year – narrowly missing out on becoming the first bench player to claim the Clive Churchill medalist. His presence in the decider was rewarded with a Test berth for New Zealand. He backed that up with selection again in 2008 before injury cruelly kept him out of the Kiwis’ World Cup assault. Lima again showed his value in 2009 with several dominant efforts up front at the back-end of last year. He was rewarded with selection in the New Zealand squad for the Four-Nations tournament.

Preview: Lima will again be looking to further enhance his reputation after a stunning 2009 season that saw him claim a second premiership and recapture his Test jersey. He has emerged as a leader up front for the Storm.

Adam Blair
Date of Birth : 23 March, 1986
Height : 188 cm
Weight : 108 kg
Position : Front row
Rep. Honours : 15 Tests for NZ 2006, 08-09; World Cup 2008; Four-Nations 2009
Junior Clubs : Northland Carvers
Previous Clubs : Nil
FG Debut : v Wests Tigers, Leichhardt Oval, 2/4/06
Club Debut : v Wests Tigers, Leichhardt Oval, 2/4/06Biography
Career: After suffering grand final defeats in 2006 and 2008, Blair finally got his chance to taste the spoils of premiership success, playing a vital role in the Storm’s title defeat of Parramatta. Arguably the best player on the field that day, Blair added the coveted premiership ring to his sprawling trophy cabinet – one that includes his 2008 World Cup spoils. Blair played in a grand final in his first season at NRL level. But a dream 2006, that included his first New Zealand Test jersey, turned into a nightmare the following season when a foot injury kept him on the sidelines for most of the year. But Blair bounced back quickly. He returned to play 27 games in 2008 that included another grand final appearance. He backed that up by playing a key role in the Kiwis’ World Cup triumph. He was again seen in the black and white in last year’s Four-Nations tournament when he was named vice-captain. Adam is widely viewed as a future leader at the club.

Preview: Blair has emerged as one of the most dominant forwards in rugby league. The giant prop was switched to back-row at the end of last season – a position he made his own in the Storm’s premiership push, taking apart some of the best in the business. Adding to his versatility – he then played locked for New Zealand in the Four-Nations. Expect Blair to assume a greater leadership role this season.

Brett Finch
Date of Birth : 20 August, 1981
Height : 183 cm
Weight : 89 kg
Position : Five-eighth / Halfback
Rep. Honours : 3 matches NSW 2004, 2006; PM’s XIII 2005; NSW Country Origin 2006, 2008
Junior Clubs : Valentine
Previous Clubs : Canberra 1999-2002, Sydney Roosters 2003-06, Parramatta 2007-09
FG Debut : Canberra v Melbourne, Bruce Stadium, 4/6/99 (Rd 14)
Club Debut : v Warriors, Olympic Park, 25/4/09 (Rd 7)Biography
Career: Finch, who made his debut in 1999, has now achieved almost everything on offer in the game after his mid-season switch to the Storm last year. Having been a schoolboy star at Erindale College, Canberra, Finch quickly made his mark at the professional level, claiming the Raiders’ rookie of the year award in 1999. He spent four seasons at Canberra before switching to the Sydney Roosters where he reached the pinnacle of State of Origin. Finch managed three Origins for the Blues, with his debut coming in 2004, and his most famous appearance in 2006 when he was a late call-up. Called-up on the eve of the game, Finch scored a try, set up another two and kicked the winning field goal to give NSW a remarkable 17-16 win. Finch switched from the Roosters to Parramatta in the 2006 off-season. He was contracted until the end of 2011 but sought a in April last year and subsequently joined the Storm. It proved to be the best decision Finch has made with the Maitland-born playmaker realizing a childhood dream as Melbourne won the NRL premiership. Finch has signed a one-year extension until the end of 2010.

Preview: Finch slotted in to the Storm rotation sublimely last year and will again be looked upon in 2010 to fill the same role. He says he has an “easy job, catch the ball, pass to GI (Greg Inglis), get a try assist. It isn’t too hard.” It’s no coincidence, however, that Inglis’ best football returned once Finch arrived at the club. Finch will also be looked to for his off-field leadership.

Lima for me!!!

28/29 means that could be four years with us which is plenty for an import imo

just to add something to the ainscough rumour. He was NOT at training today

Adam blair is 4 years younger

Next year the squad is starting to take some shape:

Amos Roberts
Darrell Goulding
Martin Gleeson
George Carmont
Pat Richards

Amos Roberts' best position is at fullback and he is the best fullback at the club. Prior to his injury you would have to say he was the best fullback in Super League. A certain contender for Man Of Steel. Simply outstanding. Cameron Phelps had a good game against the Crusaders and then half a game against Hull KR. Poor opposition. Since then he has done nothing. He is the most over rated player at the club with fans. He's not worth an overseas spot and we have enough cover in our own junior ranks to cover injuries. He is a utility player, but he's poor in the positions he can cover - wing and centre. The reserves lost with him at six, but either way he isn't going to knock Sam off his perch. Move on I say.

The other wing spot I've given to Goulding. He's done the best job so far. People were knocking him against Huddersfield, but we were a man down during the game so we were caught short out wide. Not Goulding's fault. And with respect to Stefan Marsh, I don't think some of those tries would have been scored with Gleeson in the side. Up until that game Goulding has not put a foot wrong. He can deal with the high ball, short ball, runs the ball back strong, makes metres forward, can finish off tries, isn't prone to mistakes or silly penalties and he is very quick too. He isn't a specialist winger and his future will stay probably be at centre though, which may mean we need to recruit a winger?

The cover we have for the backs come from Karl Pryce, Shaun Ainscough, Josh Vievers, Josh Charnley, Stefan Marsh. With the way things are going I would resign Karl Pryce. We have also have Pat Richards' and Amos Roberts' ability to swap between fullback and winger should/when injuries occur. I think we're strong in the backs.

Halfbacks

Sam Tomkins
Thomas Leuluai

No real argument here. Sam is the best young stand off in Super League and one of the best in the league. Leuluai, I have knocked him before about not directing us around the park, but while he has been absent we've lacked direction big time and since he has returned everything is back to normal. I guess that is why I'm not coaching and Madge is.

Forwards

We need to strengthen in the forwards. Phil Bailey can go we have enough cover in the back row - Harrison Hansen, Joel Tomkins, Lee Mossop, Liam Farrell, Johnny Walker and Chris Tuson. Plus Gareth Hock could return next year as well. I would look to try to keep him here in a coaching capacity though, he has a positive influence on the juniors at the club and he has said he would like to do some junior coaching when his career ends either here or in Australia so it's a realistic option.

Paul Prescott I would sign for another year and Eamon O'carroll has come on so much in the last few weeks. I've always said that when given the chance he has never let us down. Ben Davies is also ripping it up at Widnes and many are tipping him to be a future England international, so he should get some opportunties next year, if not his year.

Stuart Fielden, Andy Coley and Feka are the big ones. As it stands right this minute Feka has to be on his way. A great bloke and a crowd pleaser, but that is not enough to get you a contract. Madge obviously isn't happy with something and if that's the case then lets replace him with a new forward from the NRL. Someone like Luke Bailey, Josh Perry or Jeff Lima.

Andy Coley has been brilliant this year. An excellent forward and he contributes to the leadership team. Providing he doesn't want to retire I would extend his contract for another year. This still beefs our front row, but gives O'carroll, Prescott and Davies chance to fight it out for a spot in the pack.

Stuart Fielden is a tricky one. Yes, he has been better this year, but can we do better? Is he still one of the best forwards in the league? I don't think he is. His work rate often gets talked about, but his stats are equal with Andy Coley's. Then you ask who has the greater go forward? I don't ever recall this season Andy Coley being taken back like Fielden was against Huddersfield at the Magic Weekend. However, being realistic, if we can get someone better, whether that is from the NRL or the Super League then I hope we go for it. We will have a good chunk of the cap free with Feka and then Fielden leaving. Imagine if we could bring over Carl Webb and Luke Bailey? I would like our pack a lot more then. But if this isn't possible, whether it's the exchange rate or indeed the salary cap, then I would sign him for another year on a reduced contract.

O'loughlin obviously takes loose forward.

Hookers

Mark Riddell and Mike McIlorum. Easy. However, should Riddell want to leave then I wouldn't replace him with Tommy. Neither McIlorum or Tommy are good hookers to start a game with. I would look for a specialist hooker and leave Tommy where he is.

So there we go. Squad next year for me is:

1. Amos Roberts
2. Darrell Goulding (or possibly a specialist winger)
3. Martin Gleeson
4. George Carmont
5. Pat Richards
6. Sam Tomkins
7. Thomas Leuluai
8. Carl Webb (NRL/Super League equivalent or Fielden)
9. Mark Riddell (or a specialist replacement should he leave)
10. Andy Coley
11. Harrison Hansen
12. Joel Tomkins
13. Sean O'loughlin

-----------------------
Mike McIlorum
Luke Bailey (or equivalent)
Lee Mossop
Eamon O'carroll/Paul Prescott

Eamon O'carroll/Paul Prescott
Liam Farrell
Karl Pryce
Shaun Ainscough
Ben Davies
Stefan Marsh
Joe Mellor
Chris Tuson
Josh Vievers
Josh Charnley
Johnny Walker
Ian Thornley

He'll be in Leeds for his disciplinary hearing, won't he?

We won't get Blair tho.

He's one of the worlds best players up there with Slater, Inglis, Cronk & Marshall. Far out of the reach of SL teams.

NZ or not he'll always get a quality offer from the NRL as any team would want him.

I really am getting quite staggered by the amount some people are overrating the likes of Carl Webb and Luke Bailey, whilst undervaluing some of our own.

Webb in particular is a player who a large number of Cowboys fans think has done "SFA" in 3 years and want rid.

Here are the other 2 props who are possibilities.

Luke Bailey
Date of Birth : 5 January, 1980
Height : 189 cm
Weight : 108 kg
Position : Front Row
Rep. Honours : NSW (02-03), AUS (03-04,07), Country (02,05)
Junior Clubs : Shellharbour Steelers
Previous Clubs : St George (20000-06)
FG Debut : St George v Cronulla, RD 1 2000
Club Debut : Titans v St George, RD 1 2007


Carl Webb
Date of Birth : 20 March, 1981
Height : 182 cm
Weight : 111 kg
Position : Forward
Rep. Honours : Qld 2001-08, Prime Minister's XIII
Junior Clubs : Dalby Devils, Tara Panthers
Previous Clubs : Dalby Diehards, Brisbane Brothers, Brisbane Broncos
FG Debut : Broncos v Cowboys, 11/03/00 (Rd 6)
Club Debut : v Broncos, 13/03/05 (Rd 1) BIOGRAPHYBorn: Mt Isa
Hometown: Dalby
Goal for 2010: Play finals football
Career highlight: Playing for Australia and Qld
Most respected opponent: Shane Webke
Greatest career influence: Shane Webke, Gorden Tallis
Enjoys: Golf, fishing, table tennis
Career interests: Real estate
Qualities you admire: Honesty

Carl made his NRL debut in 2001 with the Broncos and also made a memorable debut for Queensland in State of Origin that year. Joining the Cowboys in 2005, Carl has continued to represent Queensland and made his Australian debut in 2008. Carl also made his professional boxing debut in January 2010.

Thats profikles of 5 front row Forwards.

Adam Blair
Sika Manu
Jeff Lima
Luke Bailey
Carl Webb

So do any of those offer more than the 4 props we already have Playing for the first team this year who are off contract?