If Blair moves then surely Hoffman would return to Melbourne.
It is a credit to our club that it is just between Wigan and Melbourne and no other club is being considered. There isn't another club that wouldn't want Hoffman in their pack.

As for Joel, I'd prefer to see us sign a quality right centre and Joel revert to his original position of right sided second rower. He was devastating there last year and could be again should a quality signing could be made for the 3 shirt.

Hard to know to what extent that's actually a factor though

Even if Madge was staying there is every chance Hoffman would still be returning.

But as MadDogg says, the longer passes without Wane being confirmed the less likely it seems he will get the job. If the applicants for the job have been as high profile as IL suggests he will have a difficult choice.

Unless it is a case of IL (or indeed Wane himself) not wanting to change the existing dynamics within the coaching structure

would be gutted to lose him because our coach hasnt been decided yet

+1

All the more reason to announce it sooner rather than later.

I don't think the coaching situation would have too much bearing, its been no secret that he would like to go back but thats not necessarily an option, its dependent on the Storms SC situation, I think if a move comes off for Blair he will go back, if not he will take up the option of the second year with us, I think talk of the coach is just paper talk, I'm sure the players have a very good idea who will be the coach.

If Blair goes to Wests and Hoffman back to Storm and can see us looking at Chris Highington as Blair could well be replacing him at Wests.

He's already declared an interest in playing for England as he holds an English passport which would also means he wouldn't be on the quota.

Also he said this in 2006.





Or am I looking into this too much?

The other thing is that coaches come and go. It must be very rare - I can only think of Millward in modern times at Wigan - when the appointment of a specific coach has led directly to players wanting to leave.

I think, as others have said, it's just paper talk.

im sure Mr Smith knows nowt

Thread on the VT saying Widdop is on just 35k a year..... sign him up!!! Offer him a deal!!!! Please IL!!!!!

Just signed a new contract, and who can blame him.

id jump at a contract like that 35k n stay in aussie, where do i sign!

So we possibly have carmont and possibly deacon and coley retiring and hoffman going home.

We only have hock coming in as a direct replacement for hoffman.

Add to this Gleeson leaving early this year.

That says to me we have a huge lump of cap to spend.

We need definate replacments for Carmont, deacon and Coley.

To maintain our strength in depth we need 3 new signings for next year.