I know you're simply trying to get a reaction, but for what it's worth Wigan have Sam Powell who partnered O'Brien in the halves for the England Academy side and was last years under 20's player of the year. However, players generally do struggle to break into the first team when they have a broken leg.

And as Rogues said, we have two academy international halfbacks and had another one last year who's unfortunately been out injured for around a year.

Then there's Mellor at Widnes, who isn't as good as O'Brien admittedly, but then serious injuries do funny things to players.

When it comes to halfbacks, it's fair to say we aren't too jealous of Warrington at this moment in time.

We have 2 cracking half backs in Williams & Hampshire, but both are just too young at the moment.

We have Mellor & Powell at the moment who should be in a position to challenge for a spot next year, however I believe injuries have held back their progress and development.

Before that we had the Coyle brothers, Kevin Brown & Luke Robinson.

Who said we don't produce any half backs?

I also think u will find that Stef ratchford was on wigans books for sometime but unfortuately u can't keep them all, however he's a wiganer through n through

I may be wrong, but aren't they both about 16 years old? Be at least 3/4 years before they will be near any first team action.

Goulding Jnr must about 18 or 19 now and is playing for Wire U20 (a very good side this season). Holden appears to have fallen off the radar, maybe injured?

Reminds me of Sean Long and Mr Hansen

Was he? I am fairly certain he wasnt and he certainly never signed a formal contract as such. He was certainly a long way down the pecking order of the players that signed from that St Pats team such as Goulding, Sean Gleeson, Thomas Coyle, Roper etc and wasnt one of the ones that were saught after.

Keith Holden jr was released by Warrington and has been playing for Widnes u20s.

According to the jungle drums it’s yes to Smith, SW thinks he can make improvements with him. But Gaskell
"no way Josè".....Don't ask me, but it seems a step backwards anyway you mix it.

Rock 'n' Roll.

I recollect Matty Smith playing a very good final in 2010, on that basis I'll welcome him in. It's nice for a player whos been loyal and kept his head down to be given a chance. Being in the shadow of over rated Kyle Eastmond would have cracked a few egos but Matty just got on with his job and made the best of what he has. Since we're unlikely to sign Jonathon Thurston or Benji Marshal we can still win competitions with the likes of hard working Matty Smiths.
I also think Tommy Lulu has set a new standard in half backs, how many big tackles have we seen from him in the last 5 or so years? Matty fits that profile. Let the speed come from Sam and wigan will have a well balanced side.