There are loads of positives in those stats but one thing that really jumps out to me is the contributions of Thompson, Havard and Ellis. You're lucky if you have one middle forward (hate using that term but will have to with Ellis playing at loose forward) capable of playing 80 minutes but we have these 3, all of which are ideal modern day forwards. They are absolute athletes, big but mobile, defensively fantastic and will test their opposite numbers by still being able to go as strong late in a stint (or late in a game if they do complete the 80 minutes) as they were at the start of it. We're so fortunate to be in a position that we have those 3 guys and can then just rotate around them.

I was reflecting on that and remembering when we were all (or nearley all ) were crying out for a more dominating pack. We now have an embarrassment of riches

Think we always knew Havard and Thompson could do 80 but Ellis doing it is an added bonus.

The fact these 3 can do massive minutes is why I would have opted for the versatility of Walters on the bench rather than 3 props. Byrne and Mago both played about 10 minutes if I remember correctly.

Didn’t matter in the end of course!

It was a gamble I felt leaving Walters out, especially with a really young second rower and centre starting, who he would've been able to cover for but luckily we had no problems. I've said before, I feel the best balance in every game we play will be 2 props, Walters and Leeming on the bench. I get the feeling Peet wanted the experience of Cooper and Byrne in the final and I fully understand that but I do hope he goes back to that balance going forward.

There was that but I also think there was an element of 'earning your place' in finals. Walters has only played 2 games for us so far so to pick him over Byrne who, bans aside, has been an ever present and carried us playing injured not so long ago would probably have been seen as something of a slap in the face.

Yeah, some of that as well. On form this season I don't think Byrne warranted a place really (but then nor did Walters really) but a cup final spot was a nice reward for him for the performances he put in at the end of last year. He played a huge part in helping us build momentum towards the back end and coaches tend to have longer memories than fans. What I will say going forward though is that Byrne needs to find some form to keep his place.

I thought the same regarding Bryne v Walters. Walters the better option to provide cover in backs/props/2nd row, but only played 2 games so not really earned his place.

The time Bryne was on he did OK I thought but didn't play big minutes and I will always feel more confident with Luke, Ethan, Cooper and Ellis ahead of Bryne this season in big games. I think he has to show he can adapt to cutting out the mistakes and improve his tackle technique.

Looking forward to how the 2nd half of the season pans out with Walters in the mix and also how Hill puts himself forward for selection in the back end of the season.

Some good contributions on this thread.

Harry Smith just doesn't get noticed like he should. You cannot put a price on a half back with a proper kicking game. And not just a flashy grubber or a spiral bomb. I mean the pegged backed in your own half with the opposition starting to get on top and your half back kicks you out of trouble finding space between the opposing fullback and winger and giving your chasers time to get up in their face and start the defensive set on the front foot and win the "arm wrestle". And not just doing it once. Doing it time and time and time again for 80 minutes in big pressure must win matches. He really is a fantastic player.

Thompson has been the forward we wanted George Burgess to be. You can see why James Graham was gutted he signed for us. He walks into the England team no problem. One of the best forwards in the comp.

What an athlete Luke Thompson is. I'm sure Mike Danson thinks he's worth every penny.

The amount of our fans complaining about wages and being finished etc I hope played its part in his performances. Best front rower in SL this year by a mile. Lets hope he sees the full 4 years out of his contract

Thompson was great of course, but I've been away since the Final and have only now had the chance to watch it back, and my first thought was, how good was Ellis?

Watched it back sober and Ellis had his best game in Wigan colours.

Exactly. Allows us to be a bit more creative on the bench with such as Walters (who can fill in at prop anyway) should we need to, and especially trying to rotate and introduce younger, less experienced players with the upcoming 4 matches in 16 days or whatever it is.

Ellis plays his best when the big games come along.