Thanks for that, it was more to do with the importance of the grapple in the tackle, than grapple tackles.

I know Nobby recognises how important it is, like NRL coaches do, and it suits Wigan's style down to a t, it was also very effective against an England team composed of Saints and Leeds players.

So why was Roberts there then? There has been no official announcement about his signing and no press release on the official club site yet he was apparently introduced to the fans. I can see no story in the national media about him being a Wigan player either.

Isn't this a complete contradiction to having scheduled press releases with the media present?

Dave

What does it really matter?

He was presented to the fans as a sort of treat for them. He was also happy to chat to fans and to the press men who were there. It will all be made official and the paperwork straightened out in the next couple of day.

I can't see there's any real negative in this.

They explained it at the forum Dave, just prior to introducing him. They basically invited him along, and no doubt this week he will be inveilled at the arranged press date. He walked on stage, waved and walked off.

What is annoying me is that a lot of the useful content from the evening is getting taken away by people trying to summarise it. Missing their explanation of such an announcement being a key one.

Unfortunately we are all more concerned about settling our self made 'big' issues off here to pay much attention to things like that.

They've made clear their policy not to make announcements on anything until signed, sealed and delivered.

I'll put in on here when I get a minute

It's certainly no coinidence that the england team was predominantly focussed on speed of the ruck and momentum. During the world cup i felt it was the end of Saints dominance, a little hasty but time will tell with the direction SL takes.

Interesting to hear Noble speak openly about psychology and NLP, he's always talking positive when in the dressing room. He comes across as knowledgeable, inspirational and his record is top notch, he'll lead us to greater things over the next 24 months.

Yeh that person who was saying "You said we're trying to reduce our amount of overseas players, yet we've got more this season than last. How does that work?" So IL answers the question... then "Yeh but...we've got more overseas players this season than last...so how does that work?" IL answers again... "Right...but this season we've got more overseas players... etc etc" !!!!!

That was in response to my question, although it was interesting to hear someone disagree with the idea, claiming that if a young player goes over to Australia and does well than the Aussies may be tempted to "steal him".
I really do hope that we form this alliance with an Aussie team as I believe it will benefit Wigan in the long term.

I spoke to IL after the forum and he confirmed that another (I think he said five) players will be joining the academy / scholarship shortly.

It's a massive point of concern tbh, and something that may need addressing in arranging that type of alliance. I certainly would love some of young players to work in a Wayne Bennett directed environment.

Cringeworthy!

I think the Phelps question was the most embarrasing of the night, she who asked that needs putting down.

These comments will change through season to complain complain complain by half way through the season

Has Mick Hogan been in touch to ask the thread about the importance of cherryandwhite to be deleted? It seems to have disappeared completely and not merged with this one. I can't think why.