Ahhhh I figured he was hurt. Makes sense.

So you wouldn't play Fielden? I'd say replace Prescott with Fielden and Hansen with Farrell. Prescott and Hansen drop to the bench, alongside Joel and Mossop.

As I've said before, I thought Joel was poor by his standards against Saints, so dropping to the bench might wake him up a bit! Whereas Farrell deserves a starting spot.

me too I feared the worst.


Back on topic. I would like to see Amos at Full back, with Sam and Tommy in the halves and Deacon on the bench. We play our best rugby when Deacon is fit which proved in the playoffs / grand final last year so I would look at giving him a bench role this week to make sure he is fit for the WCC.

Wheres big Stu?

Great news that's Stu's back, and Decon's fit to play. Fingers crossed Deac's can make it through the game. My only sticking point would be whether to start Fielden or not. He hasn't played since the Four Nations so he could be a little underdone. Therefore I'd stick him on the bench.

I'd go -

Roberts
Goulding
Gleeson
Carmont
Charnley
Sam
Leuluai
Fielden
McIlorum
Coley
Hoffman
Farrell
Lockers

Deacon
Joel
Mossop
Prescott

Roberts
Goulding
Gleeson
Carmont
Charnley
Sam
Deacon
Prescott
Leuluai
Coley
Tomkins
Hoffman
Lockers

Mcilorum
Fielden
Farrell
Hansen/Mossop

Loads of people saying Roberts should start at full-back. I understand the reasoning, but can't see MM starting with Sam in the halves now. He's made it clear (as far as I can tell) that Sam is now Wigan's number 1! That's not to say things won't change during the game - let's be honest, MM's not scared of a re-shuffle, is he!?!

That a big surprise for me...
But a relief too!

I was under the impression that would be the case when Finch is available. But when Mcilorum goes off, Leuluai goes to 9 and Lockers to 6 it affects the team IMO. I think for the time being we should start with settled halves and a FB and interchange Leuluai and Mcilorum at 9 (especially against the big teams and away from home).

D'oh!!



Id put Fielden on the bench instead of Charnley. My deacs comment was tongue in cheek so hopefully he can last the game meaning Charnley would be out of the 17.

FB 19 Roberts
RW 2 Goulding
RC 3 Gleeson
LC 4 Carmomnt
LW 25 Charnley
SO 1 Sam
SH 7 Leuluai
P 21 Mossop
H 9 McIllorum
P 10 Coley
SR 16 Hoffman
SR 22 Farrell
LF 13 O'Loughin

S 6 Deacon
S 8 Fielden
S 11 Hansen
S 23 Tuson

I'd like to see how Hansen goes at prop, would help get our 4 quality backrowers into the team for the WCC. Dropping Joel to make him have a serious think about his decision making in big games. Saturday wasn't the first time he's blown a fuse under pressure.