Powell and Logan are an issue both are at a stage in their career where they need to be playing but probably won't get near the team. I would think both need to move on for the good of their careers.

Williams and Hampshire could be our halves for years to come and need to be protected in this move. Both must have concerns about game time next year.

The biggest issue is managing Smith, long term we need Williams and Rocky at 6 and 7 I would sacrifice Smith, all be it reluctantly and probably yo the determent short term of the team, to ensure we don't lose one of that pair.

That's an interesting article and one would think that both Burgess and Rocky would be signed up till the end of 2016. It was dated 22nd October 2012 and it says they have been given 4 year contracts. Can the BBC relied on to be accurate, though?!
I also agree with Jonh that we should make every effort to get both Williams and Rocky tied up on long term deals and playing together in the halves. George is more of a 7 than 6, so if that means Smith having to be moved to bench 9 or even leave, so be it.

Smith is far more important then he's being given credit for IMO. He's a leader, his kicking game is far better then any of our other halves and he's our goal kicker. Take him out of the side and there's some issues there IMO that a partnership of Hampshire and Williams won't fix in the short term.

I'd be loathed to see Hampshire or Williams walk out the door but the same goes for Smith. I'd let all three of Bowen, Powell and Logan Tomkins go before any of the three mentioned above.

Quote: Fames "That's an interesting article and one would think that both Burgess and Rocky would be signed up till the end of 2016. It was dated 22nd October 2012 and it says they have been given 4 year contracts. Can the BBC relied on to be accurate, though?! I also agree with Jonh that we should make every effort to get both Williams and Rocky tied up on long term deals and playing together in the halves. George is more of a 7 than 6, so if that means Smith having to be moved to bench 9 or even leave, so be it.'" Here is the same on the official site then if you need it: www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 642&type=1 I thought Burgess was just being released from his last year but reading back through the Sydney announcements, it doesn't mention anything.

Quote: Fames "That's an interesting article and one would think that both Burgess and Rocky would be signed up till the end of 2016. It was dated 22nd October 2012 and it says they have been given 4 year contracts. Can the BBC relied on to be accurate, though?! I also agree with Jonh that we should make every effort to get both Williams and Rocky tied up on long term deals and playing together in the halves. George is more of a 7 than 6, so if that means Smith having to be moved to bench 9 or even leave, so be it.'" Here is the same on the official site then if you need it: www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... 642&type=1 I thought Burgess was just being released from his last year but reading back through the Sydney announcements, it doesn't mention anything.

I'd probably let Logan and Bowen go.

The rotate the bench players every week.

1. Tomkins
6. Williams
7. Smith
9. McIlorum
14. Powell / Hampshire

Out

Bowen
L.Tomkins

Williams and Hampshire clearly have a special quality about them.

Smith is a solid SL half, but he's replaceable. I'd keep him around as an interchange hooker, but I'd have Williams/Hampshire/Tomkins as the starting 1/6/7 if pushed.

I'd keep Powell over Smith too when you consider the salary cap.

Smith's just signed a new deal, hasn't he? Agree with NK, anyway.

i dont think its that difficult

bowen will retire at the end of the season (i have no doubt about that)
logan is a decent squad player, and i think he will stay to play with his brothers
sam powell is the oldest of the 'youngsters' (23 by end of season) and hasnt taken his chance, i think its best for him to leave.

that would leave us with a 1st choice of sam, smith, rocky, macca, williams
with logan as cover until doran and shorrocks are ready

I like them all but I just think Smith has earned a starting spot since being at the club. I also think he'll balance the side very nicely playing alongside my selections of Tomkins at 1 and Hampshire at 6. They can run teams ragged and Smith can do what he does well and tick us over and gain us territory with his kicking.

If it came down to a straight choice of Smith or Hampshire staying at the club then I'd agree that Smith would be disposable but hopefully it doesn't come to that.

If it does I think Hampshire will be let go anyway. I still don't think Wane sees him as anything but a fullback who could back up at 6 in an emergency.

I really hope Wane does think highly of Rocky. The pace he showed in his tries against Catalans and Warrington was exceptional, particularly when running to catch up Burgess to be able to take the pass against Catalans. I honestly don't think I have ever seen anyone run 40 - 50 yards so quickly at Central Park or the DW, not even Chariots Offiah!

The fans certainly rate him. He's exciting isn't he and he can play and work space for others. He looks a natural halfback to me as shown in glimpses these past two weeks with bits of skill like the pass to send Gelling in on Thursday and the lovely chip to the corner for Manfredi against Catalans. He also offers that running threat and will be defenders guessing.

It would be such a boost to find out Hampshire had signed a new long term deal. I honestly believe if we can do that then we'll be in the hunt for trophies each and every year for at least the next 5 seasons.

Totally agree, NK. The future could be cherry and white if we can keep hold of Rocky and the majority of the current squad. I am sure so many Wigan fans can't wait to see Sam back in the team in 2016 and it is truly a mouth-watering prospect to have Rocky, George and Sam in the same team together with 2 speedy wingers (and Gelling and Sarge/Thornley in the centres). If we can have all or almost all of our current pack fit as well, that team will take some beating! And if we can get an experienced prop/pack leader as well, so much the better. This might well happen if Lockers does retire at the end of this season.

It's interesting to see what will happen. I really rate Williams and I think he's more than just a replacement hooker.