Phelps has been really good since moving to fullback. Give the lad a chance he is only young yet and has his best years infront of him. The way he comes into the line and throws some great passes is something we have not had for years. Add to that that his defence or positioning have not been a problem and the fact that he always puts his body on the line and gives 100% then i think he should deffo be given a new contract. He has the time infront of him to be a very good fullback for years to come and i expect he does not demand big money.

Also remember his utility value,he can fill in anywhere in the backs and do a decent job.

phelps has done nothing but give 110% for wigan, and has played really well recently. The tackle he made last night to save a certain try in the last 5 mins was something most full backs would be proud of.

If phelps was british they would be so many more positive comments. I don't see him any worse of better then say briscoe, but because he's a Aussie many automatically dislike him.

i understand people perfer british players and wigan lads, but i think some people are obsessed. Yes i'm very competitive and my highest concern is for wigan to WIN! regardless of who's in the team and where they are from. Ideally these players would be British, but if an Aussie has come in and done a decent job, which previous british players haven't then so be it.

i think he's worked hard enough for at least another year and some other aussies haven't. It just seems some fans moan when there is not enough effort shown, and say such things as i wouldn't mind losing as long as they show the effort, then when someone shows the effort they complain there not good enough.

What if we have the opportunity to bring in former test FB Anthony Minichiello?

Only if we could be sure he would play a good number of games. A very good player but has had a lot of injury problems - a risk for sure. And what would he cost us?

would have to be an appearance related contract

Good shout. But could still be very good. One of the most naturally gifted FB's in recent times.

Excellent post and the last paragraph is exactly what i was trying to get at. Its typical of Wigan fans to say one thing one week and then turn full circle the next. Phelps shows the kind of enthusiasm and guts that you expect from a Wigan born lad. He has also proven he is very useful as a player. Many people forget he is still only young and will get much better but he has already shown the signs that he has what it takes to become a great fullback.

We must give him at least one more year. By this time next year he has the ability to be one of the best fullbacks in SL.

As for Minnichello no thanks. Weve made enough dreadful signings of injury prone players already. Let another club take a chance on him.

No.

You are joking right

Over the hill aussies...big money...

If we let Phelps go just because of the federation rule, you have to wonder if he could end up elsewhere and become a top player with them instead of us. We took a gamble on Dobbo when the Cats released him, and he saved us from relegation. Why are people so fixated on buying in 'top' Aussies when they seldom come over and make a big difference?

but phelps hasn't made anywhere near the impact that Dobbo made on us. It's pointless comparing the two.