If we were given the option of Ashton and Briscoe as fullback for Season 2011 I would choose Briscoe everytime! Run through brick walls that lad...!!

I think the difference between Hock and Ashton, is that Gaz at least showed some of his potential over a much longer tenure with the club and his failings are a personal issue rather than any predetermined intention to cause harm to Wigan. Ashton on the other hand looked to have great potential but needed work to iron out the issues in his game, wasn't prepared to put the required effort in, showed no loyalty to Wigan or RL and instead took the mercenary option of a struggling Union club whilst not offering any effort for the remainder of the season. My main disappointment is that he jumped ship at the first opportunity without paying his dues for the opportunity / development that Wigan had offered him. Whilst I understand that some people are motivated ultimately by money, I just cannot empathise with a young lad who turns his back on an opportunity with his local team, when most players his age would just be grateful to have a first team shirt in SL at that stage of their career.

I'd have Ashton - as with work on his weaknesses, he has much greater potential than Briscoe who is probably at his peak right now.

Why work on a player who has weaknesses (poor defence and attitude) when you could sign the complete player that current England International Shaun Briscoe is? At 26 years of age, he may be in his peak, but nowhere near ready for retirement. If I was IL I would definitely put a cheeky £100K bid in for him at the end of 2010, as he is in his final year. Rumours are he would love to come back to Wigan!

I just don't see Briscoe as a huge upgrade at full back. He's a good player, but as far as England are concerned the best of a bad bunch of options. That's not to say I wouldn't have him back. I just think that Ashton has more potential upside in the long term, given the right set of circumstances.

But then again, what do I know...I still think the Karl Pryce reclamation project is worth pursuing.

I agree with what you say about Hock (ie. respected international, wrecking ball and a very effective player), he was after all, a massive asset to Wigan and after his 'indiscretion' he was and still probably is a huge loss - but IMHO, although Ashton wasn't as established as Hock (and the rest), the things some people are saying aren't warranted towards Ashton.

If anything, it should be worse for Hock for what he did, but in a way I'm glad it's not and I'm glad he is being given support. I think all this 'Ashton back to WIgan' talk is completely un-necessary anyways, he will never be back. Good luck to him in Yawnion, it's just a pity IMO that they are reaping the benefits of another RL trained and rather talented RL player.

Absolutely no question whatsoever, I'd have Briscoe over most SL full backs TBH.

It's always an interesting subject. The Briscoe of his FC days, maybe, the Briscoe of last season at KR - i'd sooner stick with Phelps and work on his defence, which i don't actually feel is as bad as some suggest and has come on a lot. I think it's a lot harder to coach attacking flair, and while Briscoe has got a reasonable try tally this season (after a fairly barren season in 200icon_cool.gif, it's more been just some backing up and being on the end of something that's already happening. Phelps I think has (and has demonstrated) the ability to chip in attack and create something (born out by his try assists - more than Tommy).

I'm also really looking forward to seeing how Veivers does coming through, any views from the regular reserves watchers? I'd probably still take Briscoe on the right money, but for what he's likely to be on at KR (having been poached by them from FC) I think a FB needs to have more to their game e.g. Clint Greenshields or Brett Hodgeson.

How can such rumours be substantiated? I am sure plenty of Wigan born players would like to play for their home town club, but it makes me laugh how most Wigan fans think this is the only variable in such a decision.

The truth is there are a number of other issues: salary, accomodation, mortgages, and effects on family to think of. This is just scraping the surface, but each one contributes to the decision as to where a player will sign.

Sorry. The implication I got from the original poster (and a view often posted by many on here) is that he is desperate to get over here, quoting 'rumours'.

We don't need rumours to tell us that someone like him would [ilove[/i to play for Wigan, however understanding where he'd [irather[/i be contracted when considering all the above variables is a whole different kettle of fish.

You're probably right. If he was genuinely 'desperate' to play for Wigan, he'd be playing for us. But he has said several times that he'd like to return to Wigan - much as Deacon said that he'd only leave Bradford if it was to come to Wigan.

There is a difference, but I'm not sure it's worth making an issue of.

I would love to have him back personally, it would be a good step up from any player we have had there since Radderz, he is a top player and a Wigan lad. He plays for Hull KR like he has played there all his life, imagine what passion he would put in for his hometown club.

Right now though, I am chuffed with Phelps and I am sure he can improve even more. There is no one better returning the ball in super league right now and he comes into the line like Greenshields.

Even though the prospect of an England international and Wigan academy product returning is appealing, I'm going to predict that come the end of 2010, the vast majority of Wigan fans will be extremely reluctant to see anyone but Cameron Phelps in the fullback position. It may end up being a necessary change due to the quota but nonetheless I see Phelps going from strength to strength in that position. Pace, agility, playmaking skills, commitment - a bit more work on defensive positioning and I think we may have a gem on our hands who would be as good as anything in SL in that position.

Got to say, I have a similsr feeling. Just hope we're right!