But if we put Sam at 6 he would be fulfilling the role of theworld class half back (not saying he is a world class 6 but you get my point).

As you say there is little chance of signing one so it's either do as I suggest or risk it that the experience Mellor got in the championship is enough to give him the job full time because that is what it amounts to. It is the wrong way around. Having to play Roberts, Tommy or Lockers at 6 because the new kid at 6 needs a break is going to spoil the formation of the team elsewhere (bar Roberts playing 6 but that is a really left field suggestion IMO).

Basically we could see, for example, Tommy back in the halves and McIllorum doing the full 80 to give Mellor a break. Even worse Lockers playing at 6 which is always far too big a compromise regardless of why he ends up doing it.

All because people are obsessed with Sam at 1 in my opinion.

Given next years team as it stands Sam at 6, Roberts at 1 and Mellor and Powell getting a few games has got to be the logical solution that compromises the rest of the team the least. It means Tommy and Lockers can do what they do best and we don't disrupt the formation of the team if the young half back goes off or has to be withdrawn from first team footy if things do not work out.

Out of interest, what exactly has Roberts done to earn the fullback role?

I'm also wondering this, some people have got him nailed on as having the fullback shirt for next season, taking over from this seasons Dream Team fullback, after only playing 2 games during 2011 and only making a total of 5 appearances all season, not sure I agree if I'm totally honest.

It is a case of needs must. No experienced half back to partner Finch means Sam to 6 and then we must find a full back. Roberts is capable of playing full back. Unlike others I am basing my proposition on players we know we have on the books next year not ones we may sign (which currently does not include a half back) or any other fantasies. I am just being realistic given the squad we will seemingly have.

But why would it make sense to play an out of form fullback in the place of a very much in form fullback in Sam Tomkins just to move him to 6, rather than give an opportunity to one of two in form young halfbacks?

We are Wigan, we can do better than Amos Roberts at 1, 'needs must' isn't a term we should be using, that's a term for the wakefields/harlequins of this world

I know, people seem to be panicking that we havent anounced any signings yet. Last I checked the season starts next February. I'm sure once the season is over Ian Lenegan will have something up his sleeve for us!

There's also the possibility of giving Matty Russell a few games at fullback next year. He has electric pace and beats a man as easily as Sam Tomkins.

Then just behind them straight from the U16's is stand off Ryan Hampshire who has scored five tries and sixteen goals in his six appearances for the U18's late in the season.

Quite a lot of people on here discussing nearly all options for what to do with the 6&7 situation, but before we go crazy with random combos lets look at what currently works and what we have.

Tomkins as a FB or back to 6. We play split halves. At FB he has the freedom to join the line when and how he likes, he's not part of the main structure of attack. He's moved on and has become one of the leading FB in the world. Keep him there when he is so good as a modern day FB.

Pace in the halves? Yes it is better to have, but does anyone watch the NRL? Brisbane operate with little pace in the halves with Lockyer and Wallace, it's about team structure, I feel this of Manly as well.
For this you just need an excellent linking FB (Tomkins Hoffman (Brisbane) Stewart (Manly) and fast backs.
So pace isn't always the game breaker.

Mellor? I'm disappointed with the Wigan set up, for me he should have had a bench spot at times and been eased into the team resting Deacon and giving him experience, if this would have happened and he would have proven to be successful this thread wouldn't even exist.
As it stands he's not ready, no first team experience in the halves isn't good enough, he's not yet a SL player. Too risky for his own development and for the success of the team.

Roberts? Sorry best thing to do is neg a release on his contract to free up some cash. Why he is even being suggested as a 1 or 6 is beyond me. We've moved on and so should he.

The idea of Rangi at Wigan is fantastic, best 6 in British rugby (both codes) Neg for a deal with Cas and grt him to partner Finch, break the bank for a player who is worth it, if not look overseas, bring someone new in who can offer something different give Mellor half the season out on loan then recall him to take Finch's place at the start of 2013.


Tomkins
Charnley Tomkins Carmont Richards
Chase/Carney Finch
Fielden Tommy Lima
Faz Hansen
Lockers
-----------
Mossop (prop)
Hock (prop)
Luaki
McM

For me this time has other issues as well as the 6/7. I'm also unhappy with the hooking role, especially considering Tommy is more than likely off to the NRL at the end of this season. McM is not good enough.

I'd be quite happy with that, though I'd have Prescott on the bench in place of Lauaki and use Hock as a second rower.

Still not sure how likely either Chase or Carney would be but either would be a massive improvement. My only issue with Carney (apart from the obvious off-field issues) would be at the end of next season we could lose our first choice 6,7 and 9 if he only stays for one year and Finch and Tommy leave, which would cause massive disruption and be incredibly difficult to replace each of them, especially with that coinciding with the NRL salary cap raise. We'd have to make sure that the youngsters were ready to step up!

Finch and Mellor

If Carney only did a year we have the option to let Mellor replace him for the 2013 season.
If there is one aspect I'm critical of it's the progression of Mellor and other youngsters namely Russell.

Maybe Mellor's injury is the reason why we've not seen him on loan at another SL club, perhaps building him back up at Widnes is a 'safer' option with his development.

Yeh, I appreciate that, Carney coming in for one season to help Mellor's progression could be seen as the perfect solution, if we weren't losing anyone else, but Tommy and Finch's contracts both end next year. What I'm saying is losing 3 experienced creative players at once would be incredibly difficult to replace.

I agree. Really (hopefully) the club has plans in order to counter the loses. Just when we start playing Tommy in his best position as well!