What a joke of a thread, are we talking about front runner for man of steel, FULLBACK Sam Tomkins??? Yes? Thought so.

I asked you to assume we would not recruit anyone which is not out of the question by any means. I reckon you won't answer it because you would have to admit the logical choice would be Sam to 6.
IF we don't recruit anyone then Sam may play 6, cant see it like. AND I think we will recruit someone. If Sam plays 6, who plays 1? Roberts hasnt looked like finding his form from 2010 and will be 31 next year, anyone else is untested at SL level.

To answer your 2nd question, if Deacs retires and we dont bring anyone in as a direct replacement, then I'll be very disappointed with some areas of our squad and our recruitment for 2012 in general. After bringing in Hoffman, Finch and Lima for 2011 bringing in Lauaki and a few from Crusaders is massively disappointing (I'm aware players of this calibre aren't avaialble every year but it's the standard of players we need to be looking at in key positions)

In the hypothetical situation we dont bring anyone in then the options at 6 would be Sam, Lockers (both not in their best position imo), Mellor (untested) or Finch with Leuluai at 7 (leaves us short at hooker).

I also still think Sam is wasted at full back. We could get away with him at FB if we had some pace at the current half back positions which we lack at present.

Sam is our only gamebreaker at the moment and he is not being used to the best by having him running the full length of the field at the moment.

Apparently the fastest 'off the mark' we ever had was Ces Mountford over a 10 yard burst. Both Edwards and Gregory had speed over a short distance and frequently won matches by these swift attacks.

John Ferguson was not the fastest ever Wigan winger, but what he could do was get to his top speed in one step - he was a blooming freak. He could also sidestep on a tanner.

why do we always have this thread after we lose?

3/4 people with silly opinions that make zero sense?

yeah, i'll pass on 'taking notice' of that if you don't mind. stupid is as stupid does

Sam Tomkins is going to be signed by Warrington to replace their aging fullback.

Mark my words this will be the truth in Warrington within days.

In English please, it's a great language.

You're kidding, mate.

Sams full back play this year has been brilliant in attack..dodgy in defence...hence Pat drops back to 1 late in the defending set.
I have reservations about Sams ability to tackle a big man...and he certainly cant come up with the big hits that tomy and brett do.

put him at 6 and he'll be brilliant at 6 in attack....if the opposition havnt knackered him up by targetting him in defense..........yes.......thats what will happen..a la Deacs...he'll be the weak link.

so whats the answer?
get someone who can play 6 and 1......a defensive 6, and an attacking 1, and switch him with Sam as needs be.

and ive no idea who fits the bill either before you ask

I'd play Tomkins at 6, similiar to the way saints let Lomax & Gaskell play together, Gaskell does the organising and kicking Lomax does his thing, let Finch lead the team around the park, Tomkins can still do his thing.

I just don't think he's good enough defensively to be a FB.

And he does return the ball back that much from kicks anymore, he is more often likely to pass the ball to one of the wingers.

I've also heard a little rumour that Saracens RU are going to make a huge offer to Wigan to buy out the contracts for both Tomkins brothers.

Like I say it's just a rumour

Whilst I'd love Sam and JT to stay, money talks and at least they would not be playing for rivals. Need to make sure that there is a buy back option for when it doesn't work out.