Could possibly have something to do with our connection with South Wales? Also with the World Cup at the end of the season, probably will end up playing for Wales and attract a few more people?

I think a lot will depend on his fitness and also our injury situation at the time.

From speaking to people who watch Rugby Union they seem to be of the opinion that he will be a good signing for Wigan and that he could adapt to the game quickly given his style of play.

From watching videos of him its clear that he can run hard and tackle hard and those two qualities seem to be much admired by the Wigan coach.

On the back of that he brings some big game experience to a pretty young pack of Wigan forwards and that could be crucial particularly come play-off time.

Can't wait to see him in the Cherry & White and I have a feeling that he will be all over Wigan TV shortly.

Wigan will want to make the most of this signing PR wise so perhaps we should expect a press conference.

News of his impending arrival has gotten the VT forum a little jittery.

Has it? The only thread I can find has got seven posts, only one of which is a moan from Durham Giant about the RFL allegedly paying his wages. The rest seem to be supportive or are about Lee Briers. Or have I got the wrong thread?

Maybe the signing hasn't been made yet.

We were in a similar place with Paul Wood, Gareth Thomas etc - all the newspapers and experts on the other forum assuring us it was a done deal.

It's possible that the club want to announce both together to have some good news to announce at the same time to take some focus off the bad news of losing a player. Whether that would affect fan opinion or reaction is doubtful but it would give the press something of higher profile and more interest to a wider section of the nation to report on rather than having them focus too much on the loss of another SL player to another competition.

They did a similar thing when Joel Tomkins went to Saracens, everyone knew it was happening but the club seemingly delayed an announcement of his departure and then announced Sam's new contract at the same time to soften the blow of Joel going and give the press something else to report on about the more high profile of the siblings.

I know it's a post not related to Powell or Mossop. On the topic of Hock at Widnes, say come the end of season a move to Oz isn't on, if he performs at Widnes and bonds well could people see him moving to Widnes full time? If so I know Widnes may struggle to provide a fee for him but is there any players of interest who'd we'd welcome to Wigan as a possible player + £££ swap for Hock? Just an idea! I know this could be used in a deal with other SL clubs aswell! TBH I wouldn't see an issue him playing against us, yes he'll try to perform but I see that as his downfall when he try's to hard to force the offload n the amazing pass.

Gaz is far more likely to be a Salford player next year than a Widnes one

For those who have never seen Andy Powell, this is him scoring his only Wales try in 2011. It is about 4 mins 28 secs in youtu.be/ad7JLVmzYvw

For those who have never seen Andy Powell, this is him scoring his only Wales try in 2011. It is about 4 mins 28 secs in youtu.be/ad7JLVmzYvw

rlhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/article-2306756/SAM-TOMKINS-COLUMN-Being-nice--Powell-wont-come-Wigan.htmlrl



From Sam Tomkins himself.

Someone better ring Sale Sharks and tell them

edit: I was wrong.

Turns out that Dev Alahan has opted to retire from the game due to family problems and won't be signing for Wigan. Big loss imo.

At this stage I don't think we even need another prop. Prove is in the pudding, our pack of young lads are doing us proud, with this we have depth in the front row with Eric and Mossop on their way back.

Very impressed with the good work from Crosby, Taylor, Flower and Dudson, reward them by telling them we don't need anyone else, let alone a 31yr old 'experimental' signing.

If we're gonna sign anyone, let it be a 'no brainer' too many ifs and buts with Powell when quite frankly, he's not needed.