I think the young lads we have at the moment are doing remarkably well, they are blowing some teams off the park, and playing at a level far higher than I expected from them week in week out.

The concern though is the standard they are playing against, can they cope when it lifts in the latter stages of the cup and playoffs and can they do it for all the season without showing signs of fatigue?

Against Leeds I feel our youngsters got schooled by an experienced front row and also against Warrington. The intensity will lift significantly later in the year and if we are to be serious contenders then I do think we need another Prop. In an ideal world that would be an experienced Prop from the NRL with a good pedigree, but for whatever reason (availability/wages) we are going to take a punt on Powell.

It's a both interesting and exciting move simply because of the uncertainty of how it may work out.

But that is completely ignoring the rumours that both Eric and Mossop are on their way out.

You can add Tuson to the list of players rumoured to be leaving.

Mossop is gone at end of season, to NRL, and the rumour is SAM TO Sydney.

I'd sooner Sam went to the NRL than Union, but it would still be a blow if he went anywhere before the end of his sacrosanct three years.

Gone at end of season to Rabbitohs.

You need to check your sources, I just seen him walk out of Franky and Bennys with a Wigan tracky on.

I really don't believe that, they have Inglis at 1, adam reynolds at 7 and john sutton who has just signed a new contract at 6. sounds like people are just saying it because madge is there coach.

From the sounds of it sam's inflated contracted has caused a couple of problems for us with other players. i think its inevitable that he will be going at the end of this season or the next.

so we will have possibly Mossop, Tomkins, Luaki, Hock and Prescott of contract next season.

that would leave us with a lot of room for new players.

wish list;
the young catalans fullback cant remember he's name
larne patrick
john bateman
zak hardaker (probably no chance but would still try)

Yes it is ignoring when is only another rumour. I can't select a team or comment on what is still purely speculation.

The arrival of Powell is only speculation too.

But that aside, if we are about to lose three of our forwards, two of them props, it would make sense to be looking to recruit an extra front rower. Surely you'd agree with that?

In terms of experimental signings I'd think that Hopkins at Leigh would be a better option than Powell.

Radio manchester just played the statement from Steve Diamond about Powell joining us that he made the other day. Harris when asked about it said Wigan's policy is not to comment. Since IL bought the club every other bit of speculation about transfers they have given the same no comment response to has turned out to be true.

Sounds to me like it has happened and they are just waiting until they are ready to announce it as with previous arrivals and departures.

Good call, Hopkins looks an excellent prospect.

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