The key weakness with Riddell is simply his fitness.

His fitness is the reason why he's rarely taking on the defence but when he does, he has shown how effective he can be. Where as McIlorum has this season started to develop a running game that we have rarely seen since his arrival within the first team. In the main, I think it's this attribute that is keeping him in the squad. I agree Riddell's distribution is better, but I suppose it's which you decide which ability outweighs the other.

I'd like to think there is a focus and personal training on Riddell's fitness. Once he does get that fitness, his distribution and running game will come together and join an already good, defensive technique to create a very good hooker.

Riddell and Feka both need a rocket up their s in regards to fitness. Who at the club is going to do that though?

I believe at Quins McDermott has made Danny Ward and Haggerty shape up or they'd be shipped out and they've done just that.

We need something like that done here.

I agree about Riddells fitness and personally dont think he will be here next year from what i hear he will be going back home which is a shame as he could be a great player for us.

I think our future is with 3 halves and one Hooker and then mixing it up during the game puts the opposition off there stride.

But earlier Alex you said that Mickey Mac and Riddell were similar. I don't think they are for the reasons you just outlined.

I would argue that Tommy and Mickey Mac are more similar and that is one of the reasons why I would have Riddell in the team.

I particularly noticed it against KR. So so slow. Otherwise he had a good game he put some storming hits in defence but he really needs to work on this part of his game and keep it up to a good level.

I've been saying this week and for a while i'd like to see MM given a crack in the second row.

Good runner, tough tackling and a great engine.

If people think his distribution isn't that crash hot yet he has all these skills it would seem perfectly suited to me.

I'd say Riddell and McIlorum are starting, organizational no9's and Tommy is an impact hooker. I certainly wouldnt class McIlorum as an impact hooker.

When I say running game, I also mean taking the markers out, popping an inside ball up to confuse defenders and taking steps away from the markers for wide running angles for forwards, opposed to a running game from the likes of Thomas Leuluai who will chase quick plays and spot gaps in the defence and lagging markers using quick feet.

Or Bailey.

That's a bigger loss.
I presume he's carrying an injury.

Yes.

We'll need him next week with Hock and Lockers out.

He seems to be have been carrying a couple of knocks for a while now and that would seem a good decision considering we need him for next week with our best 2 back rowers on interntional duty.

Nobby's made a good call

Good Call to Start With Piggy last Night I think?

We lost Shape when he went off and our forwards Werent utilised as well.

We struggled for the last 10 of the 1st half and the 1st 20 of the 2nd half to get field position.
Piggy came back on and 1st set of 6 We get to half way and put a great kick in and get Salford coming away from their own line and turned the "Mini" revivial around!

Well played Piggy!

Wigan look a much better team without him in it. I cant understand why some Wigan fans like him. Out of the squad that you have he shouldnt even be in the 17.