John Ferguson was possibly unique. If you check out any vids, you can see he was at top speed in one step. Quick off the mark. And to quote Ray French "[iHe could sidestep on a tanner[/i".

Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ

Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ

Quote wigginswarrior="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" Bloody hell, Eddie almost sounded excited there. Looks like he briefly forgot himself and became an RL fan rather than the crass, parochial twonk he normally is (for further info on that, check Friday night's ludicrous commentary).

Quote wigginswarrior="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" Bloody hell, Eddie almost sounded excited there. Looks like he briefly forgot himself and became an RL fan rather than the crass, parochial twonk he normally is (for further info on that, check Friday night's ludicrous commentary).

Quote wigginswarrior="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" Yeah, though outrunning Wellens is not exactly difficult, even giving a 20 metre start...

Quote wigginswarrior="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" Yeah, though outrunning Wellens is not exactly difficult, even giving a 20 metre start...

To me Bowen is a maverick, he can do something out of nothing. He worked with one of the best in Thurston and between them they produced sheer brilliance at times. We've signed an off the cuff player and tried to turn him into a robot chiming into the line at specified times. We need to let him play his own game, our players need to learn to adapt somewhat to him as well adapting to our system. The guy can be a genius, but he can only do it our players allow it and work with him.

Bowen played a very structured game plan at the Cowboys at times as well, often dictating play at first receiver as well as the off the cuff stuff. I just think that he is still finding his feet in relation to the structured stuff and being a bit more vocal in organising the defense.

I was generally really pleased with his contribution on Friday. If Sam Tomkins gave a contribution like that I think the board would have been buzzing with positive comments.

I don't think it was a perfect display by any stretch but he came up with big plays at big times for us during the 80 minutes.

TBF i don't think that's true. I've already seen a few comments on here saying that Sam had a poor season last year. Even in his so called 'off days' he was streets ahead of anyone else in the league.

If he didn't go 80 meters and beat 6 guys in the process many on here had him down as having a bad game.

What i wouldn't give for one of those 'bad games' at the min

Thought he was good on Friday. He's slowly getting to grips IMO, of course he's not going to be as effective as Sam was wrapping around the back but we all knew that before a ball was kicked this year. Wane and the coaching staff are beginning to change the way we play with the last few games I've seen and our attack is looking good at the moment, averaging 30 pts a game.

Bowen was 13 years at the Cowboys and was brilliant.
He's four league games in to his stint with us and scored one of the tries of the season so far. Can he improve? Of course he can but he's getting better each game he plays.
I still think he was a very good signing and I've no doubt he will have a fine season or two with us.

A lot of good debate on here... Aside from structures, confidence, new team, new surroundings, etc, etc... Anyone else think maybe all he needs is some nice weather? I think as Spring turns to Summer, if we get some nice, warm, sunny and most importantly dry evening games, we'll see a different Matty Bowen.

Quote wigginswarrior="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" I thought Jamie Ainscough was more comfortable when he was moved from centre to wing and he played a significant part in helping Wigan produce a shock result to win the cup against St.Helens with a fine interception and a great tackle on Long. Wonder who will settle into their new roles first...Matt Bowen or Sam Tomkins in the NRL - Both players will need time IMO.

Quote wigginswarrior="wigginswarrior"Another player we had, Jamie Ainscough, was quick, but only when he was in the mood. Remember this, still one of the best tries scored at the JJB/DW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elE5GPdbCbQ'" I thought Jamie Ainscough was more comfortable when he was moved from centre to wing and he played a significant part in helping Wigan produce a shock result to win the cup against St.Helens with a fine interception and a great tackle on Long. Wonder who will settle into their new roles first...Matt Bowen or Sam Tomkins in the NRL - Both players will need time IMO.

Ainscough used to return the ball held in one hand at arms length.
It dove me mad, just waiting for him to get a big tackle and drop it.

Bowen is a fb and knows how to return a ball as HKR found out!