In one of yesterdays Rugby papers, the one Millward has a column in. Ian gave a brief description of the three players that will be joining us next year and what they'll bring to Wigan.

I read it yesterday so from memory, Lima's a superb prop better than any of the current prop's at Wigan. Hoffman's the best backrower in the NRL for running the right lines and doing the tough stuff, and Finch is one of the top organizers in the game with an excellent kicking game.

Stacking the beers for Thurston to come and purchase

We have signed 3 very good players, all automatically go straight into the top 10 imports in the comp. Im already excited, I hope they have aclimatised by 27th Feb!

Can you imagine if they arrive in the sort of conditions Maguire arrived in last year? He got here just before Christmas, when it was about -15 and snowing like it does at the North Pole.

I spoke to him at the Fans Forum where he was introduced, and he admitted that he'd had second thoughts that first night. He said he'd never seen anything like it. I reassured him that not all our winters are as bad that, but the long-range forecast for this coming winter is not too encouraging. Brrr ...

I think he has admitted as much in interviews, he looked out the window and thought what the f*ck rather than picturing Old Trafford in October. I think its safe to say he enjoys it now though, with his own little pie eater on the way. Hopefully he will go down the Richards / Dallas route and have a wife who loves it as much as he does.

Riddell says he has spoken to Finch who is keen as mustard to get over here, Lima im not to worried about as Kiwi's always seem to settle, and Hoffman is initially here for a season, all in all, I dont think we have to worry, they know the way Madge operates, assuming we dont have snow like last year, but you seem to suggest otherwise?????

Brett Finch: Has the organisational, passing and kicking skills of a first rate half. Has been good enough to play state-of-origin and I beleive he won the Roosters B&F one year. Also a quality one on one tackler and never gives up on a play.

Jeff Lima: A battering ram on legs basically. You just give him the ball, wind him up and let him crash into the opposition. Good enough to have played several times for New Zealand and a very safe defender.

Ryan Hoffman: Strong wide runner of the ball and has an offload in his game. Has been good enough to play multiple matches for both New South Wales and Australia. Also a strong defender.

I don't think there is a storm fan alive who is happy at losing any of these three.



Took from that forum, great news.

Has Liam Thompson signed for Widnes after turning down a deal with us?

Our squad for next season, not just the team, looks absolutely frightening.

Amos Roberts
Darrell Goulding
Martin Gleeson
George Carmont
Pat Richards
Sam Tomkins
Brett Finch
Stuart Fielden
Thomas Leuluai
Andy Coley
Ryan Hoffman
Joel Tomkins
Sean O'loughlin
Mike McIlorum
Jeff Lima
Harrison Hansen
Paul Prescott
Eamon O'carroll
Ben Davies
Lee Mossop
Chris Tuson
Gareth Hock
Liam Farrell
Josh Charnley
Stefan Marsh
Joe Mellor
Paul Deacon
Dom Crosby
Matt Russell
Logan Tomkins
Ryan King

A clue to the futures of those still out of contract, taken from club website in story about the awards tonight



Maybe everyone else has agreed new deals?

It's far too early to make an accurate long-range forecast, but that doesn't stop certain meteorologists from having a go.

Several weather stations online are expecting it to be another cold one with a significant 'snow risk' around Christmas (which isn't as much of a problem for me, now that we don't play vital fixtures on Boxing Day any more).

Ah, well last year was so severe, my work closed as did many within the industry and ive never known that, they have many more contingency plans in place this year! But paid days off dont bother me if they happen again

So Zak Hardacre to Wire? I know Rogues said we'd been keeping an eye on the lad, and reading on TotalRL he's had quite a few offers from various clubs.

Be interesting to see where he ends up.

Lenegan said at the Awards last night that 6 academy players will be promoted to the first team to be announced later this week but didnt say who they were. Anyone any ideas?

He also hinted at a few players going out on season long loan, reassuring them that 'last year I told Darrell Goulding he was going on loan to Salford, 12 months on he is off to Australia with a GF winners ring ready to play for England'