Deacon has been given the Wigan Service Area U18's coaching job for next year, so I don't know if he'll be able to combine that role with playing in Superleague.

Do you mean he's been given Wigan U18's Academy or Wigan & Leigh Service Area U18's?

Waterhouse for Anderson is a no brainer, that is a definate (if he brings his current game) upgrade and his offloading style suits us down to the ground.

Ratchford for King, to be honest we would have to recruit either a current Aus or SOO winger to improve on King right now, the guy's on fire and real quality but we have a few players rumoured to be leaving freeing up space for maybe a big Oz signing, Ratchford is a mystery, I've seen some great/sublime touches beyond his years I've also seen him look anonymous, we'll see.

We also have (as fans like Rouges will tell you) some great talent coming through, very few Wire fans are worried about our squad for next season.

Saints on the other hand, Eastmond, Pryce, Graham all big game players and difficult to replace, Roby will be knackered pulling that team through the season unless the guys they recruit really step up and adapt quickly.

Is Pryce definately leaving Saints? Wouldnt mind him to replace Deacs

Although he does seem to be abit of a crock at the moment so maybe not.

Strong rumours of Catalans, we'll see.

If Waterhouse settles in early then i'd say your recruitment leaves you as strong as this year with potential to grow through guys like Ratchford and Hill.

As for Saints if they don't sign anybody else they won't be quite as strong as this year. Thats not a massive insult to them though as I think they'll have a pretty good go at the double this year if they can keep all their players fit. I think they're being underestimated by alot of people who say the Grand Final is a nailed on Wigan vs Wire final.

All true but at the same time your key players are that extra year over 30 again, I know it was said last year (and tbf, Morley and Briers are currently both sidelined with fairly long term injuries). Chris Hill is the best signing you've made in my mind, could realistically be a first team prop for the next 10 years.

Saints are losing some quality players, but they still managed to be there or thereabouts this year without Eastmond + Pryce, let alone very little from Perry and all the other crocks. I think they have 1 big signing left to announce, but we'll see.

We definately need to have some activity on the signings front, I have faith in IL but the lack of announcement on a coach is clouding my judgement a little.

Who are your confirmed departures and rumoured for next season?

Confirmed : Hoffman.

OOC:

Deacon
Coley
Davies
Pryce
O'Carroll

Every year, roughly around this part of the season, someone sounds this same alarm.

I think it's pretty clear that, whether we make any new signings or not (and frankly I'm amazed that any Wigan fans still look to end-of-year signings as if they are some kind of barometer re the club's health), we will NOT be left behind.

Was that the one advertised other week? Seems a little below his level TBH

Can see us resigning Davies and Eamon. I think Deacs will retire. Therefore for next year I feel we need to sign.

1) Half back- or promote mellor/logan tomkins
2) Prop- still feel we need to sign an experienced prop to replace coley. O'Hara?
3) Centre- A luxury signing would be a centre meaning Joel can return to the SR and replace hoff, Vince Mellars?

Davies has already gone hasn't he? Thought Hull KR was mentioned?

Unsure, don't think it has been confirmed, I just know he's on loan until the end of the season.

A new 6 as a direct replacement for Deacon and we're not far short. Would give us a 1st choice 17 of something like:

S. Tomkins
Charnley
J. Tomkins
Carmont
Richards
New 6
Finch
Fielden
Tommy
Lima
Hock
Hansen
O’Loughlin

McIlorum
Prescott
Mossop
Farrell

With Tuson, O'Carroll, Hughes, Crosby, Logan, Mellor etc in reserve

Another quality forward would be a good idea with us losing Hoff, Coley and Cross all at once to cover for injuries. Or a centre and move Joel back in to the pack (complete lack of these though obviously, the only quality centre who I can see might be available would be Brent Tate from the Cowboys).