Whats the craic with bailey? Is it that he needs to pass a fitness test to get a new contract then?

1.Phelps
2.Roberts
3.Gleeson
4.Carmont
5.Richards
6.Tomkins
7.TL
8.Coley
9.Riddell
10.Prescott
11.Bailey
12.Tomkins
13.Locky

14.Hansen
15.Fielden
16.Feka
17.Deacon

TL can run 80 mins switching between the 2 and offers more threat than Deacon, who can come on and hopefully change the attack to a pressurised one, based on field position.

For me if either centre is not 100% fit or any member of the back 3, Pryce and Ainscough have to get a chance, same for the backrow with Farrell and Mossop. I expect all 4 to make an impact in 2010.

What are you thoughts on creating Pressure JOhnh? Start with Deacon and create pressure from the start of the match.. then bring tommy on when the opposition is tired.. or start with Tommy and create from the outset and then bring Deacon on to pressurise the opposition? Its an interesting dilema?

Agree with this except for O'Carroll/Fielden/Utility instead of the 2nd Coley.

Personally i like the idea of Tommy and Riddell to start. Hit them from all angles at the start then when we bring on the impact forwards off the bench run with TL as the hooker to get us a bit of momentum and hopefully with Deacons kicking game play them in there half, where the likes of Feka is most effective.

Doesn't mean it's the best team though does it? There's a couple Wigan lads who IMO need to make a bigger step up than what they did last year who get far less stick on here than the overseas players. Having said that, there are a couple of Wigan lads who I'd like to see get a chance more this season, for me it's make or break for a couple of our more established young players who need to get out of their comfort zone.

Joel Tomkins and Hansen for me need a good start or are in real danger of being overhauled by Farrell and Mossop.

Ditto.

1. Phelps
2. Roberts
3. Gleeson
4. Carmont
5. Richards
6. Tomkins
7. Deacon
8. Prescott
9. Riddell
10. Coley
11. Mossop
12. Tomkins
13. O'Loughlin

S: Leuluai
S: Hansen
S: Feka
S: Fielden

I'd have Hansen starting and Joel on the bench.
If Bailey is not retained then both could start with Mossop on the bench.

We'll probably also see O'Carroll used as part of the prop rotation.

When you add Ainscough, Pryce, Goulding, McIlorum and Farrell to that list then there's very good depth to the squad.

Personally, I think Hansen offers very little in attack apart from direct running which isn't necessarily a bad thing if he's used correctly.

IMO his direct running with his excellent all round defence works better off the bench to maintain the pace set by more elusive and effective-attacking second rowers such as Mossop and Tomkins.

Not if Feka and Riddell don't get fit. If they don't they should be dropped or we will be back to picking on reputation.

They will never be the players they ought to be unless they tow the line we all expect to be set by MM & SW.

Dave

Do people on here think Darrel Goulding has a future with the club? Personally i think he has failed to fulfill his potential and this year should be his last chance. When is he contracted at the club until?

I'd go with your line up. However I think you are being a bit harsh on O'Carroll who IMO can easily compete with Prescott.

Goulding just looks to be behind two better centres but overall your side is one that contains players I would expect to respond readily to the new tough fitness orientated regime we are supposed to be getting.

How Roberts will respond will be interesting. He needs to become the player IL signed him to be - IL's "flying winger". If his form is as erratic as last season he will not last long IMO.

Feka and Riddell must get fit before even being considered or that will undermine the new ethos. You can hardly flog the players in training and then pick two unfit ones ahead of those who have done the work.

Same with Pryce. Make or break year for Pryce. If MM & SW can get him fit and raring to go he could be an awesome player.

Dave