I agree entirely Nicky.

As to the scouting setup - Kris mentioned that we've moved on from the "flat-cap brigade" of 5 old blokes in the Wigan area, up to about 15 scouts who cover the whole of Lancashire and Yorkshire, plus contacts in London, and we have scouts at every Rugby Union U19 international game as well.

We've also moved on from just looking at players to checking genetics, growth patterns and measurements to estimate future growth and development of youngsters.

Oh, and IL also mentioned that not only are we now using the GPS system for tracking players during every aspect of their training - 13 out of the 17 players on the pitch against Barrow were wearing GPS trackers throughout the entire match.

We also have an intern whose sole job is to collate the data from the GPS units (what a boring existence that must be)

2012 even.

We're fine for this year.

It wouldn't have bothered me if he'd got the sack. He knew what he was doing, knew it was against the rules, knew the consequences for him and the club so all this it wasn't performance enhancing makes no difference. He has admitted himself he was using for some time so he's very lucky to get this deal IMO.

As to it leading him down the path Newton went had he been sacked that is not a given and he may well have done exactly as he has looking after himself had Wigan walked away.

At the end of the day he's back as a Wigan player so despite reservations he won't be being slatted off by me at games but I hope he's got a thick skin as I bet he cops some abuse from some opposition fans.

Anybody even suggesting that Wakefield are in any way to blame for the sad end of Terry Newton's life should be ashamed with themselves.

Terry had many demons in his life and Wakefield Wildcats was not one of them.

All contracts have "stipulations". That's what makes them a contract (I know its really offer and consideration for all the barrack-room lawyers out there).

It is not as simple as playing them "in their best positions though" we have to look at continuity, physical potential our developmental strengths etc.

I for one am not happy about using Tomkins as a 1 but he does now seem to be showing the touches of class that he is capable of regardless where he plays, but he does need to do this against the better teams consistently something that in my opinion he has failed to do from 1.

You could hardly say we have had many options but to use Locky as 6 when we have, I do not think given the players we have to cover the halves he will be picking up much more game time in that position, although to be fair I feel when he has been used there he has gone well.

Joel we will see, initially I was not convinced but, i am starting to like what I see, regards pace he is one of the fastest players at the club. If he is to stay there I anticipate that we will see a leaner Joel Tomkins in 2012. This is where the developmental aspect really comes in, we have a wealth of quality backrow forwards currently playing first team level and at least 2 who I feel will be great assets to our club within the next 2 years, good centres are few and far between and Joel is already showing himself up to be up there with the best British centres running around in SL.

I think we are looking at a bigger picture long term masterplan when making some of these decisions, and that makes a change from the panic buying/recruitment we have seen in the past.

I think given the nature of Gaz Hocks problems and the context in which the post was made it is pretty clear that the poster was referring to stipulations over and above those included in your "standard" playing contract.

ur having a laugh!?! hes got all the traits of a world class .
now sam tomkins is never a full back but thats a diff argument

It's clear to all except the one or two who still have an agenda to try and make the Hock situation look like a cock-up.

and thats one reason why we shouldnt abandon these people!

i know its all if's and buts, but what if newton was still at wigan when he took the drug? prehaps he would still be here.

Gareth Hock, from all reports, will be our best 'signing' in the last few years

Big call at the moment given he has not touched a ball in a competitive game in 2 years.

He may look the part and train the part but the crunch comes when he takes the field again, I hope you are right, but i do not think there is any need to get the expectations and pressure up, its a long road back from where he has been.

According to some joker on TotalRL, any assistance Wigan gave to Hock during his time off, even though it was indirect and from a distance, is - wait for it - "not within the spirit of the rules".

You couldn't make it up, could you?

This is clearly the new stock-phrase when you're determined to villify a club even though they've actually not done anything wrong or illegal. It's the new "they lose" button.

They didn't act "within the spirit" ...

Agreed - I just hope that fans give Hock some time and don't expect him to be at the level he was in his first game back, it is bound to take a few games for him to get up to speed. In reality I suspect it will be next season before he will be at full speed after a proper pre-season. But he could make some impact in games off the bench and does offer something a little different in his ability to off-load - something the other 2nd rowers at the club don't as much.

Watch this space.