For me the key as to keeping Phelps and/or Pryce is within the half-back and hooker roles.

We have McIllorum and Tommy for the hooking role
We have Finch and probably Sam for the halves plus possibly Deacon if he signs for another playing year - not yet confirmed.

But both Deacon and McIllorum have question marks over their fitness and injury records, both missed a large chunk of last season between them. So based on that they can be counted as 1 player - so effectivley we have 4 players for 6,7 and 9 (and all this is assuming that Sam is not at FB). Not a lot of cover - Mellor may be one option but he is relatively untried at SL level.

So it may be that Phelps can be retained as cover in the halves (he was playing at 6 in the u20s recently).

We also have doubts over Roberts (can he get back to full fitness) and Richards is certainly going to miss early season games - so Pryce may be an option - surely competition between say Pryce,Charnely and Marsh for wing/centre cover is no bad thing.Especially as whoever shows up well next season could be in line to replace Carmont the year after.

I expect IL,MM and SW will make a sensible decision either way.

This is true in theory, but in practice, every time we had a problem at half-back the solution was Lockers will someone else filling the LF role.

I do rate Phelps but little point in keeping him on if he is not going to get game time. He is good enough for other teams but I expect the blocker here is that he is on the overseas quota.

I'd keep the pair of them for strength in depth and competition for places especially Phelps though due to his versatility. Last year we got the odd injury in the backs plus Roberts for a large spell what happens if we get worse injuries this year ?.. The young lads got plenty of game time anyway with Phelps and Pryce in the squad and will continue to do so during next year. The best way to bring these youngsters through is the odd one or two in the team at a time, surrounded by older heads to help them. Against lower quality opposition as well were the pressure isn't as high and the odd mistake shouldn't make a huge difference.



But what does the quota matter to us if we aren't going to bring in another Aussie ?.. Phelps on a one year deal is a no brainer for me. TBH i don't think we'd miss Pryce to much if he left though.

Karl Pryce to St Helens?

Wigan havent offerd Cameron a new deal. He flew back to Australia today with no contract from a SL club. He might never return to the UK.

Excellent news if true.

4 Overseas Players out.
3 Overseas Players in.

One extra homegrown player added to squad for next season.

Would i get shot down if i say i am still in the pro Karl Pryce camp.

I feel he can still do a job for us next year.

Heard a rumour this week that Whelan has sold part of his empire. What's he up to?

Crickes....





Not sold as yet...

What half?

Sporting or retail?

I think he will be pulling out of the Latics pretty soon. Have heard rumours about him getting back into RL in someway shape or form (it might be from on here i heard it?).

A quick search on google came up with this


To summarise, it seems Whelan is to sell 'DW Sports Retail' to Chris Ronnie - can't see no official link to back this up yet though.

Matt diskins twitter stating he had big decisions in the pipeline, perhaps he is on our radar for next season?. I'd be happy with that

It certainly seems he is up to something.