I'm gonna be brave here, but I believe if we had a full fit squad we would have beaten St George.

With Pat and Amos on the wings we would have a lot stronger on the fringes, their three-quarters wouldn't have been able to rip us up like they did with Goulding. Also on the same note Pat would have been able to take some of the passes and get the ball down better for the attempted tries-something Goulding couldn't manage.

Secondly with Lima and Fielden in the pack we would have had more grunt and force to match and battle their drives.

We were so close, next year I'd put money on that we'll not only be in the WCC, but we'll win it.

Possibly, but one thing we really need is a top quality long-range kicker, something we've not had since Dobson. The rest of our game is usually good enough to compensate for that lack, but it was really exposed last night.

thought that was why Finch was brought in

Leuluai must get embarrassed when he makes a long kick because the whole crowd just groans.

Dont really watch much of the NRL so dont know what Finch's kicking is like? Hopefully he will bring that to the squad when he is fit.

Don't forget we will have Hock back for next year too

Maybe but a champion team can cope with injuries to key players. Do not forget that they had injuries as well.

Tommy's kicking is terrible. Never ever makes the FB work. FB's onh wingers run onto his kicks gaining yards putting more pressure on our def line before tackle one is made!

I think this was noticed as Sam seemed to be stepping up taking more kicks in the second half.

Overtime our line up could look different. Maybe:

Roberts
Pryce/Charnley Gleeson Carmont/ J Tomkins Richards
Sam Finch
Prescott McM Coley
Hoffman Hock
Lockers
-----------------
Mossop to replace a retiring Coley
Fielden
Lima
Tommy
Hansen/Farrell

Who?

I don't think you are being realistic and are being a bit glib with that statement. If one of their centres was as crocked as Gleeson was I doubt they have anyone to bring on such that their backline was unaffected. The loss of Fielden with Lima being suspended is also the kind of thing no fan would not rightly think their team would not miss those players, champion side or not.

Agreed

Any team in the world would miss the 4 we had out last night.

If Gleeson wasn't on one leg that cooper&morris combo would not have been so devastating.

Yes, I keep forgetting. But it's a nice surprise when I remember.

Spot on.

Wigan stood up and pushed the world champs with the man of steel missing, our two best props (Fielden and Lima) missing, a centre on one leg, and a squad of lads who haven't yet hit their peek.

No matter what, we did well. A performance to be proud of no matter of the score.

Fair point. I guess I am just taking into account the fact they have had to travel as well, probably giving them too much respect.

Take their best winger away in Morris before the game and then Gasnier during the game and yes we would have had a better chance.

Despite what the naysayers and trolls have been saying about the match we were very very close to pulling it off last night........ 1 try, that is all.

We are still a work in progress, still some players not back to their best Amos etc, missing some key men Pat, Finch, Lima, and dare I say it Hock.

Lets not forget just over 18 months ago were were up to our necks in schit & alligators.

Class performance from the lads last night which made me really proud, and I'm looking forward to bigger and better things........... I'm not so sure the naysayers and trolls are looking forward to it though......bring it on!

I could have said the same thing about the Grand Final - if only. Unfortunately you can only play with the hand you are dealt. The experience of appearing in the WCC will do wonders for your young players. It will make them strive to be better rather than let them think they are the best in the world.