I see Wane as prefared to play Thornley on the left wing spot and id imagine that is where he will be until Pat comes back! personally i think Gelling has been one of the worst wingers ever to wear the top.

I was keen to see him come good when he started myself, but he hasnt completely gelled. He kinda reminds me a little bit of Karl Pryce, good prospect but not quite up there in a Wigan shirt yet.

Hopefully he will be given games in U20s and will come good, possibly coming back in the future.

Isnt Thornley by trade a centre? If so given a bit more experience in the future one side Josh and Goulding, the other Thornley and Gelling would be quite threatening.

Of course Gelling would have to learn to finish properly first.

I think hes done a good job given he hadn't played first grade before. Certainly not the finished article and lots of potential to improve.

Certainly not the worst winger we have ever had!

Showed tonnes of potential but looked out of position. He's made a few errors bbut he's young and still learning the game especially an elite level.

Right time for a rest.

Gelling clearly has some flaws but all these are coachable. He has the raw materials and attitude in my opinion to make a top class player.

The yards he makes and the damage he causes in the collision are the kind of thing that you either have or don't.

I feel he will be a great asset to the club but he is certainly a long term investment. Another offseason and a settled position and he should be fine in my opinion.

Agreed.

Gelling wasn't expected to play so many games for the first team this year and I'm guessing the coaching staff have been aware for some time that he's got some parts of his game that need work, while recognising the potential he has.

I think it makes sense to give Gelling a little bit of a rest and allow him some games in his preferred position for the under 20's. Wane needs to know the capabilities of both Gelling and Thornley ahead of next year so it makes sense to give Thornley a good run of games right now.

Having said that Gelling is still in the squad for Friday so nothing is certain. There's always the option of resting either Carmont or Goulding for a game so both could end up playing in the next couple of games.

I'd be delighted if Gelling never came near a Wigan shirt ever again.

Words that people have said about players such as Pat Richards, Mark Riddell and Brett Finch over the years.

I think that's unfair. I've spent plenty time knocking him, but that's because I just don't think he's ready for the first team yet. He's got bags of potential, and (unlike Pryce, for example) I think he has the raw ability and temperament to succeed.

He needs somewhere else to learn to cut out the faults in his game, whether that's in the reserves or out on loan somewhere for a while. We've been lucky so far that his mistakes haven't cost us anything, but coming towards the business end of the season, one bombed try or defensive lapse could be the difference between winning and losing.

My only disagreement with you previously Geoff has been that although I agree with your sentiments and do agree he may not yet be the finished article, I don't believe we had a better option at that moment in time i.e for the last 4 months.
Now that Thornley is here that may have changed.

No need for me to add much, I agree with every word you wrote. I still think he will be an asset to us, just needs more time. He's just a kid remember.

Another good comment. I remember being a bit doubtful about Pat myself, but now I just want him back and leaping like a spring salmon again. Young Gelling will be a quality three-quarter. GIVEN TIME!