We lost 2 prop from our squad last year in Pickersgill & Clough. We now have Dudson and Manuokafia to add to our already 5 other regular props plus the youngster from the academy. Both have size and strengthens us greatly. We are a bit light in the backs but forwards lay the foundation for wins and backs can do nothing behind a losing pack. So strengthening the pack first is good. hopefully we will knock the giving of penalties away out of Dusdson. If not we have Manuokafia, Gerrard and Joseph who we know are reliable with Johnson, O Carroll or Kavanagh to come in. I reckon first choice will be. Manuokafia, Gerrard, Joseph and Dudson. Betts seems to like O Carroll so I would not be surprised to see Kavanagh or Johnson go out on loan. Some Whitehaven fans seem to already have heard rumours Kavanagh is going to them. if so good luck to him but hopefully we will have the clause in there we can recall in circumstances of injuries. Over all this is a good move for us and strengthens us even more in the prop position and comparing with the two we lost we have better players.

I have a feeling Johnson will not get a lot of game time early in the season.

Betts ,as rule ,if available has O'Carroll in before Joseph.

Problem with Dudson according to my mate who is a Wigan season ticket holder is his poor discipline and can have dodgy handling. He says he started vey well and looked a better bet than Flowers but did not train on and ended up disappointing.
He is not that sad to see him go.

Let's hope Denis can bring him on as he is capable of doing.