Living in melbourne now, I cannot wait to see how he goes in the NRL. I am sick of reading newspaper reports rubbishing his undoubted talents because he hasn't tested himself in the NRL.!! Arrogant ignorant Aussies of which their are many. (Trust me).

I have only been here now 8 months and although gutted when he leaves Wigan as I still see all the matches and love the club, I have really enjoyed watching him grow from the youth system into the world class superstar we see today. In much the same way, as a parent, you let your child leave the nest and send them off to university or just leaving home. Its tinged with sadness but you want them to realise their potential in the big wide world, In many ways I have the same about feelings about Sam.

Sam is ready to tackle the NRL and IMO its him alone who wants to test himself now, its a difficult one because ATM the moment in the lead up to the world cup his stock is high and he is able to get the renumeration he deserves. Supposing he has a poor world cup, what happens to his stock then? IMO yes he may be able to get more after a decent world cup, but most clubs will have already assigned most of their S.C. by the end of the tournement. IMO this is the ideal time for Sam to announce the move.

I am just thankful its NRL not RU.

I think there's no question that Wigan's Academy isn't as strong this season. However you don't need all of the team to come through to first team, just needs 3-4 who are real class to step up which I'm sure will happen at Wigan. At any club it's rare to find more than that number within a squad, making it at first team level


Your scholars are very strong which will form the basis of your next Academy

These things can also be mitigated with smart signings (like we've done with Walters), but it's much cheaper to bring someone through though.  

Seems like plenty of our rivals are making moves to bring in new bodies before the end of the season.

We’re desperately in need of a freshen-up, but we’re not even being linked with anyone. Radlinski seems hell-bent on watching the season go down the toilet.


I’d have taken Shorrocks on loan – even if it meant giving Ellis a week off, or moving him up to prop for a week or two. A fresh body, a bit of a lift for the squad, something different.


And before anyone starts with “what about the cap” – how is it that other sides seem able to move players on, yet we can’t? Could Chan not have been shifted? Did we really need to carry Hurst’s contract for a season knowing he wouldn’t play? Saints are being linked with a new signing, but before he can come in someone needs to vacate a quota spot. What are the odds on them actually getting it done?

We probably don't have any cap space. So many players have had their contracts renewed it's bound to affect the salary cap.


Trouble is our two highest paid players and them being two of our three marquee players haven't played for months. French has been out for a couple of months and Thompson since the Catalans game when we also lost Walters.  Although Walters has returned he was out for around 10-11 weeks Thompson still hasn't played.  That is just too much talent missing from the squad  not to have an adverse effect on performance..


If there was a shake up needed then Forber to be bench 9 instead of Leeming.  Walters right 2nd row and Junior off the bench. Maybe also Eckersley to replace Wardle for a couple of weeks so get Jake rested and fit again.


IMO our first 17-20 is the best in SL and by some distance. For that to be reflected in performance they all have to play especially our best players which they plainly have not.  


 

Not a bad shout that but for me it would be Forber instead of O Neil