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Quote NSW="MadDogg"

Quote NSW="bazdev"

Quote NSW="MadDogg"

Quote NSW="Simba16"

Quote NSW="MadDogg"

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Quote NSW="MadDogg"

Quote NSW="dh13"

Quote NSW="MadDogg" I don't think that's taking the whole statement into account. They said that with Isa, KPP, Farrell and Smithies there are options in the short term and we will look for recruitment opportunities in the medium term.'"

Is that good enough though? I personally don’t think it is, but it’s all opinions isn’t it!'"

What would you do given the circumstances? I don't think forcing Bateman to stay would be the right option. Some people keep referring to Nicholson but that was just unfortunate timing - the club wanted to keep him but there was a quicker route to the first team at Warrington. I've no doubt he'd still be at Wigan if Bateman had left at the end of last year.

The mistake Wigan made was continuing to allocate a quota spot to Willie Isa at the end of 2021 leaving no flexibility for overseas recruitment.'"

The club should have being a lot more proactive in terms of finding a replacement as soon as the ball started rolling with this. I appreciate that it’s easier said than done, as the club shot itself in the foot carrying two squad players on the quota so it has really limited us in the transfer market.

But going into a new season a key player and a big presence light, isn’t what we should be doing. But like we’ve said, the club has made a rod for their own back with the quota situation.'"

I think that's why the club went into detail in the statement. They're essentially saying their hands have been tied for the last few months as Bateman was non-committal about his intentions.'"

Its reasonable to think that the club thought they had a shot of keeping Bateman, otherwise why delay the squad numbers until now.

Also, not sure if we have the squad to giarantee the Grand Final, but I think we have a better shot this year thn last?'"

Hard to say really. Might be tougher for Matty Peet in his 2nd year or we might push on. The squad looks pretty much the same quality - maybe a bit weaker now Bateman has gone.'"

Squad looks weaker? 2 actual centres (Our weakest position) have been rectified. KPP isn't as strong as Bateman but overall we look stronger to me.'"

We've also lost Bibby, Hardaker, Leuluai, Nicholson and McDonnell in addition to Bateman. Toby King has been poor this year and the club is taking a calculated gamble that they can turn him around - it's a 50/50 shot for me. Wardle will likely be very good for us. But overall yes I would say the squad is now slightly weaker.

A lot will depend on if Cust, Ellis and Mago can improve in their 2nd year. Hopefully Havard and Byrne can take another big step forward. I'd also be really surprised if French isn't incorporated into the spine of the team given what we're paying him and I'd be looking to utilise Cust more at #9.'"

Good post.

I’d like to see a lot of

1 French
6 Field
7 Smith
9 Cust

Get Smith playing old school first receiver and Field/French swinging out the back in different shapes which cause teams nightmares.'"

NSWFather Ted:

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.