i think the big thing about that list is 5 are overseas quota players. At the minute you would say retain Ellis, Miski (if he is going to be a 1st choice winger and not a squad player getting the odd game) and poss Isa for another year (he seems to be fit enough to go round again and add experience and versatility to cover a couple of positions, especially given we know we are losing KPP and Faz isnt gettting any younger).

If by my logic we then let Cust and Mago go, we have opportunity to bring in a couple of new overseas signings, with then the option to review whether we need a 1/2, prop or back row

The other thing we'll need to consider is Cooper / Singleton, both are very experienced and signed for that reason, but how will they both recover from their respective injuries (we can probably add Thornley into that equation too). If 1 or all 3 arent retained, then clearly another 3 to backfill

There was a post a few weeks ago with all the SL players off contract, and what didnt fill me with hope was the fact that if we were to let all of those off contract to go, that we could replace them with someone of equal quality by signing from other clubs. Theres no doubt the club has some difficult decisions to make over recruitment in the next 12 months or so

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