Regarding centre and wing spots I think as good as Zak is and the potential he has points him to becoming a very good centre I don't really like him at wing. As NK says he struggles to make ground off our line.   It will be interesting to see how Douglas goes with the possibility of a few games coming up.

AK is a very well rounded centre, defence, attack and a very good goal kicker.  He'll be a big loss especially in defence and kicking.   Tricky choice between keeping him for another year and giving the shirt to Zak to allow him to really develop as 1st choice.  I think Zak will be looking for a regular start from next year.    It does leave us worse off for goal kicking though.....


If as rumoured we are looking for an outside back are we looking for a AK 1st choice replacement  or a back up?   


AT prop, it seems a no brainer to keep Sam E for next year.   He's getting exactly what he needs this year at Hull, playing for a very good coach and getting minutes.  I think we always signed him and Chan with a longer term view and understanding of the shortage of home grown props.   I can see Sam resigning at Wigan if his attitude is aligned to wigan's values.


I've not seen as much of Chan, I always thought he's too small for a prop but he's dynamic, plays the game at 100% and I think seems more suited to a 2nd row in terms of size and mobility, which is where we are short.  His attitude seems to fit very well at Wigan.  Others may have seen more of him to rate his 2nd row suitability....

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