spot on , would be a waste of talent on the wing

Young, fast, talented and exciting. We'd be sorted for years with that backline and wouldn't have to do much with it.

I'd take Broughton tomorrow, he reminds me of Anthony Sullivan.

We just need to then focus on halves and props.

If we brought in 2 big props, two natural half backs and Broughton I'd be happy.

You would probably also be dreaming the dream of all dreams in a medically induced coma.

Back in reality, we might make a signing or two, but if the rumours about contract extensions and upgrades are true, we again won't be bringing players in like for like with those leaving.

If the likes of LMS, Laffranchi and Flanagan get new deals as rumoured, there will be very little room for anyone to come in.

Not if Gardner, Meli, Wellens, Perry and Puletua are all finishing. I suspect we're going to have more cap room to play with than any other club for next season.

Perry is on an astronomical wage., if he goes it will free up a lot of space.

Wellens will also be getting a 1 year extension so I don't know where all these assumptions are being made that he's finishing/retiring. He isn't.

I believe the other ones quoted in your post are also correct.

He's a Saints legend, but he'd proved this year that his time's up. I can understand LMS, Flanagan and Laffranchi, if he's going to play second row, but not Wellens.

Considering Wellens hasn't talked about retiring I can see another deal coming.

Will we EVER learn?

That kind of news makes me glad I didnt buy a 5 year season ticket. It's like already decided that we dont really want to win anything next year

clearly not and until we do we will not be winning any pots. There is no room for sentiment in professional sport , especially one with a salary cap

Tail continues to wag dog.

Wellens seems to have too much clout somehow. Just don't get it.

Subsequent announcements of Meli and Gardner getting extensions will put a tin lid on it.

Definition of insanity
- Continuing to repeat the same behaviours under the same laboratory conditions and expecting different results.

Jesus wept. Hairy Mary Mother of Christ.

Pat Richards is off to west tiger (official) so we can expect more competition for broughton I'm sure which means we'll no doubt decide to 'go with youth'

Or even worse we'll resign Meli or Gardner and try to spin it as a massive bonus!

It's crazy to me that the club appear ruthless when it matters (Foster & Gaskell) but then bow down for someone like Wello who us clearly well respected by the players, club and fans, but that can easily be eroded. Respect takes a lifetime to earn and a moment to lose.

Either Wello is a Jedi or he's a stage hypnotist. I can see it now....Look into my eyes, not around the eyes, look into my eyes...and you're under.

I reckon Wigan will have someone to promote. If not, they can always stick a bid in for Meli.
If Tomkins is off the the NRL also, perhaps they'll need Wello too?

Agent Wello

Big chance for Burgess, Manfredi or Gelling, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Wigan offer a transfer fee (if necessary) for an established winger. It's the goalkicking part that is a bit of a concern, although Smith maybe could do that job with Hampshire getting a few games next year (he is a tremendous prospect)

You were saying you thought Hampshire would get a run at fullback this year - do you think he's your replacement for Tomkins?

The system Wigan play with is so comprehensively effective, it seems as long as players know their role, they can slot in seamlessly. Its an almost perfect enviroment for bringing young players on. It can (perhaps) be caught short a the end of the season when teams with a bit more experience and power gear themselves up, but if they persist, find the right kids and keep them all together then in a few years, once they've matured, they could have a good 5 years when no one can touch them.

Bastards

Charnley?

Hampshire has 16 tries and 52 goals from his 10 games in the U19's this season. We're going to have to find a place for him in the next couple of years (or someone else will!!)
I suppose it's when Sam goes that will be the factor, if it's at the end of this year then Hampshire may be pushed in early. I'd like Sam to do one more year by which time Hampshire will be 19 years of age.

I'm not sure you can keep all the young players together (sadly) as supporters are a little fickle and want success, Wigan 2003 - 2006 and Saints 2010 to present.

I've seen Saints through periods of success and through drought and I can honestly say, I don't enjoy anything more than seeing a young lad pull on a redvee and turn himself into a Superleague player.