[quote="Wigg'n":1k400okj]Super League would be much better without this kind of tribal thinking. It prevents top players moving around (and improving) other clubs. The NRL has a great market which betters its league every year by spreading around talent.[/quote:1k400okj] Personally, I think the strength of RL is in its club rivalries. We seem fixated on pushing the "international game" when in reality it isn't half as popular as Wigan vs. Saints or the Hull derby. The rivalry, and even the animosity, is something we should tap into more. The story around Williams playing against Wigan, Thompson against Saints, etc., makes it either mean more or adds a bit of intrigue to the neutral.

[quote="TKOR":2h15voz9]Personally, I think the strength of RL is in its club rivalries. We seem fixated on pushing the "international game" when in reality it isn't half as popular as Wigan vs. Saints or the Hull derby. The rivalry, and even the animosity, is something we should tap into more. The story around Williams playing against Wigan, Thompson against Saints, etc., makes it either mean more or adds a bit of intrigue to the neutral.[/quote:2h15voz9] I agree with this. I do think Welsby in a Wigan shirt would be fantastic too. He’s a top notch player and can you imagine the response and the build up to the derby game. I though have a different mindset when it comes to the international game. I cannot stand it when club loyalties cause fans to boo and jeer our English players because of the club they play for.

[quote="Stu M":1neybrg4]This is the issue now with Wigan's financial muscle. There are rumours from everywhere which creates a bit of scare-mongering. Don't get me wrong I'm as bad given that their wealth is worrying for the rest of SL, but there's no way Wigan are signing Welsby, Robertson and Lees.[/quote:1neybrg4] This article suggests that Wigan are looking to recruit this season, mind you I'm not suggesting it is any of those you have named. What we have done though is increased the cost to St Helens or any other teams thinking of recruiting them. The lack of noise surrounding Lees is deafening. I see more information has been release re Knowles future today. https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... de-101210/

[quote="Stu M":1neybrg4]This is the issue now with Wigan's financial muscle. There are rumours from everywhere which creates a bit of scare-mongering. Don't get me wrong I'm as bad given that their wealth is worrying for the rest of SL, but there's no way Wigan are signing Welsby, Robertson and Lees.[/quote:1neybrg4] This article suggests that Wigan are looking to recruit this season, mind you I'm not suggesting it is any of those you have named. What we have done though is increased the cost to St Helens or any other teams thinking of recruiting them. The lack of noise surrounding Lees is deafening. I see more information has been release re Knowles future today. https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... de-101210/

[quote="Stu M":1itng0a1]Really? Because you don't like him as a person or feel he is over-rated?[/quote:1itng0a1] Over-rated I’m not sure. Over-the-hill absolutely.

Welsby I felt had a quiet season last night was less of a thorn in the side against Wigan. However one player can’t do it alone and saints were carrying some passengers last season one being Lomax. I don’t think he’s overrated however if saints form doesn’t pick up it’ll affect his game. I imagine Briers will be helping him

[quote="Azul":1k3pxgcm]Over-rated I’m not sure. Over-the-hill absolutely.[/quote:1k3pxgcm] Welsby? If that's who we are on about I agree with the general consensus. Wouldn't want him but because he's a villain to us not because he's a bad player. Also I want other sides to be strong and have identities. Like it's nowhere near as fun playing Leeds now they have a load of journeymen.

Just seen Michael Buffer will be doing an announcement at the Leigh game plus they are setting a chapel up outside the ground for couples to renew their vows. This must be the most wackiest thing I’ve seen us do. If this doesn’t create some noise I don’t no what will

Welsby is top class. He's a character you love to hate and he probably had his least effective season to date last year but he'll bounce back at some point. I do wonder if he had the decision to make again, he would've gone to the NRL instead of signing that last deal. I think he needs the challenge to continue progressing but you should probably do that when you're in top form and full of confidence and that would've been the case had he gone at the end of 2023. I don't ever see him at Wigan tbh but I suppose stranger things have happened.

[quote="WWste":2apuk3e8]Just seen Michael Buffer will be doing an announcement at the Leigh game plus they are setting a chapel up outside the ground for couples to renew their vows. This must be the most wackiest thing I’ve seen us do. If this doesn’t create some noise I don’t no what will[/quote:2apuk3e8] I really rate that. It's just the sort of big game/event feel the opener of Superleague needs. Michael Buffer is only rolled out for the very biggest boxing events nowadays, so to get him over here for Wigan vs Leigh is great to see.

[quote="Azul":2qdo4wze]Over-rated I’m not sure. Over-the-hill absolutely.[/quote:2qdo4wze] He’s 23!! If that’s over the hill then what are most of us that post on here?!

[quote="jonh":2wqj0jks]He’s 23!! If that’s over the hill then what are most of us that post on here?![/quote:2wqj0jks] I'm one of those past my prime and no my name is not Lomax.

[quote="jonh":r85hfwfk]He’s 23!! If that’s over the hill then what are most of us that post on here?![/quote:r85hfwfk] Im assuming he meant over Billinge hill......

With Havard sadly out for a while, Isa gone and Chan/Eseh seemingly not progressing as much as the club had hoped, it feels like bringing in a forward is more important now for squad depth. Sam Walters likely won't make the 17 next week if Wardle comes back in so him and Harvey Makin would probably be next in line if we pick up another injury or suspension in the forwards. But another body would help.

[quote="MadDogg":2260imbv]With Havard sadly out for a while, Isa gone and Chan/Eseh seemingly not progressing as much as the club had hoped, it feels like bringing in a forward is more important now for squad depth. Sam Walters likely won't make the 17 next week if Wardle comes back in so him and Harvey Makin would probably be next in line if we pick up another injury or suspension in the forwards. But another body would help.[/quote:2260imbv] Use Walters through the middle if needed I reckon.

[quote="NSW":uvqt6p6o]Use Walters through the middle if needed I reckon.[/quote:uvqt6p6o] He's our one experienced back up player in the forwards - after that we're into names with very little SL experience.

Matty Peet's selection for Thursday will be interesting. He won't have liked Tyler getting sin binned for pulling a player's hair. Personally I'd have liked him to field his Grand Final 17 bar injuries and suspensions. Havard out but Hill in the 17 is pretty much a given. Walters is the curious one. Had a very good game v Sheffield which must have impressed MP where Tyler probably didn't.

[quote="Azul":2nqv1w0g]Over-rated I’m not sure. Over-the-hill absolutely.[/quote:2nqv1w0g] I actually meant Lomax. But I wouldn’t want Welsby either. We’ve got 2 better fullbacks than him.

[quote="Father Ted":3nkl8c9x]Matty Peet's selection for Thursday will be interesting. He won't have liked Tyler getting sin binned for pulling a player's hair. Personally I'd have liked him to field his Grand Final 17 bar injuries and suspensions. Havard out but Hill in the 17 is pretty much a given. Walters is the curious one. Had a very good game v Sheffield which must have impressed MP where Tyler probably didn't.[/quote:3nkl8c9x] Have you seen the Dupree thing? TBF to him it was just a grab attempting a tackle, wasn't like he lost his cool and did something stupid like he has done in the past. I really hope we see more of Walters this year. At least give him a chance.

Seen on one of the fb pages Willie Isa's new job is with Chelsea FC as player support and development officer, fair play to him, well done Willie.

With Willie Isa leaving the Warriors to link up with Chelsea FC as player welfare and development officer, Wigan are down one pack man for the 2025 Super League season. That being said, Peet does not foresee bringing anyone else in for the remainder of the season. “We won’t be looking to add anyone,” Peet continued. “We don’t have room to do it. “Obviously we don’t have Willie anymore but more of our attention is on retention now.”

Hasn't gone down well with Chelsea fans. https://x.com/ChelsTransfer/status/1888 ... 2kNTA&s=19

Hasn't gone down well with Chelsea fans. https://x.com/ChelsTransfer/status/1888 ... 2kNTA&s=19

Not sure if it's been posted elsewhere but Peet confirmed Ethan needs an operation so he'll be out for a good few months. Real shame for him, I think it's his 3rd bad hamstring injury now ?

[quote="Big Steve":1qsjf9ja]Not sure if it's been posted elsewhere but Peet confirmed Ethan needs an operation so he'll be out for a good few months. Real shame for him, I think it's his 3rd bad hamstring injury now ?[/quote:1qsjf9ja] At least 2nd but not the same leg that caused his issues before the 2023 GF.

[quote="Big Steve":1hdqalre]Not sure if it's been posted elsewhere but Peet confirmed Ethan needs an operation so he'll be out for a good few months. Real shame for him, I think it's his 3rd bad hamstring injury now ?[/quote:1hdqalre] He looks such an athlete Havard that you half wonder if he'd be less at risk if he let himself go a bit! If this is on the other hamstring from the injury at the end of 2023, hopefully it might sort it all once and for all.

[quote="NickyKiss":10acrk3p]He looks such an athlete Havard that you half wonder if he'd be less at risk if he let himself go a bit! If this is on the other hamstring from the injury at the end of 2023, hopefully it might sort it all once and for all.[/quote:10acrk3p] Can anyone remember how long he was out with the last hamstring injury?