I think both Wrench and Thewlis have struggled on the right wing in recent games, Powell will obviously have plenty of trust in Minikin after working with him before and I thought he was ok vs Hull KR

Powell seems to like bringing the younger players in for a few games, then taking them out for a few, to be fair to him, the younger players have had more gametime this year than I can remember, but right know, he seems to be focusing on experience.

Holmes is the puzzler, there seems to be no grounds for dropping him in Powell's eyes, he dropped him to the bench vs Catalan which I thought was positive, but he's been back in since. Maybe Powell has identified some areas he wants Nicholson to work on, be good to hear Powell's thoughts on Holmes...

I maybe wrong, but I think all 3 of Holmes, matautia and minikin have made the matchday 17 when fit and available. It's blatant favouritism to his old cas mates and everyone can see it. Wrench and thewlis have both been shunted out of position to the wing this season. Wrench is a centre and should be playing there ahead of Powell's mate.

This stubborn favouritism may well be Powell's downfall in the end in ebbing away the remaining confidence of the his dwindling supporters.

Holmes for certain is not worth his place either on performance or stats. We have to have a meritocracy in the squad. A clear message that if you are playing poorly over a number of games - you are out of the side and replaced by another squad member. Plenty players with more game day contribution have been shunted out of the side.

Seeing Cooper and Briers banging the drum in the Wigan dressing room whilst Holmes dreams of the off season and van life after pitiful performances is just compounding this season’s pain.

I think Powell has already made too many errors of judgement to come back from.

Possibly with the exception of Minikin, although you could argue he's been building up his match fitness for a few weeks whilst being in the 21.

I agree on Holmes, Powell clearly has a lot of trust in him, which seems unfounded based on his Warrington performances, there is a good player in there somewhere though - we've seen it, I would have dropped him a while back though, his performances are no where near standard. I actually think Mata'utia has been 'ok', his stats generally are pretty good, I don't think our structure is making any of our three quarters / back rowers look good, with the exception possibly of Wardle, who has the pace and footwork to make something happen by himself.

Generally, supporters would like to see a right edge of Thewlis (ok, probably rather at full back, but that clearly isn't going to happen), Wrench, Nicholson & Dean - I'd say that's a big risk.

I guess the chances of this happening have significantly reduced since Mike Cooper left the team

Not sure I follow your logic here.

And here's another part of the problem - Ratchford. He's just too slow.

It wasn`t Mike Cooper who King had pre-arranged to collect him from Hartshead Services, when he absconded from the team coach.

Too slow, poor passer, poor organiser, no kicking game, bad last line of defence, no leadership,..............let's give him a 2 year contract extension at 34 years of age.

Leutele leaving Huddersfield at the end of the season, so maybe that opens the way for King staying there?

Well, Ratchford won’t be playing much full back anymore with Dufty here.

I’m ok with Ratch getting a contract as long as it is reflection his position within the squad not being as important as it once was. He offers great versatility.

They’ve signed Naiqama to replace leutele

I remember saying similar to Karetaker on here about Ratchford before he was given another contract.

Karetaker was of the opinion that Ratchford shouldn`t be awarded another contract, and with hindsight, I now agree with him.

Ratchford is not good enough any longer to merit 1st team selection, and his retention is just an obstacle for our younger players` development.

He has been an obstacle for a few years now as he always makes it into the 13 when it is often not justified. Most accepted a contract extension for Ratchford if he was a squad filler, but Powell sees him as our first choice six…..another woeful Powell decision.

Any specifics mate you’ve heard?

This is what i would go with as well mate

Unapproachable and over fond of a power point to the bafflement of his players.

I am surprised as "Powelly" sounds quite matey

I’ve heard this morning Bennett’s coaches have been vandalised, windows smashed in and they’ve had to cancel on everyone.
Quite a few jumping the trains.

Aren't trains on strike ?

Not today.

According to the news ,the 30th is a rail strike day.

Probably a human rights group, protesting against Bennett’s part in putting Wire supporters through yet another 80 minutes of torture.

Quote ="rubber duckie"Not today.'" Ermmmm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-62352584

Quote ="rubber duckie"Not today.'" Ermmmm https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-62352584