Cheers,

I think we may be in agreement here. I would like to think that Sam Tomkins love for Wigan has no bounds, that he would dedicate his career to the club, but sadly that is not the case.

I would also like to think that those running the club would make a contract stick and keep Sam for another three years. We don't really know if Sam asked to go or if the club decided to cash in. Either way the reality is he's gone. This thread is about Sam's replacement who you seem to have (reasonable) doubts about.

Many of the posters seem a bit mystified about why calling him "marquee" or not is such an issue. FWIW I think it's a stupid term and was obviously mis-used to placate those/all of us disappointed to lose Sam.

It seems to be agreed that Bowen is a genuine talent. So whilst Wigan may have blundered in letting Sam go (or perhaps they had little choice) they have actually done well to get an excellent replacement who, as speculated above may actually, for one season, be better than Sam.

Given the situation I'm prepared to give IL the benefit of the doubt, especially considering Wigan's continued success on the field.

I can't be bothered reading through 16 pages, but here are my thoughts.
Having watched him on Premier Sports Bowen has been very very good in his games since his op earlier this season. If Wane uses him properly (and I think he will) then he could be good acquisition. It should also Tierney / Burgess / Hampshire further time to develop.

I understand it may be controversial and I think Sam could very well go on to be regarded as a better player when his career is over, but I do not think he is at the moment.

The level is so superior week in week out compared to Super League. No player will ever reach their full potential if they are to be considered World Class in this environment.

The Burgess lads are a great example, they have come on so much in the NRL due to the challenge of playing at a higher level.

I am sure Sam will also rise to this challenge, but at the moment on form I believe Bowen will have more impact all round as a full back than Sam has this year.

Let's be clear here. Most people have not said that Bowen is a terrible signing. There is no doubt that he, at least WAS a class player. The issues here are:

1. IL trying to make out that he is a "marquee" player
2. Question marks over his fitness

I'm sure every Wigan fan would love to see him perform next year. I am sure there will be games where he does. The question is how many will we get and will he be fit for this time next year.

Then again with the structure of the comp as we know it, maybe fitness isn't as big an issue as we (I) are making out. Wane can rest him over the season and pick him for the important games.

why is there question marks over his fitness?

and in the general opinion he is a marquee signing.

He's referring to Bowen's knee problems in relation to fitness. As for marquee, that's because he doesn't rate anyone

Not just me then? Bowen is a better fullback...... not a better player, simply a better fullback.

ST is too attack minded to anchor the fullback area when defending. Don't be surprised if NZW quickly move him into the halfbacks where he is an even more potent force on the pitch.

i would agree that Bowen is more of a complete player than sam but still would of preferred sam to stay but o'well

I think we all would but he's the best replacement we oculd have possibly found

Exactly. I'm looking forward to watching him play.

I don't get anybody having an issue with this signing. Sarginson, Clubb or even Pettyborne or Hopkins maybe but not Bowen. He's a super player and if we could sign more of these types and less Lauaki's and Clubb's we'd have an even better side.

I've had time to think about this too.

I think Bowen will be a good signing for us.

It's massively unfair on him to parade him around as a "marquee" signing, it's unfortunate that he is "replacing" Sam. To that extent he is the unfortunate recipient of IL spin.

Take these two things away and he is an experienced FB who, whilst I don't believe will be 100% all season, will probably have enough in the tank to perform in the key games. The structure of the comp means that is all he needs to do.

Its good to see you are slowly melting.

What is the definition of Marquee Signing, the phrase that seems to be such a bone of contention with a couple of posters?

I take it to mean a top class player that people will come to see, an exciting signing that will prove to be a crowd pleaser and put revenue into the club.

I may be wrong with my definition and I would like to be corrected if I am.

If my definition is correct the reaction on here would confirm he is a marquee signing.

I've been wondering for a few days now how people can't say Bowen is a marquee signing?

He's been arguably the inform player in the whole of the NRL fpr a good few weeks ago. The season before that he was the runner up in their MOS competition!

He's got a pedigree that 2nd to none that's been built up by season upon season of sensational performances.

If Asotasi is a marquee signing then Bowen is definitely in his bracket. Same goes for other marquee signings like Hoffman, Barrett or Lam in years gone by.

Then again it won't fit in with the agenda some people on here like to push.

A transparent and mean-spirited attempt to save face.

But at least it's half a step away from the "I'm right and everyone else is wrong" attitude that certain other posters seem completely unaware they embody.

The thought of Matt Bowen having to struggle with the realisation that he is being so victimised - 'My God, he told them I was a 'marquee signing' and whatever else I am, I could NEVER be that!" - is quite tragic.

Gosh you are like one of those little yappy dogs that won't go away when kicked aren't u?

Save face?

On an internet forum?

Oh dear.....


As I always have done, I will post what I feel. If you don't like it, no-one is forcing you to read it.

For several seasons it was assumed that Bowen was 'past it' then he disproved that nonsense with his talent. This season being the best example that Bowen is far from past it.
Turns out the playing with injury thing has been mistaken for a decline in his ability due to aging.

For mine the Bowen situation is this simple , If fit he is truly a great player still ( no brainer really )

When Injured he plays like a tradesman Fullback , not a weak link , but a tradesman hanging in there for eighty minutes ( like every other great player on the planet )

When fit he is a dangerman and dominant player in the chances of his team in any given contest ( as Important as Thurston when Bowen handles the ball ).

Seriously good defender , one of the best defensive fullbacks in the modern game.

I actually think it is a good thing that Matty has had a low key intro with the ESL signing.

Tough proud nuggety player........now he has a point to prove , and only one season to achieve it.

Look out , Bowen is a fierce competitor and fantastic club man unleashed on the ESL , he is going to do serious damage if he stays fit.....unlike some other Aussie bludgers.....Bowen has never made the Kangaroos or been a pet in the Australian system....that will be his biggest asset in the ESL / proof him from lazy detached arrogance , Bowen will never underestimate his opposition....he never treated the NZWARRIRORS with disdain in all the years I've been watching him , others have to their folly.

Where he would rank in the ESL I couldn't offer an opinion , I've been watching Wigan and a few other games ( Mainly the top for sides ) as a net effect of the Tomkins rumors ( since proved reality ).

i would say he is not too far off Sam when fit on attack , ahead on defense.

That being the case you would think he has a shot at best fullback in the ESL next year with Sams absence

Superb post from someone more in the know than 90% of the posters on here. I happen to agree from the number of games I've watched with Bowen featuring recently. I particularly like the description about his attitude, we need a serious competitor as Sam was one of the fiercest I've seen! On the whole, a very pleasing signing for me.

Would love for this thread address to be saved for in 12 months time, see how many of the moaners are the ones pleading for the club to take up the 1 year option.

I dont care if he wins MOS, Lance Todd, Players player, Harry Sunderland fans player of the year.

No way should we offer him an extension as he is 30 plus and has crocked knees.

Do you think we should offer Sean O'Loughlin a contract extension?

Why are we arguing over the contract extension, let's see how he fits in
IMO He replaces some of the things we have lost with Pat an Sam leaving.
Older head with experienced
Class player
He has kicked
Better defensively than Sam
Here's hoping

I think you've lost all sense of rationality

I sense owd Tuggs was taking the pi$$.

Moi?