I wonder what is going to happen with Smith when Farrimond comes through. This kid is a once in a generation talent and they both (to my knowledge) seem proper 7s as opposed to one of them playing 6.

It will be interesting to see how Wigan manage this.

We have a similar problem in that we have a couple of really good 7s in the system (Whitby and Roberts) but I think Dodd will end up in the NRL. Not saying he is good enough for the NRL but I think a club will take a chance on him, therefore we'll have space for a 7

1. Welsby
6. Williams
7. Smith

Absolute no brainer. Welsby & Williams both superb attacking an edge, be that giving a money ball or taking the line on. Smith in the 1st or 2nd (if playing off a forward) pivot role given his decent long passing game and generally picking the right option, plus his kicking game is by far the best of any of our halves. He's the organiser for the most consistent team in Super League, who don't necessarily have the strongest pack - massively underrated.

I too have wondered about this, albeit I haven't seen much of Farrimond but believe he's outstanding beyond the usual hype around anyone remotely standout-ish at academy level. Is there even a way to accommodate both?

Can't quote again for some reason but the point about Smith and Farrimond is a very apt one and something I've thought about myself. They both look classical game managers to me and in time, Farrimond would be seen as somebody who would control his side and it's not the norm to have a player of that style at both 6 and 7. If those 2 can play together I'm not too sure but I think we'll find out. When I watch Farrimond, I think he has a bit more running threat than Harry Smith and he looks to have a great step, so he would likely be the 6, to Harry Smith's 7. It's very early days though and there is plenty of water to go under the bridge yet before we need to worry about it.

Again I can’t quote but what a lovely problem to have with us having Smith and Farrimond.
The problem maybe keeping Farrimond happy in the short term but I’m sure Peet will be communicating with Farrimond and his parents on a regular basis as to the plans to play him.

You can tell how highly thought of the lad is. He seems to be around the first team a lot now on match days and I presume he may be stepping up to full time training next season, if he's not already. There is no sure thing in terms of kids coming through the academy but he's got a great chance and I sense Wigan are trying to really keep him happy and onside and they'll want to avoid another Matty Nicholson situation. There is no doubt a club like Wire will keep eyes on his situation and his hometown club's owner could decide to throw silly money at him at some point if the opportunity crops up.

Would be good if Farrimond can play at 6, how good would a Wigan born halves partnership be again.

It would be Great
Is Harry Smith leaving and were getting a Wigan born half back to play with Farrimond ?

How dare the 'powers' that be have a 'plan'

Farrimonds a Leyther

The nominees for young player of the year are Brad O'Neill, Nicholson and Josh Thewlis - would have thought George Delaney would be on there.

Buzzing for Brad, hasn’t taken a backwards step since his debut and deservedly got that spot as starting hooker. Good too see his hard work recognised.

Incredible progression over the last 4-5 months. Considering he's only just turned 21 - the sky's the limit.

Saints fans not happy that Delaney isn’t on the list. I am a bit surprised. I guess him not playing much early on has counted against him.

I’m bias but it feels like O’Neill wins it quite comfortably from that shortlist. He’s had a terrific season and is playing well above his years. I have held back on throwing his name forward, because he’s so young but I’m leaning towards saying he should be in the England squad. I don’t see many English hookers who have outplayed him this season.

This also sounds biased but I don’t think he would’ve been far behind Ipape for the spot in the dream team, not many hookers if any have been better than Brad. Even then I don’t think Ipape has set the world alight but probably a step too far for Brad.
I thought it wouldve been between Delaney and Brad for YPOTY, but Nicholson has missed a good few games too.

And Harry's neither

Don’t know how I forgot that, I always say “he’s not a Wiganer” when they sing “he’s one of our own”

As a Saints fan I like Harry Smith. Admittedly I don’t see him as often as you all do. But I would definitely have him at Saints. I think he currently offers more than Dodd does and whilst Dodds ceiling may be higher, it’s irrelevant if he doesn’t reach that ceiling. I notice a poster mentioned earlier that he’s not a big game player but I disagree. The vision and execution for that kick to Marshall in the CC cup semi against Saints was the epitome of a big game play.

The whole “he’s not a big game player” is a farce. How he didn’t win Lance Todd trophy in that game is still a mystery. He’s been brilliant in almost every big game since Peet has taken over. A lot of Wigan fans don’t rate him though cos he misses a few goals, but his in game kicking is for me the best in league. The amount of games we’ve won with his kicking game is immense for his age. Leigh on Friday was a perfect example.

This is his first proper year as an our number 7.

Few growing pains which will happen with young halves (HKR away GP, Hull home GP first half) but he’s getting better and better.

Really?

He played every single game in 2021 and majority of 2022...

Harry is up to 100 games now so this is the point when we find out whether he is the real deal or not. He can’t be classed as a youngster anymore.

He will, or a lt least should get better with more experience. I’m confident he’ll be a top player for years to come.

Harry is up to 100 games now so this is the point when we find out whether he is the real deal or not. He can’t be classed as a youngster anymore.

He will, or a lt least should get better with more experience. I’m confident he’ll be a top player for years to come.

What number did he wear in them years?

I've never understood the criticism Harry gets from some of the wigan fans.

Form me he's one of the best in his position. His out of hand kicking game is probably the best in the league and his quality of passing often goes unnoticed due to the quality of players at the end of them. He's a young kid who has had the responsibility of being the senior half back for the past two seasons.

The only downside is his conversions - and IMO you don't really slag someone off for taking on that responsibility as obviously no one else wants to do it, or he's judged the best in the club.