I don't understand it, especially in the light of Jamie Shaul making it. Even the Hull fans think he's been poor this season. When you factor in that Hardaker can also slot in at centre, a position we're not exactly blessed with depth in, it seems like a very questionable decision.

I can only assume it's due to his past record. If that's the case, I would hope he responds accordingly; keeps his head down, continues to work hard and has a sustained period of the stability he seems to be enjoying at the moment.

A player with that level of balance, agility and speed off the mark could absolutely destroy big lads playing in the middle. If Hastings is dictating play behind a more dominant pack and guiding us around the park then, French playing 6 could be a perfect fit. He will undoubtedly exploit any space that’s left in the blink of an eye. Conversely teams would have to really focus on him which would result in space out wide. Hastings has the ability to make the right decisions and launch French through the middle or to go out wide and launch our 2nd rows, centres and FB. Very excited about the rest of this season and even more so about next.

This...

Additionally on the international scene defence is imperative. With elite players attacking from all positions having a tactically and tough as nails FB is a must, both for last man tackling and defusing bombs and dealing with other kicks.
I personally don't think there's another British FB who's as good as Zak in these situations, arguably Widdop, but certainly not Coote, Shaul, Lomax, or dare I say it...Tomkins.

French's two first half tries were an outstanding watch from the East Stand.

From all that was said he left the Eels as he didn't want to play on the wing. OK he will when needed this season but next with a settled squad the all will probably change.

No doubt he'll play off Hastings' passes but will we also be getting an on the shoulder half back? I hope so. With his footwork and power he could be devastating. What an exciting player!

Fans on here early this season were calling for a blockbuster prop, classy half back and someone to bring an exciting brand of rugby to Wigan. Now we've got them in Burgess, Hastings & French.

If ever there was a season to get down to the DW and watch Wigan RL it will be 2020.

Without a shadow of a doubt. I guess it depends how GB are looking to play as some of those players bring other things to the table (extra pivot etc) but, given Bennet's focus on defence, it does seem a strange decision to not have him there as an option at least.

i said the same on Friday players make breaks and there is a very poor back up, i thought French would inject himself more in the middles to feed of any offloads

It's truly mouthwatering, Ted. Any new half combination has an element of chance regarding whether it will click but, if this one does as it has the potential to, I doubt we'll have seen a more exiting pairing in SL.

P. S. When I wrote 'truly mouthwatering' above it autocorrected to 'try mouthwatering'. Not that I'm one for omens but...

There maybe a chance we'll also have another half back in place for next season.

What have you heard Brian?

Lachlan Lam on loan

For the season? That would give us real strength in depth.

Only heard it as a rumour to be honest. How Lachlan isn't likely to feature for the Roosters next season but is in great need for game time, and SL, with his father, could be the idea platform for him to develop his game.

Merely a rumour...don't know of any other potential HB coming in.

What's your opinion on us bringing in another HB?

For the two biggest questions for next season are - who partners Hastings at HB and who replaces Sarge at centre.

Lam seems like a smart move imo.

In regards to HB, you'd think French will get the first shot. It doesn't seem like he's played much at HB, so the jury is out really.

After that, & if French doesn't work, then we'll probably see Tommy there. He's the complete opposite to French in that we all know what he brings to the table & we've seen plenty of success with him at 7 too. I'd still like to see him on the bench for 9 tho.

Smith is too young to be counted on & Shorrocks and Sammut might move on.

I have a sneaky feeling Zak will play 4 next season and French will play at 1

Lam would be an excellent signing. Hastings sadly will only be here for a year or two at the most. Lam and Smith could be good long term partnership.

Well in the halves we'll have:

Hastings
Tommy
Sammut
Sharrocks
French
Powell
Smith

Looking a little closer....


Hastings nailed on starter, great signing
Tommy; could potentially partner Hastings or fill in at 9.
Sammut, I could be wrong, but I think he's down the pecking order, was an odd signing to begin with for me.
Sharrocks; personally I don't think he's good enough.
French; could have great potential to be a running half, but who knows at this stage if 6 is the best position for Bevan
Powell; can cover 7 in the wake of a crisis, but for me is a 9.
Smith...too young, for me his goals should be getting as much experience has he can with least expectation and pressure, possible a loan move etc, he's one for the future, let's not rush him, let's develop him properly.

Depends how we look to play.'old school' attack with a dominate 7 playing both halves of the ruck with the 6th playing off him. On paper this means we play Hastings at 7, as the main playmaker and controller, with French playing off him as a second receiver allowing Zak to remain as our FB.

Or.. we split the halves, if this was the case I'm be more interested in Lachlan Lam. When you split the halves you're basically playing with two 7s, two controllers, one places first receiver on the left, the other on the right. If this was the case, in attack we'd be better off with French as our FB. with his pace and movement finding holes out wide as the second receiver as the half would be more suited to French than Zak.
Then I was assume we have Zak in the centres.

I can debate pros and cons for both really.

But the plus side is we're developing a squad with 'ball players' creators who can make things happen. It's merely a case of working out who fits where to maximise our team.

I don't think we need Lachlan, but having him would provide more creative options for 2020.

What about Woods on loan at Leigh? Saying that I can see him and Shorrocks leaving and Sammutt/Smith in the reserves next year with the odd game in the first team when injuries dictate. Tommy and Powell to share the hooking duties, probably with Powell being bench hooker as his running game has improved so he could come on as a scooting hooker once the opposition tire.

i have heard Sammut being linked with a move to HALIFAX

If French plays in the halves next year im very concerned we are replacing 2 excellent defenders, Williams and Tommy. Can French and Hastings defend?

Does that mean Gildart is going?

Forgot about Woods to be honest. I haven't seen much of him or how he's progressing at Leigh. Wouldn't be fair to comment.

No, it means Sarg is going which means if we play French at 1 and Gilly as one of our centres they'll be competition for the other starting centre spot, maybe contested between Zak, Bibby and Hankinson.

Tricky Dicky stated ZH at 4 he didn't say centre.
He's a canny poster so it wouldn't surprise me if Gildart is joining his buddies over in Aus.
I really like Gildart so I'm hoping I'm reading too much in the post

I'd say you're reading too much into it. But I wouldn't answer for tricky. But usually in here people talk by positions not squad numbers. With Sarge departing and no word of Gilly leaving I can only assume we're talking about the vacated centre spot.