Quite a unique environment yesterday when I went to Siddal to watch Trinity in the cup.

What was evident was how big and athletic Thornley is not only compared to his opposition but also what it this year a very big Trinity team.

We didn’t do it with him and I highly doubt we would do it with Eckersley either especially since we now rely heavily on our centres (which I think he is all day) doing the hard yards early in sets.

And me. The lad looks is all class.

He didn’t want guaranteed first team rugby, he wanted to be paid what he thought he was worth. Williams was the same, but IFL was not willing to pay it. Danson is another kettle of fish.

That seems like a plan but who can we get as a project signing.

Miski and Cooper are good to go next week. Sam Eseh is facing a spell on the sidelines l. Hopefully, we will be healthy after the Cas game.

Smithies and KPP are not in the equation. Faz and Isa are at the end of their careers, that leaves Ellis and Junior. Junior is injured, so we are left with Kaide. Nicholson looks like a class act to me and one who we let slip the net. As for being average in size, he is much bigger than Faz or Isa. Finally, had we retained him I think we would have still signed Walters.

Good news with those two. Miski, in particular, seems to be continuing where he left off with yet another 40 minute hat-trick! Is there any further news on Eseh's injury?

I'll bow down to your superior knowledge there Zig. I heard he went to Wire because they guaranteed him first team rugby but it wasn't from the horse's mouth, so to speak, so I'm happy to take your word if you're telling me that's not the case.

Absolutely no idea.

What I do know however, is that it's now easier to get a visa for players with limited 1st team experience. Wakey have signed Vagana's lad on potential and probably his name & i'm sure there are plenty of hungry, talented lads who'd jump at the chance of playing for us. They wouldn't be guaranteed starters but, as we've seen this season, injuries always occur. One injury and they'd be playing SL. After that it's all down to them.

Ethan Sweet
Nathaniel Tangimataiti
Luca Moretti
Jordan Martin
Jordin Leiu
Bradley Zampech
James Roumanos

The lad has got a hamstring injury and he is going for a scan this week in order to determine the severity of the injury.

It all came down to money Phuzzy.

we could also give Isa another deal.

Doesn't sound too promising. That's 2 of our close season signings down for extended periods and the season hasn't even started yet

Injuries happen sadly. Touch wood, but the Eseh one isn't too concerning. We've got Cooper back ahead of schedule and, looking at the team Peet picked for Hull, Eseh wasn't even featured. We're well covered, even with injuries at prop.

Its certainly not ideal but so far at least there are no injuries that should last beyond late April/May. Plus whilst unfortunate, injuries are usually the main facilitator to younger players getting their chance and breaking through. Harvey Makin looks next in line.

My only concern would be another prop picking up a hamstring injury, especially if it’s another bad one. Havard and Byrne had them at the end of last year and another one going down would have to make you wonder if it’s something to do with how they’re being conditioned (says a fat bloke sat on his couch).

Very unfortunate. Wigan are hoping that Walters does not need an operation. It will still mean that he is out injured for 8-10 weeks!

In previous seasons it may have been a problem but the club has planned to a certain extent for injuries by having such a large number of forwards. Walters, Havard, Nsembe and Eseh’s return will be like having another pack of forwards available.

true, if you think about the jokes / comments made just after the end of last season, that we had 99 props etc etc

the difference is we have some class props and backup, with some good prospects still to come. Injuries are part and parcel of the game, and hopefully we are getting them out the way now and not the business end of the season

The reality is unless someone special becomes available we won’t be needing to sign a prop for a couple of seasons at least.

We also have 4 front line second row forwards it’s just very unfortunate that we have 2 injured at the same time going into the season.

We obviously have risks associated with certain players and NRL interest however in Havard, Eseh, Dupree, Hill we have the foundations in place to be very settled in the prop department for best part of a decade.

Mago 29, Thompson 28 and Ellis 27 all got a few seasons on them also.

Realistically we are only likely to lose Cooper anytime soon unless we move on Mago too.

It’s a great position to be in allowing us time to really focus on developing our young props that are already at the club.

Chan at the moment I’m not sure about but he’s another only 23/24 who has time on his side and certainly has the mental attributes in my opinion to really develop in the Wigan set up similar to how Isa did.

I agree with all of that. We have three props in their prime and a whole host of others that will continue to develop over the next few years. I think the club see Makin as a replacement for Cooper but that won’t be for a couple of years. The conveyor belt seems well oiled with respect to both backs and forwards.

What are your thoughts on Makin, Zig? He seems to be an explosive runner at academy level but, as he's not the biggest, do you think it will transfer to senior level?

I think his size (height) is a disadvantage but his attitude is first class. Will power can get you a long way. I am hoping that the club can develop him into an Andy Platt type player. The jury is out yet, but I think he has a chance.

Platt started as a back rower iirc and I'm wondering whether the same pathway might be the best for Makin too? Not sure if he's ever played there though so it might be a non starter.