[quote="NSW":2e9rhacc]I find it so strange Chan and Eseh seem so far down the pecking order. Chan played a decent amount of games for Catalan who finished joint top and made the GF in 23 Eseh impressed for Wakefield and we had to beat other clubs for his sighing. After 2 Wigan off seasons I was hopeful they’d have improved and would challenge for bench spots this year. Chan signed a 3 year deal so will be with us next year “ n signing Chan, Wigan coach Matt Peet said: “Tiaki is a dynamic young forward who we feel will go on to be loved by his team-mates and the Wigan supporters.” Chan turns 25 in June. Eseh signed for 2 years with a 1 year option so he could be gone after this season. Anyone got any insight into what’s gone on? Or am I reading too much into them not playing big minutes against Oldham and not being picked for Leeds?[/quote:2e9rhacc] Just seems like they're not impressing on the training pitch. It was always going to be tough for them to break into the 17 but not getting names in a friendly squad is strange (unless they both happen to be injured).

Thought Esseh went well against Oldham so I’m guessing he may have picked up a niggling injury.

Was weird in the Oldham game Chan was on with around 20minutes to go, he was back on the bench 5minutes later and came back on for last 6 minutes. I did think it must be something that he’s doing that the coaches want to change? Thought Sam was decent enough in his spell.

Been confirmed by Lockers Chan just wasn’t picked.

Havard and Miski fine for R1 also but no word on Eseh from what I've seen.

[quote="That Mon":3k22t394]Been confirmed by Lockers Chan just wasn’t picked.[/quote:3k22t394] Possibly we are looking to get him out on loan in order to open more room under the cap to facilitate any potential incoming player we are targeting to replace Isa in the squad. Him picking up an injury could scupper that. Possibly same with Esseh.

[quote="jonh":375oi7lt]Possibly we are looking to get him out on loan in order to open more room under the cap to facilitate any potential incoming player we are targeting to replace Isa in the squad. Him picking up an injury could scupper that. Possibly same with Esseh.[/quote:375oi7lt] I was told on Thursday that both are going out on loan.

[quote="Zig":1iopu4mt]I was told on Thursday that both are going out on loan.[/quote:1iopu4mt] Would make sense why they weren’t picked if that is the case to avoid potential injury, especially if we are freeing up cap space.

I found out yesterday morning that Nene McDonald was named on the bench against us on Saturday but was then told that he wasn't allowed to play. Seems like he's signing for someone. My initial thought was Wigan with Isa retiring and I was putting 2 and 2 together but it seems like Catalans have been chasing him so he could go there.

[quote="Stu M":8k8ss693]I found out yesterday morning that Nene McDonald was named on the bench against us on Saturday but was then told that he wasn't allowed to play. Seems like he's signing for someone. My initial thought was Wigan with Isa retiring and I was putting 2 and 2 together but it seems like Catalans have been chasing him so he could go there.[/quote:8k8ss693] Don’t see any reason why we would be in for him we are pretty much covered across every position in the backline and I don’t think there is any way he’d be a priority. It’s a secondrow we need. Like for like with Isa but 8 years younger would be perfect.

[quote="Stu M":2q3b6mhg]I found out yesterday morning that Nene McDonald was named on the bench against us on Saturday but was then told that he wasn't allowed to play. Seems like he's signing for someone. My initial thought was Wigan with Isa retiring and I was putting 2 and 2 together but it seems like Catalans have been chasing him so he could go there.[/quote:2q3b6mhg] It's a position Catalans need a bit more in IMO, so it would make sense. It's a shame that it would likely lead to another French player losing a spot in Romano though.

[quote="NickyKiss":3jiwn77k]It's a position Catalans need a bit more in IMO, so it would make sense. It's a shame that it would likely lead to another French player losing a spot in Romano though.[/quote:3jiwn77k] They already have seven non-federation trained players on their books.

[quote="Zig":csod31vf]They already have seven non-federation trained players on their books.[/quote:csod31vf] Maybe they're trying for a dispensation. If they got it, they would have 12 non French players in their squad, with all 12 likely to be in their starting 17. That is really poor (as is 11 to be fair) from a club who IMO have a responsibility to try and produce French talent. I love Catalans and the trips over there but it's an area that's concerned me for a while.

[quote="NickyKiss":palvf17v]Maybe they're trying for a dispensation. If they got it, they would have 12 non French players in their squad, with all 12 likely to be in their starting 17. That is really poor (as is 11 to be fair) from a club who IMO have a responsibility to try and produce French talent. I love Catalans and the trips over there but it's an area that's concerned me for a while.[/quote:palvf17v] At the very least English players should count on their overseas quota.

McDonald wouldn't get in Wigan's team.

[quote="TKOR":2m7c0np2]McDonald wouldn't get in Wigan's team.[/quote:2m7c0np2] I think you could make an argument he's a better player than Adam Keighran. But Keighran is settled in the group, is three years younger and can kick goals. Plus we have Eckersley backing up - it's not worth it for Wigan. I'm still hoping Salford will announce a takeover with some wealthy owners and be able to keep it all together because they have a strong side there.

[quote="NickyKiss":cej7gi74]Maybe they're trying for a dispensation. If they got it, they would have 12 non French players in their squad, with all 12 likely to be in their starting 17. That is really poor (as is 11 to be fair) from a club who IMO have a responsibility to try and produce French talent. I love Catalans and the trips over there but it's an area that's concerned me for a while.[/quote:cej7gi74] Hull KR are the same.

[quote="jonh":2pyai6if]Don’t see any reason why we would be in for him we are pretty much covered across every position in the backline and I don’t think there is any way he’d be a priority. It’s a secondrow we need. Like for like with Isa but 8 years younger would be perfect.[/quote:2pyai6if] Sam Stone

[quote="The Whiffy Kipper":aubumcu2]Sam Stone[/quote:aubumcu2] Say it often enough WK and it will probably happen Not a bad shout though.

[quote="jonh":hc81b87n]Don’t see any reason why we would be in for him we are pretty much covered across every position in the backline and I don’t think there is any way he’d be a priority. It’s a secondrow we need. Like for like with Isa but 8 years younger would be perfect.[/quote:hc81b87n] One player I wish Wigan could have got hold of as an Isa replacement is Seth Nikotemo. He's a great get for Wakefield - really powerful second rower and only 20 with tons of potential. If the timing of Isa's retirement would have been different he'd have been a good target.