Without condoning drug use this is an interesting point. The Salford match sponsor knew the testers were in for that match because they were told to pick 2 MOM's "just in case" - why didn't Hock?

and bring in a player who turned his back on Wigan RL for the £££'s on offer form Union?

I like him and we aren't going to get Hodgson, Briscoe or Webb and other than that Phelps is as good as the other FB in SL imo.

He's young, talented and a keeper imo.

"I am a Warrior".....sung by SCANDAL - you couldn't make it up, could you?

Just an average player. If he's not looking to be great then get rid when you can, especially in such a key position.

Bring back a young Chris Ashton. He was awesome in attack and his defense will improve as he gets older.

So we should hold a grunge against a 19yr old lad for wanting more money?

Someone who would benefit our club? Someone who's probably learnt a few lessons on the way?

Sorry, I will not be holding a long term grunge over that.

Deffo clutching at straws there mate. I got told of a list of 4 or 5 well known individuals who move in the same social circle as did the person recounting the tale to me and it wasn't Esterom that I was told these individuals were pushing up their noses.

I've been puzzled for a couple of years now why it hasn't come to light (officially) sooner. Some big names bricking it now I bet

Mistaken identity, It was Lee Briers. Wasn't it lads?

Tossers.

so youd rather have 3 very young inexperienced players (one of which treated the club like crap in his final few weeks/months) in 3 pivotal positions?

you couldnt make it up!

why dont we sign Ashton as well as an ageing experienced FB to tutor him ala Long and Myler?

Ashton has learned nothing since leaving. That's a fact.

Or we could listen to you bring ideas and put Richards in the centre and Hansen at loose!

Please don't be mocking other posts again after you showed how poor judgement you really have!

You were better when you just nodded and smiled when Jonh posted something.

If its a fact please back it up. How laughable.

hansen to loose, richards to centre. some people just dont know when they are being wound up

I'm not a fan off Phelps either, but in my opinion you have Phelps who is (average) at best, and also Richards who can cover that position. I feel Richards should be Wigans fullback. he has all the attributes to be great there.

But I would think Wigan now need a class second row like Hock. He was a game changer/winner for Wigan. Definately needs replacing. Hopefully not with an average Aussie on doubt his money.

if all players were tested you would be lucky to have a super league,drugs and drink abuse is rife.

I really think he's more than and average player and has bags of talent.

The LAST person in the world I’d want at Wigan at this moment in time is Chris Ashton as well. Undoubted talent in attack but his weak defence mixed with his awful attitude (can’t overstate how bad it is either) means we should well stay clear. He’s more trouble than he’s worth if you speak to people in the know or even just people who have had the misfortune to meet him.

Maybe if we had some players like Peacock or Cunningham to knock him into shape we could pull it off but sticking him in a rudderless team would be suicidal for him and us.

He recently received a punch in the face from a current Wigan player for acting like a tw[ia[/it at a gig in Manchester.

And he wasn't happy about it.

Signing Cayless would be massive to keep things in check.

Ashton in attack was awesome, brilliant for his age. I seem to remember a young Gary Connonally being shocking in def until he got a little older then he became brillant in def, same can happen for Ashton.

He would be a cracking talent, someone who wants to come back to Wigan.

See, he's getting sorted out already!

Connolly was never shocking in defence, then again he wasnt as potent as Ashton in attack either.

the drug testers are at every match.

sincerely hope that he gets help, talent wasted by a stupid act, sad day for him, sad day for RL

wasn't as potent as as ashton ask martin offiah how many tried he set up for him.

What a complete d*ckhead. I know it was posted on here last night, but I didn't think it was true until it was on Sky Sports News!

I'm so annoyed that he's chucked everything away! He could have been the best second rower in the league, possibly already was. He was definately one of our best players. How can a so called proud Wigan lad do this to his hometown club?

Idiot.

I just know that his attitude isn’t what we need at Wigan at this moment in time that’s all. He’s not right for us

He’s still contracted to Northampton as well meaning we’d have to stump up some cash to get him here. We could spend this money going for other players already in RL.

Then we’ve got to start talking about his salary and the effect it would have on players like Sam, Joel, Prescott and Ainscough who have all played well and remained loyal to Wigan especially Sam and Shaun. If Ashton swans back in from Union on a fairly big wage then it’s gonna do a lot more harm than good. Lets face it with Ashtons’ reported salary in RU he’d be stupid to take the wages Wigan would probably offer him.

None starter no matter how good his attacking is.