First you are desperate to keep Goulding and then you reckon we dont need a prop

Is beer stronger around your way?

Never really here Roy Asotasi's name mentioned on here but for me would exactly fit the bill for the type of player were after, and could of swore that earlier in the season they mentioned he was off contract on the footy show. Even if not may still be worth trying see if they would release him if he fancied coming are way.

He's off contract at the end of next season unfortunately.

He will more than likely resign with Souths as well because they are putting together a good young team.

He perfectly fits the type of prop we need though I agree

I'm not desperate to keep him, if Carmont continues to pick injuries up, do we keep him, if he goes who replaces him? Goulding?

You dont need four good props to win anything. Our weakest positions are 1 and 7 at the minute.

I'd settle for 2 !!!!!!!!!!

Next year, when we have the money from Fielden going to have any chance of bringing in two great props.

Would agree somewhat on fullback not convinced with Richards there, far more suited to playing on the wing could play Roberts there allowing Ainscough to come in on the wing however signing a specialist fullback would be nice due to there ability to attack from deep which we currently lack. However that would sadly keep Ainscough out of a starting spot so probably go with Roberts at FB and Richard and Ainscough on the wings. Just hope Roberts would be up to the task earlier in the season he was a little shaky to say the least.

And what are we going to do until then?

Prop is the most important position we need to recruit for next year. No ifs or buts about it no props no pots.

We could have Lockyer and Thurston playing as our half backs but it wouldn’t make one iota of difference when we get roughed up in the pack again.

Roberts was brought as a fullback he has to be given a go there next year.

We need 1 Prop this year and 1 Prop at the end of 2010 to replace Fielden, hopefully LMS.

But as I've said, show me the facts that show our pack isn't performing. We could sign a big Aussie and let Coley go, but what happens if they don't perform.

Coley = One year deal, = him plays for another again
Fielden = next year last year of contract has to perform to stay.
Feka = Great work, need a tiny bit more.
Prescott/O'Carroll, will only get better and better with time.
Mossop = Halfway tho next year, probably be pusking Prescott and O'Carroll for their prop position, they way he's going.

What facts are there to prove it?

Our props aren’t good enough to dominate other teams simple as. How many times have you walked away from a game this season and thought our four props were the difference in us winning a losing?

I can name you at least four games this season when they’ve not been good enough tho and it has cost us big time-Warrington away, Hull KR, Hudds & Wakefield first game of the season.

If we can’t get on top of teams in the forwards then it’s game over.

To be honest seems that players that would be ideal for us come of contract the end of next year and not 09, would have to struggle through again next year can we afford to write of another season?

Fill our team with great props, still doesn't mean we'll score, thats been our problem.

our 6 and 7 partnership does not work. We do not have a 2nd phase 85% of the time as we don't have a decent game reading FB. If signing an Aussie prop off reputation is the answer to some people, i see this club doomed.

Guess we’ve just got to agree to disagree mate.

I can’t personally see how getting a new 1 is more important than a new prop as it’s not as a critical of a position imo.

Most weeks you could have Johns and Lockyer but they would not have a platform to work from. Thank god IFL is looking at a Prop and a half and not listening to you!

For 90% of the last 2 years we have had little or no platform from the front 4. Not adding to this would not improve the situation what so ever.

Mo isn't here anymore

Next year, next year, next year..................I agree the Fielden money will open some doors and I'm willing to be patient, but many more are not, 2002 seems a long time ago now, we need a trophy soon, even a day out at Wembley will placate some, win or lose (preferably win !).

Well what do you sign them off if not reputation?

Their reputation playing at a high standard in the NRL or State of Origin or internationally suggests they add quality to teams, especially those of a lower standard that they've already played for.

It's like choosing a coach, you need someone with a proven track record, who knows how to win finals, is successful, is the top trophy winner in his league, coached at International level.........................someone like, err.........Brian Noble ?

It's also a case of not just reputation but actually looking at them now and evaluating there current form, and seeing whether that equates to the wage packet that there reputation has probably increased and whether they are still worth it.

Or, are they past it !!!!!!!!!

It is a combination of personality, ability and style. In no other walk of life do you get a top job off track record, why should you in rugby league? It is often not enough as has been highlighted above see many of our big name signings and coaches.

Yet, if (Maurice/IL) got/gets it wrong, they get lambasted from all angles by fans, its a very difficult job, and hindsight is a wonderful thing !!

So true sadly we at Wigan have personal experience of this.

I agree but failing to learn from your errors is indeffencable and in the end cost Mo and Whelan, lets hope IFL does not suffer the same fate as if he does we could be up a certain creak without a paddle.