And most definitely not being funded from season ticket income (even if the membership is called a season ticket).

Ratchford would be useful as a utility player but I'm not sure where he would slot into the side on a permanent basis.

And NickyKiss, please change your signature - its two years too old!

There was a thread on here a while ago that listed try assists for Gleeson last year, and it was very few. A lot of Goulding's tries came from cutout passes from players further inside.



That post and the few after it were discussing that Gleeson made 4 try assists all year, while Carmont made 10. Interesting discussion, and highlights that the centre isn't always the guy that puts out the passes for a high-scoring winger.

If there are no real world class centres available to replace Carmont, Ratchford would be our next best option IMO.

1. Sam
2. Charnley
3. Joel
4. Ratchford
5. Richards

& if we get any injuries in the halves, Ratchfords utility will come in handy with Marsh/Goulding/Other academy filling in that centre spot.

Sorted

Excellent. Sign him up on a two year deal. He can be our fans new scapegoat for next season.

In attack he is looking quality but I have not been at all inspired by his defence this season. If he was to play centre it is one of the most important defensive positions.

Not according to John Kear!

Although maybe I should re word it to 'it's like watching paint dry'.

shouldnt go anywhere near him
not wigan class at all,
another liability in defense, and in attack he isnt all that amazing,
would get undone more times that shenton does at saints

Bloody hell Ratchford!

The first of many

A top centre does far more than pass the winger the ball to enable him to score. RL is played on the pitch not on paper. Stats don't always tell the full story.
Like I said, Gleeson's wingman always score. Take him away from Goulding and he isn't the same player.
God knows how many Charnley would have scored outside of Gleeson-I bet a lot.

Of all the young British centres in the SL a lot of them seem to be missing far too many tackles and making too many errors. Just look at the stats for the likes of Ratchford, Cudjoe, Shenton, Welham, Arundel.

I'm assuming this is in jest



I think Ratchford could prove to be a shrewd signing. Paul Deacon has played a more integral role for us in 2010 and perhaps even in 2011 than many of us expected when he first signed. The utility value or "backup option" whatever you like to call it he offers us at half-back Stefan Ratchford would offer only across a wider range of positions.

Obviously I take into account that Ratchford is not of the calibre of Paul Deacon so I am not comparing on ability but if you factor in Ratchford's age too it makes sense to me. We've had Karl Pryce on our books as a utility and to add to competition for places and obviously he hasn't lived up to his potential.

We don't know the exact ins and outs at the club at the end of the 2011 season going into 2012 but I think Ratchford would be a decent signing. The speculation of several key players leaving coupled with Gleeson who has already left leaves us much leaner in the backs and Ratchford would bolster the squad somewhat.

heard corey patterson is looking at coming over here,
neone know who he is? is he ne good?

He's only 24. Unsure what his circumstances are with regards to Newcastle Knights releasing him.

according to the article, he is just not wanted by bennet,
seems odd

Hes a second rower i think.

Dont need one of them

I think his primary position is second row. I'm sure other NRL clubs will express an interest in him. To be honest I don't know how good he is but with Ryan Hoffman likely to head home unfortunately maybe Wigan would consider him as a replacement?

As I say I don't know how good he is and he might not even be "in the same league" as Hoff.

Might do next year. Joel to centre + Hoffman back to the NRL leaves us with Farrell/Hansen/Hock/Tuson. Definately room for an import there.

If hes World class like Hoffman then i agree. if not then Farrell/hansen/hock/tuson/hughes will do me

Hes no good

Yes it was in jest.

Excellent post - I agree with you.

Paul Deacon was at the fulcrum of our success last season. His kicking game, experience and leadership was pivotal. Now I accept Stefan Ratchford doesn't have that kind of experience, but he does have an excellent kicking game. A valuable commodity if we are ever short in the halves.

I think a two-year deal is worth Wigan's while. I would back our coaching staff with Shaun Wane and Mark Bitcon as well as playing in a far superior side (sorry Salford) would see a significant improvement in him. If it doesn't work out - no harm done. If it does work out - we're on to a winner.

Squad depth is crucial. Our fantastic squad depth in comparison to some other clubs has been one of the reasons we've been so consistent. Pressure for places drives the performance levels up. Fans have bemoaned the loss of Cameron Phelps because he had good utility value, but was a quota player. I personally think Ratchford is a better player, has far more potential and huge bonus - he's English. With the quota coming down and the rising of the NRL salary cap making it harder to bring in quality imports, clubs will have to start investing in British-born talent. Not many decent OOC English players are available, but Ratchford is definitely one of them.

As you say - it would be a shrewd signing.

Roachford could be the new Ged Byrne with a bit of luck (Versatile Wigan lad playing for Salford, not world class in any position but a very handy jack of all trades). IL should get ready for a transfer tribunal..

Can he clean windows?

Cuddly toy? cracking song

Young people ask your Mum or Dad.