Todays M.E.N. shows a report that Andy Powell could be returning to Welsh Rugby Union and if he goes Wigan will be looking for a Fee. It says that two Welsh Union clubs are interested in signing him.

The article says that Powell was initially brought in to replace Mossop, so will Wigan be looking for another Prop to replace him if indeed he does go?.

In short, no.

Even if Powell and Hansen go, we still have dudson, Taylor, Crosby, pettybourne, Clubb, flower, Hughes, Bateman, Farrell and lockers.

I'd guess that Taylor, flower, pettybourne and Clubb can play both prop and second row.

Wouldn't have thought so, we have forwards coming out of our ears at the moment, and you would have to question the quality of a prop who is available this late in the game if Clubb was our best option two months ago. I wouldn't agree that Powell was a replacement for Mossop either, he's more of a squad player.

Also Melbourne Storm want Wigans brilliant Aussie stand off Blake Green, to replace Gareth Widdop.

you missed Burke and Hopkins off the list as well

Damn, can't believe I forgot Burke, he's one of my favourite young players at wigan!
And yes Hopkins as well hopefully will do what hill and walmsley have done in recent years.

only 1 really worth going for would be manukofoa sp?

The squad list and numbers will be interesting to see when it's issued to see if Lauaki and Powell are included.
As the new shirts are out next Monday then the squad list can't be too far behind.

Well on Twitter H has signed for Salford we have got a fee for him , wigan not saying anything until new signing announced

A sad as it will be to see H play for a different Super League team, he has his share of injury problems and we have had his best years, looking forward to seeing who will take that next step up like Farrwll did this year when hock left.

Where on twitter? I hope we got a stupid amount of money for him, ofherwise this deal meakes no sense, unless his wrists are finally giving up the ghost of course

Phil Wilkinson mentioned it this morning and also dismissed the Blake Green to Melbourne rumour.

Ah cheers I thought he meant someone official

It was a signing that never made any sense in the first place. The club get most things right but probably not this time.

How can you say we have had his best years? Lockers is 3 years older and playing better than ever. No doubt if he goes and Salford don't do the double this will be taken as evidence that it was wise to let him go. Typical.

I'll be really disappointed if we lose Hansen. He has been the type of forward every team needs, hardworking, disciplined and loyal.

If Salford have offered him a much better deal, then I wish him all the very best, he has a family decision to make, but it's sad that Wigan can't / won't match that offer.

If we are looking to strengthen than I would take Carvell on a two year deal (especially if Powell is going back to Union) Slightly out of the box I would also have look at Paul Clough from Saints who is very much in the Hamsen mould but doesn't appear to be in Browns plans.

Because he is coming to the end of his career and his wrist his in bits, its that bad he might has well not have one hand. He also missed the world cup because of a new leg injury - he missed representing his country as captain for the first time, in probably his last world cup because of this injury. If thats not a serious injury what is?

The fact that Lockers is 3 years older and playing well is completely irrelevant. Every one is different.

Its not the end of the world to lose Hansen, yes he will be missed but he is NOT irreplaceable. Salford are offering huge cash for a player who would probably leave to go to there without a transfer fee at the end of his contact anyway. Snap the doctors hand off. Win for us, Win for Hansen, Win for Salford.

Maybe HE got it wrong, not the club.. Just a thought.

The signing always seemed odd to me too, unless it was just to raise the profile in Wales.

I'm pretty sure there was some kind of deal cut with the RFL, with one eye on the world cup which obviously went pecs north when he didn't make the squad. No surprise if he heads back.

Nods... Maybe so...

Hansen going would be another blow IMO because not only is he a good player, he's also an experienced head who thrives on the good times we're having after experiencing the bad. He leads by example and is a decent size for a backrower (certainly bigger then Faz or Bateman) and tough as they come.

I like to think of myself somewhere in the middle when it comes to the whole 'happy clapper vs doom mongers' debate on here but nobody can see this as a positive. If we've got a fee that's fair enough but for now I'd rather have the player.

I think after the lads that have already left we really need to stick with what we've got regardless if we lose out on a few quid in 12 months time.

Sorry, it doesn't work like that. If this deal goes ahead and you criticise it you join the ranks of those who will be strangely quiet at the end of the season. You also hate SW and IL, are glad that Sam's gone, etc.

I wonder if they'll arrange it so he only leaves after the WCC? Just a thought

I know nobody will agree but this is my opinion.

I would rather he goes now than after he pockets our money from his testimonial. Especially since he openly said he was only staying because of that.

Yes we have had good service from him and I wish him well at Salford , but he will be replaced. Why should we contribute to a testimonial knowing that will get two fingers straight after.

Take the money and invest it preferably in a top centre, which is the area we are really lacking.

Phil wilkinson has just tweeted there are a few surprised in the squad numbers which are released tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing them, should give us a little insight into what is happening with Hansen/Powell.