Think Mash said at forum we are okay at loose so I presume he has someone in mind to play there.

I think he may use Crowther, Battye and Pitts there myself.

I’m happy if we get two strong props in!

Pretty much agreed on that, plus someone who can play 6,7 and 9, or 13, if needed. I don't think Gaskell did enough on the times when he played in that role

I agree. Gaskell plugged a gap but was largely ineffective at halfback. He was however very good at centre. Therefor I’d happily see a back up half come in who could play fullback.

I think we need 4 more players.

2 x props (these have to be strong signings imo)
1 x halfback/fullback (I’m fine with this being a younger player like Abraham’s)
1 x centre (Croft maybe)

If there’s any money left after that then perhaps a young lad can be promoted or we can take a punt on a young player with potential like Shaw/AJ Wallace etc.

Honestly though if we cover those positions above we should be looking good to go.

From the way he was talking Crowther seemed the obvious choice.

Crowther is definitely going to be the starting LF I’d say. And I’m fine with that. He isn’t a young lad anymore and has around 100 SL games under his belt. He’s grown physically too this past 1218 months and I was impressed with him last year.

I think also O’Donnovan is a LF so we have 3/4 options there.

Crowther
Pitts
Battye
O’donnnovan
Bowes

Can all play LF

Wouldn’t surprise me to see Bowes get a go there.

Personally love jordy as a defenisive loose but dont think he offers much in attack but guess cant always have it both ways.
Believe odonnoven as left for the army although i could be wrong.
Also with regards bowes i dont think he wants to play 13 i know on more than 1 occasion in reserves last year my lad went onto pitch to go to 9 with harry moving to 13 and but harry stayed at 9 while jake went to 13.(thats not a moan by the way ja loves 13)

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/former-l ... lub-62183/

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/former-l ... lub-62183/

Bowes is an easy target in defence, he gives up easy yards after contact. The Huddersfield game at the end of last season was a prime example. Way too lightweight to play loose at present.

So he’s no chance of improving a year on with a new coach

That's why I put at present. I might be wrong though, he could have improved drastically and really filled out since they came back to training last week.

IMO you'd struggle to find any 20 year old playing in the middle of the park that is able to handle lads with 4-5 stone on them whilst running full speed.

I think a loan stint in the Championship would do him the world of good.

Agreed. Especially if the plans are to play Hood/Kay predominately.

Strange as when I’ve watched he’s been pretty strong in his defence and often following up consecutive tackles.

I assume your on about the game when he got a tackle wrong and took a head knock and fell off but that wasn’t the norm from what I see.

I’m not saying he should play 13 just that he has in reserves and can if emergency cover is needed.

Again, he’s a young adult and another pre season under his belt and he will improve again physically.

I’ve watched him in reserves and first team and I certainly haven’t witnessed him being a weak link in defence.

He makes the tackles but loses the collision. If you watch watch Huddersfield game back they targeted him. They made yards after the collision and nearly always finished on their front for a quick PTB. It's similar with Kay, but a lot of fans get blinded blinded couple of decent scoots from dummy half. Hood is much stronger in defence.

Cracking story here about MC opening his heart to a wigan fan https://www.wiganwarriorsfans.com/viewt ... &start=230

Cracking story here about MC opening his heart to a wigan fan https://www.wiganwarriorsfans.com/viewt ... &start=230

So one game then, I’ve watched him plenty and his defence is fine.

Quote ="LG83"Cracking story here about MC opening his heart to a wigan fan https://www.wiganwarriorsfans.com/viewt ... &start=230'" Couldn't imagine him doing that to be honest

Quote ="LG83"Cracking story here about MC opening his heart to a wigan fan https://www.wiganwarriorsfans.com/viewt ... &start=230'" Couldn't imagine him doing that to be honest

Where do you think we need to strengthen ahead of the season? Or do you think we could put out a competitive 17 from what we've already got?

Cas lost interest when Wallace wanted £100,000 a year. Games gone mad.

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You might need think about changing your username.

Thats a fair question and I am sure Vasty will answer. However in looking at the squad so far even without reference to the forwards the backs look pretty thin to me.
Correct me if I am wrong , but taking stock we only have two half backs and one is a totally unknown quantity at SL level.
We have four wingers so OK there
two centres
one full back
Plus one utility player, the injury prone Gaskill who can cover half, centre or FB but in my opinion not very good in any of those roles.
Unless I have overlooked some, I would say we certainly need 3 more signings at the very least in the backs

I think Gaskell was probably our best centre in the run in.

Probability a HB/FB and a couple of forwards would be my guess, but that’s all it is.

However I do think we are forgetting as MC pointed out, we have actually signed five players for the season already.

Bowden, Taufua, Butler we’re all signed for this season but arrived slightly early. None had a pre-season, they all played less than ten games and Butler in particular was never going to be fit for last season,

The above players actually replace almost man for man those who left, whether you think they are better or worse is your choice. Applegarth also stated he expects at least ten games from Eseh this season.

Come the start of the season we will have 30 players and they will be the right ones. No offence but you know squat compared to the coaching team and neither do I. They know what we need, they always do, despite what the touchline coaches think.

Whether they can make them work as a viable unit, only time will tell.

How do you know for sure we haven't got the required signings you think we need, some people on here think that they are the dogs do dars when it comes to recruitment, wishful thinking's one thing but the actual reality of it is totally different when it comes to signing them, your opinion and that of some on here and that of the coach are realistically miles apart and just because some have little faith and far less patience does not mean he hasn't got the job in hand, I'm sure he'll share his choices as and when it's appropriate.