Even the most blinkered Wigan fan can't be impressed with what Piggy 'in the' Riddell has offered so far, he was still walking back to get behind the ball on tackle 3 of one of our defensive sets after a kick chase, that was inside the first 8 minutes. He also looked slow with his distribution and just generally lazy/unfit.

who was that guy in the yellow top barking out orders behind theplay of the ball ????????? thought that was stopped

Was it Mick Forshaw, not sure if he's on their staff but it looked like him (from about 50 yards away).

In terms of the structure of the team I didn't really notice any big changes from last season. The major difference was a decent kicking game which will give us a better chance of winning the close games we always seemed to lose last year. Hopefully as the season progresses we will see a bit more from the team with ball in hand.

Berrigan was probably confused as to why he hadn't being moved position / interchanged.

Probably because Washbrook needed some game-time as well. Like it or not, he's probably going to be in the first choice 17 and Houghton won't be, so if Berrigan felt he could do 80 (which he did, whilst still looking strong near the end), getting a bit of time on the pitch for Washbrook was more important than giving Houghton a run-out .

Not sure what some people expect of Berro but give the guy a chance FFS! It was his first run out of the year and he played a full 80 mins in a pivitol role. His defence around the ruck was awesome and obviously has been missed by some on here!

As for Horne and Thorman....good signs already, lets hope they both stay relatively injury free.

Who said i didnt want Washy in the 17. He's our first choice 13. My point was that with it being Berro's first game it would have been more prudent to carry Houghton on the bench to allow Berro to take a break for 20-30 mins. Would have benefited the side too imo.

No-one that I know of and certainly not me. My point was that, as he is going to be in the 17 each week, it benefited us more to have him get some game-time than it would've done to have Houghton come on, especially as we're a much better team with Berrigan at hooker anyway. As long as he can do 80 minutes, there's no need waste a bench spot on someone who probably won't be needed.

Agree. And the great thing is that if Thorman keeps performing, he'll get a new contract before too long and we might get 4-5 years out of this partnership around which we can really (re-) build a team. With time the more expansive plays will develop as the team gels around these two.

Some were disappointed with his signing or at least the fact that we didn't sign a big name half, but unlike a big name from down under Thorman might give us longevity. The problem with the big names, as many teams find out, is that once they've done their two years, its back to square one in terms of that crucial partnership around which the rest of the team operates.

For Thorman and Horne to have hit it off so early and that they clearly complement one another's games with Horne more of a runner and Thorman more of a tactical kicker I think the future looks very bright for the next few years.