Pie Eyed wrote:We have a collection of individuals who, on paper, should be looking at a top 3 spot.
I'm not sure about that. 3rd at the very best I'd say, 4th/5th more realistic. Saints and Leeds are well ahead. I'd even say Warrington have a better set of players than you on paper (but we all know they're the most inconsistent side in the history of the game ever).
Looking at your backline, you don't have anyone who really scares teams. Richards and Carmont are decent players, but they're no World beaters. Your back row is fairly strong but your front row isn't comparable to alot of sides. Wigan should've recruited a prop who can lead you around the field e.g. Ruben Wiki. Losing Barrett was a huge blow as he was an inspiration to the rest of your players, he was a leader. Your halves are simply laughable now. Considering what Noble has to work with, he's done OK for a few years now.
But, it's getting to the stage where this team is Noble's team. In the past he's had the excuse of trying to get rid of the deadwood. Now, he's replaced deadwood with more deadwood e.g. Coley, Mathers, Pryce (barely played, unfit), Smith, Leuluai, Bailey and possibly add Fielden to that list who have simply not been good enough or aren't good enough for Wigan.
I imagine he's not got a great deal of time left. He has to pick up some wins soon otherwise he'll be gone. The games you have won't make that easy either.