100%

His technique in defence makes Smith honnestly look like a schoolboy.

Great debut from Shuan Tomkins

It's hard not to get over excited with Sam Tomkins because he looks to have everything including the most important thing which is imo a good attitude.

If he is given the chance to make a starting spot his own i think he'll prove his worth very quickly and in 12 months we'll be talking about a genuine star player.

Nobby made a right call for a change yesterday when it comes to a youngster in keeping him on the pitch ahead of Tim Smith. His hand was forced into playing Ainscough last week and into picking Sam yesterday but he didn't have to keep him on the pitch(although he'd have been crazy not to).

A couple of injuries and that decision may well have kept Noble in a job! now to turn it into a Fergie style moment(when Mark Robbins saved his job with a last minute winner in the fa cup 20+years ago) and go on to dominate

Tomkins and Ainscough were great and I thought famos amos looked a lot sharper too.

Can anyone help me out on what "thrutch" means?

Just found this by googling "thrutch"

"One of the best all-purpose Lanky words. A personal favourite of mine...

It means to strain excessively on the lavatory. As in "I were thrutchin' fer ages but nowt happened."

Or, as in "Give it a bit of a thrutch." A push, a knock, a bang..."

Work hard.

In the context it was used, give ball to forward, forward puts head down takes ball up with aimless force. The thrutch should be the application of the force, push etc. Repeat until tackle six then kick.

Back on track.

Sam is a very intelligent player. He reads the game well, note his defensive positioning when the kick was knocked back in the corner. Also watch what his did when Carmont scored. He purposely drifted towards the left hand touchline to give Carmont a pass option and make the Quins defenders tackle decision more difficult.

Anyone who has watched Sam play at academy and reserve level will not be surprised at his performance yesterday.

However, as usual from me a word of caution.
Let's bring him on slowly, preferably from the bench as was done yesterday.

That way he could be a Wigan great for a long long time.

He has certainly got what it takes. Backing up the runner was very edwards'esque. This is something that has been sadly lacking from Noble's coaching. It takes a lad with natural instinct to do the right stuff. Lets just hope it doesn't get coached out of him.

As for creating too much expectation - this lad can handle it. He is a potential future Wigan great without doubt in my mind but having said that I won't be expecting too much too soon. He needs to be nurtured but not wrapped up in cotton wool either. I have been watching the game long enough to know a special talent when I see one. Ainscough is another.

After a depresssing start to the season it takes two young Wigan lads to light up the scene and bring some much needed hope (and potentially save Noble's bacon). The fans will give them plenty of support and understanding for sure. I hope there is more where they came from! I spoke with some Saints fans this morning and even they remarked at what a good future these lads have.