that break was just a snippet of the class he has! weve got some talent in that side with ocarroll (sensational), ainscough- breathtaking, tomkins bros just to name a few, nobby knows that these are the lads who we want to be building our squad around.

Hock, Hansen, Lockers, Feka, Paaat, Leuluai as well

Sam Tomkins defence really impressed me last night. It was outstanding. In addition he impressed me far more with the ball than he has in the reserves where I think he is much too greedy at times, perhaps because the standard is so poor and it is so easy to make breaks.

There would be no complaints from me if this happened and everyone knows I am not Nobles biggest fan. If it takes suspensions and injuries to make Noble wake up and see the talent in the younger players who cares? It happened last season with J Tomkins and now it seems to happening with S Tomkins and Ainscough (though there is still plenty of scope for Noble to drop them both again).

I think the most telling thing is reading about how well Tomkins tackled by using good technique given people were worried about his size. Why can't Smith do the same?

Dave

That in itself is a great complement to the lad. The fact that he knows to change his game style and not continue his greed of the ball in the more challenging game.

That shows alot of maturity and few young players would do that

Noble better show faith in him. Ainscough looks very good as well. IMHO Tomkins is better than Smith already, going forwards and in defence.

Noble isn't daft enough to drop these lads now.

I think as Offiah said - yesterday was a watershead in Nobles Wigan career. I understand why he doesn't just drop players for a youngster, but his stubborness to give any of them a run was becoming detremental.

Now with Tomkins & Ainscough in, Prescott can surely dislodge Coley and Hansen needs to step up his game with Mossop in waiting.

The interesting one now is McIllorum, I struggle to see where he fits in.

As for Mathers, he may as well start offering himself to other clubs. Our back 5 picks itself with Goulding, Phelps & Pryce providing the back up.

I said my report it was the small things that impressed me. Little clock killing kick into touch late on and on the back of that break after Ainscough had passed to Carmont watch as the Quins winger comes across to Carmont, Sam notices it and switches the angle of his run towards the becoming vacated wing, knowing that if Carmont got caught he was there. A small thing but great thinking support play that. Certainly from a player playing his first SL match.

I hope Noble see's it that way too

I think we have too many players covering the backline and for me the sooner Mathers and Phelps go the better

I think the balance of our squad is pretty poor at the moment and the recruitment pre season didn't help (buying a winger and hooker when we needed a prop and stand off)

Hopefully this will be adressed and sorted out at the end of this season

RL Express talks about Sam but has a picture of Joel.