Games are not won on paper though. I can't say I am too worried about Hargreaves, Clough, Flannery, Fa'asavalu and Ashurst.

Carney was awful that season. Lam left the game above after 20 minutes with a knee injury.

Typical Wiganers, always thinking of the negatives in every situation.

I would say I'm realistic. I'm not a Wigan fan who always looks on the negative.

I think we can become a threat in the playoffs but are still a few top players shy of really being contenders. Losing Barrett was massive.

Now I know Salary cap probably won't allow it, but..

Richards
Roberts/Pryce Gleeson Carmont Ainscough
Barrett Tomkins
Fielden Riddell Prescott
Hansen Tomkins
Lockers
-----------
Feka Hock Bailey Tommy

then maybe.

We'll see.

Will we?

To be fair, IL mentioned that losing Barrett a year early wasnt in the 3 year plan they have worked out. Barrett himself advised wigan they wouldnt need to shop around as Smith would be a suitable replacement. How wrong can you be!

True.

For me we are only a few shy of being the top team.

New 7, and two new props.

I would like to see another impact prop and an Enforcer prop.

The skill of neg with contracts and other clubs is the key. Just hope we would have enough cap left if we offloaded.

Bailey
Phelps
Smith
Fielden-contract runs longer.
Coley

to get in the right players.

The props for me is our first major concern, we need a Carl Webb type front rower to enforce the pack.

I agree. In an ideal world I'd like to see Moi Moi and Ben Ross in our front row with Feka interchanging with Moi Moi and Ross as the enforcer. Prescott to make up the 4 props.

In all honesty as much as I would like to see Wigan beat Stains there is more chance of Sean Long being named in Wigan's 17 on Friday.

Im not going to harp on about the Barrow match because it has been talked about to the death but Wigan's pack was totally outmuscled at Craven Park. Feka is an absolute waste of space and was blowing out of his a*se after 3 hit -ups. Coley did absolutely nothing either. What Wigan need isnt an enforcer - It is a guy who will wear that shirt with pride and sweat blood for his team mates. At the moment you don't have to many like that.

It was actually quite shocking to see how easy Barrow's pack outmuscled Wigan. There is so much to be said about playing with heart and pride. Don't get me wrong Wigan had Hock & Fielden missing and that has been accepted but would Fielden have made much difference ? Hock maybe but he could also have had a stinker and been a liability.

I stood watching Wigan warm up and their body language was shocking. Karl Pryce looked like he wanted to be somewhere else as did most of the squad.

Ancient & Loyal only applies to the supporters at the moment - Your players need to get their act together and realise that shirt and Badge they are wearing isnt' just any old shirt and badge - It belongs to a very proud and famous club, a club that generations have dreamed of playing for and would have given almost anything to do so !

It pains me to do this but

Wigan 12 (at best) Stains 50 (at least)