Well what do you think would it be a good move to put riddell into the loose-forward or back-row possitions allowing tommy to do the hooker roll . would we be a better team. thoughts anyone

Part of his credentials were that he could play in the back row. You never know.

I think it's debatable if Tommy is even the better hooker of the two at this moment in time.

That being said I think Tommy’s future lies at 9 and he’s defo got the potential to be a good one at that as well. With his fast feet and the way he bounces of tackles he should be able to make some quick yards if it’s needed but unlike some other ‘impact hookers’ he’s got the skills of a HB as well.

I think if Mcilorum wouldn’t have been injured we could have seen Tommy starting at least the first few games at hooker, with Deacs at 7 and Piggy working on his fitness. After his injury it’s unclear what Madge’s starting team will be

Personally i think we have 5 players for 4 places which is good. If that means any player has to miss out or be satisfied with aplace on the bench then so be it.

I would like to see tommy play hooker rather than scrum half.

Again my preference would be 6. Sam, 7. Deacon, 9, Piggy and interchange hooker Tommy coming on to the field after 20 mins. That would by my first choice for the first 2 months of the season whilst the pitches are heavy.

Why would you shift any of the back row to accommodate Riddell?

If you want a different hooker such as TL with Deacon at 7 then either McIlorum or Riddell just gets dropped from the 17.

I think the point may be a but moot anyway as I have seen it posted on Mike's site McIllorum has broken his hand so is out for six weeks so will miss the start of the season but where they all fit I'd expect Riddell to be fighting it out for the 9 slot and no other position.

Also on Mike's site it mentions Karl Pryce has dislocated his shoulder. Apologies if this injury info has been posted elsewhere., not had chance to read the site much lately.

Dave

As has been said we have five players for four positions. Competition for places has always been good and I'm sure it will be this time around.

I think we'll be a better team due to the committment that more younger players will be given their chance than perhaps in the past. This will ensure they stay at the top of their game so their name will be in the frame when opportunities arise.
It will also keep the established and experienced first teamers at the top of their game too. They will know now that a drop in form could very well mean a drop to the bench or worse, out of the seventeen. As soon as this happens the whole first seventeen squad will up their game.
Altogether this should help make us a better team and squad.

What also will help will be a new coach with new methods from a fitness background with science backed view on the subject. MM has also appointed Bitcom as the head fitness man and again he has a science based background. This could very well raise the standard of our game too as the team hopefully will be fitter longer and not suffer when fatigue and lack of concentration tend to kick in. This should improve the game.

Shaun Wane can bring a lot to the game too. I don't watch the reserves but saw the dvd of their Grand Final win. Saints had more players out there with first and reserve team experince yet the sheer power of the Wigan forwards, especially the front row took the game from them very early on. They wanted that win more than anything and it showed. The defeat was taken badly by Saints as they knew Wigan had beaten them in all aspects. If it was this type of performance which had them at the top of the league all season then they are a very good squad indeed.
If SW can bring that power and aggression to the first team front row then we will see performances we have not seen at this club from front rowers for years.
This as much if not more than anything can lay the foundation and platform for the halves and backs to capitalise. It could make us a very good team and far better than we have been for some considerable time.
All these things considered I am convinced we will be a far better team and squad than for years and I'm looking forward to the new season more than I have done for some years.

jameswk wrote:Well what do you think would it be a good move to put riddell into the loose-forward or back-row possitions allowing tommy to do the hooker roll . would we be a better team. thoughts anyone I take it you have been reading the local rag? http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Ridd ... 5956008.jp

jameswk wrote:Well what do you think would it be a good move to put riddell into the loose-forward or back-row possitions allowing tommy to do the hooker roll . would we be a better team. thoughts anyone I take it you have been reading the local rag? http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/Ridd ... 5956008.jp

The Wigan pack was absolutely immense in that game, particularly first half, and it was clear that they had the better attitude from the off - some of the Saints lads looked like they couldn't wait to go on holiday but the Wigan boys were there to play.

That's the sort of attitude that has been lacking at times in the 1st team and if it can be instilled throughout the club, Wigan will take some stopping in a couple of years.

Still think next year is too early for silverware, but 2012 on will be a good time for you men in my opinion.

I don't think Riddell's worth a spot in the back row. I'd have him on the bench while McIllorum's injured, coming on for Deacon with Leuluai shifting to scrum half.

I don't see any attributes in Riddell that suggest he'd be a good backrower. He'd start at 9 in my first choice side.