Both excellent points.

It is pointless sending individuals to play in the NRL. To beat Australia SL needs to be played at the same level on a weekly basis. See NZ as an example, by the NZ eligible individuals playing at the same intensity as the Australian players, collectively they are the better team.



I don't know what the answer is, but placing the problem squarely on the SC is naive to say the least.

Naive, but extremely easy

So whats the answer, an English team in the NRL?

There always seems to be some Warrington fan floating around on here, ready to come charging in if he thinks his club is in any way being disrespected. I'm not quite sure what he expects, this being a Wigan forum.



But you're right SEB, it may surprise the average Warrington fan but there are more important issues here than whatever happens to be going on down at their sardine tin stadium.

As I have said, I don't know the answer. I do have a theory that we copy the NRL techniques, whilst not evolving our own, specifically looking to other sports. See how Nathan Brown dragged Huddersfield a fair few places forward, I would wager some SL coaches will copy elements of what he has done, but, undoubtedly, these techniques will be outdated in the forthcoming NRL season.



I guess it all comes down to us all wanting instant success at club level, rather than evolving the game as a whole.

Have been saying this for quite some time.

So from the Shaun Wane interview, on the official website, where he states we are going with the same squad as last season, can we presume Phil Bailey has signed a contract?

Wane said he had on the radio interview of a few weeks back yet there has been no official conformation one way or the other.



Dave

The interview is from a month ago anyway and has just been re-posted on the official site so things may have changed from then.



Ian Lenagan has said we may have room for one or two experienced players if the right ones become available but he said it was an outside chance we'd bring anybody in before the start of next season.

well the james graham rumour is quashed now for anyone who was building their hopes up

Quote jameswk="jameswk"well the james graham rumour is quashed now for anyone who was building their hopes up'" www.teletext.co.uk/rugbyleague/n ... +move.aspx It would seem so. Unless Saints are looking to do business and Wigan are planning on freeing up a hugh chunk of cap from somewhere

Quote jameswk="jameswk"well the james graham rumour is quashed now for anyone who was building their hopes up'" www.teletext.co.uk/rugbyleague/n ... +move.aspx It would seem so. Unless Saints are looking to do business and Wigan are planning on freeing up a hugh chunk of cap from somewhere

The quote is a bit ambiguous.

"As far as I know I'm at Saints next year".

Sounds like he's not sure of what's going on or whether he's staying or not.

I can't imagine any club allowing Graham to leave unless they had to for financial or domestic reasons. He's a player any club would want.

The "As far as I know" isn't a definate "I'm staying here".

Somethings sounds not quite right about that statement.

Are Saints struggling for cash? Are there off field problems?

Those could be the only reasons surely for Graham rumours getting around.

I also got that impression.



Still think he'll be at St Helens next season though.

Maybe he's got his eyes on Fieldens whopping wage for 2011........we couldn't do much better for a replacment.

The trouble is the last time we paid massive money for the 'best prop in the world' he rapidly became crap. I'm not sure we should rush to take the same gamble again.



Sounds to me like Graham may be hinting that he's available should someone have the money. But I don't think this necessarily ties him with Wigan. Under Ian Lenagan, we don't seem to be in the market for players who expect a quarter of the salary cap as remuneration for their services.

Agreed, if the rumours of Fielden's money are true, and even if they are not i think its still clear he is going to be on a huge wage we could get 2 players that would in my opinion put us into a position of challenging for honours consistently.



Assuming Fielden is with us next year, i would retain his money and make a move with the wage for Eastmond as a priority and a Prop for 2011. To combine Eastmond and Tomkins at club level would be a huge boost to any teams chances of success in SL.

that puts a end to the Graham rumour



[urlhttp://www.teletext.co.uk/rugbyleague/news/438d851be9736a99db77c53cb6ee830e/Graham+refutes+Wigan+move.aspx[/url

You can't put a price on those two at HB for us! IL will have cap space free and he should be looking at Eastmond as his No.1 target.



The prop situation sorts itself out with Hock

i wouldnt be too sure of that! wait for the announcment next week.





fielden will be making way for graham.

Are people seriously suggesting that Saints would let both Graham (their best player) and Eastmond (one of the top young talents in the country in a position we struggle with) come to Wigan.



What would our fans say if we gave them Tomkins and O'Loughlin?

Some of the whinging gits sat near me would say this could only be a good thing

Eastmond comes off contract at the same time as Fielden! All it takes is a word in Eastmonds ear to say a good chunk of Stu's wages has been ear marked for him and we will have him at least thinking about the swap!



Guess it comes down to who wants him the most after that!

There not the tosspots sat near us at the DW against aussies who keeped saying Slater would get found out in SL

Agreed. But if you don't ask, you don't get.