I said the same thing to the mrs when we where watching the game

We need some new forwards

There has to be at least one forward signed if we’re to compete for a trophy IMO and a brave decision needs to be made around the hooking position.

Hopefully we will sign a big nasty prop during the season

It’s not rocket science is it? We know and the Club know, more importantly, that we need better forwards. What we have is simply not good enough. There are 11 players off contract at the end of the season so there is ample opportunity to deliver positive change.

The coaches need to take the shackles off Powell or go a completely different route.

As an ex HB I’d like to think that Powell should be able to play a more expansive and varied game the problem is I’m not sure that he can do it at a much quicker tempo. Maybe O’Neil could do it but I’ve never seen him play that way.

To play Cust at 9 would mean Field at 6 and personally I don’t think Field is a HB in any way.

Forber would be very high risk but for me worth a pop. At least have him on the bench.



The thinness of the squad is my biggest concern followed by a pedestrian starts to every game.

We’ve beaten 2 teams who in all likelihood will finish in the bottom two and failed pretty miserably against 2 average teams. The coaches have got to resolve our slow starts pdq or we will struggle against virtually every team this season. I’ve by no means written the season off but currently, my expectations are quite low.

Think we will still be in the hunt for top 2. My biggest worry is that we're a dry weather team and will limp out of the playoffs again.

Obviously when summer arrives I’d like think that we will see an improvement however, by that time from a table position a top 2 will be beyond reach unless we see a major turnaround. In the short term and maybe long term we have very few options. Throw in some long term injuries and we have virtually nothing in reserve.

The coaching staff will have to really earn their pay this season to get us competing against any side that turns up prepared to defend as if their lives depend on it.

When teams get their defence right Wigan struggle, fast condensing defences have troubled the players. Leeds last year in the playoffs was a prime example. Wigan have got to offer more variety in attack, we know we have the pace outside but there is no threat in the middle to tie in the opposition they just crab across and slow down the PTB.

Just a quick following up on Forber being “the best hooker in our squad by a country mile” and “better defensively than Powell”



He made 12 tackles for Wakefield whilst missing 4 and had zero carries.

How many minutes did he play?

Did he play any minutes whilst Wakefield were down to 12 men?

How many ptb did Wakefield have whilst Forber played?



I don’t know the answers but would help to start to give some semblance of context.

I think even Roby would struggle in the current Wakefield team.



How do his stats compare with other players currently out on loan last week?

I think the important stat there was that he missed 25% of his tackle attempts, regardless of any scenario's that is poor. Shows the absurdity of a comment stating that an untested youngster is already a better prospect and defender then a seasoned pro who is regarded as a good defender like powell.



But the lad is still very young and he will benefit massively from this Super League experiece that he is getting at wakey. Only positives can come from this loan deal.