Shaun Wane appears to be going for players who are far bigger than their predecessors. Lima leaving who was around 5'11" being replaced by Taylor who is 6'5", that's a massive increase in size. Prescott is back and he's 6'3", Thornley was brought back to replace George and Iain's 6'4" or 5".
There is concern about the halves but as has been said Green has real pace where Finch had none, Smith has a kicking game where Tommy had none.
Green and Smith may not be as good as their predecessors but they will both bring something to the team which we did not have. Behind the massive pack that should be on the front foot in most games our new halves will have plenty opportunity to show what they can do. I don't think they'll disappoint.
Years ago Maurice at the end of every season had a clear out of our younger players, many who went were given very little opportunity if any.
This was followed by announcements of the signing of NRL players, some of whom were great some who wern't worth the plane fare.
When IL bought the club he stated that it was to be his policy to bring through as many Wigan youngsters who were worth their place. We now are begining to see the benefits of this. From the U20s who won all those GF's we have so many now in the first team squad. IL was perceptive in that he saw the way the game was going and clubs would stand or fall by their youth development.
Our youth development is serving us very well indeed.
Given the circumstances in which RL in general and SL in particular are now in Wigan are very well fixed. We have a club that is very well run, making a profit, winning trophies, have an eye for the future with the youth set up and have the best marketing people in the game.
Fixtures out, squads announced, season tickets bought and really looking forward to the new season with the new signings and seeing how the team improves over last season. Bring it on!