It's strange to go on another board and see other fans' perspective of things. If you go on to the Warrington board everyone is calling for Patton's head! FWIW I'm 110% sure Jackson Hastings will be guiding you around the park next season. What I'd give to see him partner Austin right now at Warrington, but I'll settle for Widdop in 2020 if he can sort his shoulder out.
We have too many bang average or injured players not providing value for money on the cap.
We also have players who are probably on a good wage who don’t compliment the style or rugby we are trying to play.
Players like Clubb, Tautai, Sarginson, Escare, Tommy, Navarrete in my opinion need to be shipped out at the first opportunity as long as we can find quality replacements.
Powell, Isa in my opinion are worthy of squad places as long as that is reflected in their salary.
The likes of Davies and Manfredi are tough ones because they will be eating into the cap in a not insignificant way but simply don’t contribute enough by getting on the field enough. That whole wing scenario doesn’t work for me. I know we have needed them due to injuries but 4 SL standard wingers into 2 simply doesn’t go in a salary capped sport.
I don’t understand the criticism of Hankinson and Sammut. Neither will be on big wages and Sammut in particular has shown he will be an asset in my opinion in his displays so far this year.
What is frustrating is seeing players running round at other clubs who have moved clubs in the last 2 years or renewed contracts that would i would speculate be on significantly less than some of the names above and provide so much more quality.
Patton v Sammut is harsh. Thought Sammut was very good especially coming back from a leg injury (probably earlier than he should have). Commanded the park and actually added a little spark to our attack.
Clark v Powell though is so so true. Three times this season Clark should have shown Wigan what we’re missing at nine.
I don’t understand the criticism of Hankinson and Sammut. Neither will be on big wages and Sammut in particular has shown he will be an asset in my opinion in his displays so far this year.
Totally agree with your post and agree re Hankinson and Sammut. Wigan fans seem to think we’re above signing Championship players. Many slated them before playing a game and will now refuse to change their minds regardless of what they offer.
Sammut for me has been great. Just what Williams needs this year, someone to control the attack and it has showed every time he has played.
Hankinson has not been spectacular but very solid and not let anyone down playing in numerous positions. Given he won’t be on a lot, he’s a good player who should develop.
The irony is that said fans would love to sign Alex Walmsley. But had we signed him straight from the Championship he’d have been rubbish!
To include Flower in the original list is very harsh. He’s easily our best prop and is very consistent. The problem is he’s on his own because our other props are offering enough. I also disagree about Tommy Leuluai who for me is having a very good season. Yes he’s past his prime but he’s contributing more than most this season. In the few games Sammut has played, he’s made a difference and improved our attack.
Assuming both Wigan and Warrington are at the top end of the Salary Cap, how on earth can the respective clubs have squads of such different quality?
How have we got to a situation where our cap is spent on Sammut, Hankinson, Bullock, Powell, yet Wire can afford Charnley, Lineham, Rachford, Austin, Patten, Murdoch-Massila, Hill, Clark, Hughes etc etc
I know what you mean but you have listed a select number of players from both teams to back up your argument. Selectively left out any of Wigan’s big earners.
Before this season Zak has been better than Ratchford over their careers, our first choice wingers are better too imo. Centres not a huge difference imo, Gildart and Goodwin the best 2. Williams and Austin are comparable in rep and probably earning similar wages just Austin is flying and Williams is having an average season. Tommy will surely be on more than Patton too. Our back row isn’t too far behind, Lockers,Farrell and Greenwood compared to Hughes,Currie,Philbin/MM. Our front row is miles off and that’s what’s killing us, both hooker and props. 18-30 we are probably stronger but maybe we need to rethink and add more money to our 1-17
Patton v Sammut is harsh. Thought Sammut was very good especially coming back from a leg injury (probably earlier than he should have). Commanded the park and actually added a little spark to our attack.
Clark v Powell though is so so true. Three times this season Clark should have shown Wigan what we’re missing at nine.
Powell is terrible, so pretty much any SL 9 is an upgrade, but Clark is massively overrated.
As for the main topic, unfortunately we've spread our cap too thin. We have a large squad with everyone on a decent whack (relative to their ability).
Current thoughts - Mago out or get running up them plantations, get fit or get rid. Maybe a back up halfback, someone with a bit of experience on a short term deal. Big tall strong running second rower, like a McMeekin or Sironen type back rower.
If Hankinson, Sammut and Bullock are on lowing wages then we are getting very good value. I’ve slated Hankinson but watching the game back sober he didn’t do too bad, he just isn’t a winger, the effort was there as was from Bullock and Sammut. All 3 did well yesterday.
I’d say effort wise Isa gives us good value, I like him as a squad player as someone who can slot in in the forwards or backs.
Tony Clubb gives no value for money anymore, he does low minutes and makes little impact on a game, same with Tautai.
I’d love to know how much each player gets paid, just to see whether we are getting value and compare that to what players are on at other clubs to see whether or not we are overpaying players as a way of getting them to sign for us.
If Hankinson, Sammut and Bullock are on lowing wages then we are getting very good value. I’ve slated Hankinson but watching the game back sober he didn’t do too bad, he just isn’t a winger, the effort was there as was from Bullock and Sammut. All 3 did well yesterday.
I’d say effort wise Isa gives us good value, I like him as a squad player as someone who can slot in in the forwards or backs.
Tony Clubb gives no value for money anymore, he does low minutes and makes little impact on a game, same with Tautai.
I’d love to know how much each player gets paid, just to see whether we are getting value and compare that to what players are on at other clubs to see whether or not we are overpaying players as a way of getting them to sign for us.
Bullock is only good when we’re in possession. Watch it again, they scoot almost every time he’s at marker because they can see he’s bone idle in defence. Austin’s try came from him running straight into the gap that should have been filled by the marker who was Bullock. I like him, a lot but he’s got a heck of a lot on improving to do in defence.
To include Flower in the original list is very harsh. He’s easily our best prop and is very consistent. The problem is he’s on his own because our other props are offering enough. I also disagree about Tommy Leuluai who for me is having a very good season. Yes he’s past his prime but he’s contributing more than most this season. In the few games Sammut has played, he’s made a difference and improved our attack.
Flower should be a complimentary prop - our third best one and either paired with a quality big lad, or brought on when the two quality big lads have set a platform and need a rest.
He's just too small to make a dent in attack - especially on his own.