Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 9:27 pm  

Bullock was immense and for me definitely warrants a bench spot next week. There are some good young lads coming through the system and it was good to see jack Wells back in action.

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 9:34 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Bullock looks much fitter than last year and should be involved next Thursday IMO. I don’t think he will be but he’d be ahead of most if the five props not selected tonight in my book.

I think it will be Burgess, Flower, Clubb and Partington. Not great that the first two haven't had any game time.

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 9:39 pm  

Greenwood can go too, too soft

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 9:44 pm  

Some really good performances there and one of the best pre-season games I've seen in a while. He only played the first half but I thought Ethan Havard was outstanding. Some good metres, strong tackles and good hands. Mitch Clark was impressive and put in huge minutes - if he can do that at Super League level he'll be useful to have alongside Burgess and Bullock. Speaking of Bullock, he looked to be back to his form from the start of last year. Joe Shorrocks went full Sean O'Loughlin and had an outstanding game and probably would be my pick for man of the match. Harry Smith had a good game too despite Leigh's pack being on top for most. His kicking game was strong and had certain players had a bit more composure he could have had a couple of try assists.

Most players performed well though considering it was a very young side out there.

The negatives - Budgie didn't look great again. His only real notable moment was a comedy moment with his extremely early tackle on Higson. Greenwood was poor and just out enthused by every single player on the pitch. Really didn't inspire confidence. Harry Rushton looked better in his short spell than Greenwood did all game. Also, while Amir Bourouh is a cracking prospect I'd be a bit cautious about him as a back up for Powell this year as his defence was a bit suspect at times.

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 9:46 pm  

Some of those young lads should be playing championship rugby week in week out next year followed by their introduction into the first team.

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 10:09 pm  

From what I have seen of Greenwood so far in 90% of his games for Wigan he doesn’t warrant a place in the side and shouldn’t be at the club beyond his current contract.

At Saints he came alive near the opposition try line, but always hid when looking to carry off his own line.

He simply isn’t tough enough.

Physically great specimen but just lacks that mental toughness.

I really hope he proves me wrong but his lack of enthusiasm for the fight and his tendency to go down after every big tackle on him really doesn’t inspire me with confidence that he will.

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 10:26 pm  

Cherry.Pie wrote:

Some really good performances there and one of the best pre-season games I've seen in a while. He only played the first half but I thought Ethan Havard was outstanding. Some good metres, strong tackles and good hands. Mitch Clark was impressive and put in huge minutes - if he can do that at Super League level he'll be useful to have alongside Burgess and Bullock. Speaking of Bullock, he looked to be back to his form from the start of last year. Joe Shorrocks went full Sean O'Loughlin and had an outstanding game and probably would be my pick for man of the match. Harry Smith had a good game too despite Leigh's pack being on top for most. His kicking game was strong and had certain players had a bit more composure he could have had a couple of try assists.

Most players performed well though considering it was a very young side out there.

The negatives - Budgie didn't look great again. His only real notable moment was a comedy moment with his extremely early tackle on Higson. Greenwood was poor and just out enthused by every single player on the pitch. Really didn't inspire confidence. Harry Rushton looked better in his short spell than Greenwood did all game. Also, while Amir Bourouh is a cracking prospect I'd be a bit cautious about him as a back up for Powell this year as his defence was a bit suspect at times.

I thought Clark was poor, couldnt burst out of a wet paper bag

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 10:37 pm  

Clark was fine, no more and no less. It’s early days and he’ll have to work his way up the pecking order. It’s good that he got big minutes and it can only help him.

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 11:29 pm  

Anyone a bit concerned that we are going into Round 1 a bit undercooked again?

Most of the 17 next week will have played around forty minutes. Flower and G. Burgess nil minutes.

Every season we do seem to start off slow and struggle a bit, would be nice to jostle places with Saints at the top of the table till at least Good Friday. Last thing we want is them steaming ahead again.

Re: Wigan squad v Leigh : Thu Jan 23, 2020 11:55 pm  

On Leigh. I think they have some superb backs for the championship. If they gel quickly enough there is no doubt its the best back line in the league. Bit suspect in the prop department but the championship nonetheless should be a great league this season without a stand out side in there. As much as i would want Leigh back for the derbies i want to see York continue their progress and get in. Big city, lots of potential. new ground too i believe. Interesting times for them. It would be probably the best away day too.