Wigan World Cup Representatives : Mon Oct 17, 2022 7:28 am  

Thought I’d start a thread to discuss the Wigan lads performances for their respective nations during the competition.

My thoughts so far.

Ireland - Byrne & King

Attended the Jamaica game yesterday and I thought Byrne was fantastic. Given the stadium was relativity empty (just over 6k) you get a real feel for the impact the players have in contact. His contact is huge and very hurtful. Great go forward too. At only 23 the way he is developing I can see no reason why he won’t go on to be an England international after this tournament.

One thing was noticeable was he was really blowing towards the end of both his spells hanging back a little so that’s one thing going forward I’d be keeping an eye on.

King, quiet start to the game but imposed himself late on. Defensively came up with a couple of poor reads close to his line. His ability to offload late is a real asset and one I expect both Field and French to take advantage of, he created a number of breaks with his late offloads. One thing I feel he needs to improve on is his pace. Looked a little sluggish at times when there were opportunities to take advantage of space after early ball. Played on the left but I don’t think that is the side he will play on for Wigan.

Miski, solid effort from him in defeat. He is a good backup winger taking out the fact he takes up a quota space. His carry at the start of sets is outstanding, enjoyed watching him skittle the Kiwi players and then find his front for a quick play the ball. Kiwis targeted him on the kicks and he struggled under pressure when faced with the high ball near his line. Great work ethic.

Cooper, thought he did his job really well. Maintained the intensity and platform laid by the starting props and provided a bit of impact too. Looked to promote the ball and defensively aggressive and dominant.

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Mon Oct 17, 2022 11:32 am  

Good summation. I thought Byrne and Cooper were both excellent. Byrne looked huge. Not sure if that was in because the other front rowers were small or because he's genuinely got bigger. Cooper answered the critics who thought he shouldn't have been picked. Clearly still comfortable at this level.

King and Miski both solid without being spectacular although I was pleasantly surprised by King's ability to offload. That could be devastating in a backline that includes Marshall, Field and French.

Good start from the lads and looking forward to seeing Batty and KPP next be week.

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Mon Oct 17, 2022 11:50 am  

Phuzzy wrote:

Good summation. I thought Byrne and Cooper were both excellent. Byrne looked huge. Not sure if that was in because the other front rowers were small or because he's genuinely got bigger. Cooper answered the critics who thought he shouldn't have been picked. Clearly still comfortable at this level.

King and Miski both solid without being spectacular although I was pleasantly surprised by King's ability to offload. That could be devastating in a backline that includes Marshall, Field and French.

Good start from the lads and looking forward to seeing Batty and KPP next be week.

We were seated in the East Stand so Byrne was stood in front of us when receiving kicks in the first half. He is a very big lad with the potential to get bigger.

Last time I saw him “up close” was at Trinity when he was a close to the spectators in the North Stand as you could be and he was a unit then, but he looks to have got bigger.

Must have one of the largest heads in SL!

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Wed Oct 19, 2022 8:51 pm  

No longer a Wigan player, but Lloyd outstanding for Wales tonight.

I never understood why he never became a Super League regular when he left us.

Bags of ability.

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Thu Oct 20, 2022 12:16 pm  

Watched the highlights of the Ireland game. I’ve heard King started iffy but ended up having a good game. I was impressed with him getting his arm free and being able to get the offload. Especially during the middle of the pitch. Obviously Jamaica isn’t a big test but promising to see

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Thu Oct 20, 2022 1:37 pm  

jonh wrote:

No longer a Wigan player, but Lloyd outstanding for Wales tonight.

I never understood why he never became a Super League regular when he left us.

Bags of ability.

PE Teacher at a school in Ormskirk. Obviously decided that part time was the route for him

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Sun Oct 23, 2022 1:35 am  

Bateman, poor work ethic in the first half, better in the second half, can maybe put that down to him not playing for a while but I wasn’t impressed apart from a couple of cameo moments in the second half.

For me the only question mark now is who gets the secondrow shirt alongside Whitehead.

The best 17 is in my opinion without doubt the 17 that took the field against Samoa with the the exception of that secondrow spot. Hall had a good game but is still back up. Oledzki, Ackers and Sneyd didn’t do nearly enough to force themselves into the top 17 for me.

McMeeken was quiet in game one and I don’t think Bateman did enough against France to 100% nail the shirt.

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Sun Oct 23, 2022 7:02 am  

jonh wrote:

Bateman, poor work ethic in the first half, better in the second half, can maybe put that down to him not playing for a while but I wasn’t impressed apart from a couple of cameo moments in the second half.

For me the only question mark now is who gets the secondrow shirt alongside Whitehead.

The best 17 is in my opinion without doubt the 17 that took the field against Samoa with the the exception of that secondrow spot. Hall had a good game but is still back up. Oledzki, Ackers and Sneyd didn’t do nearly enough to force themselves into the top 17 for me.

McMeeken was quiet in game one and I don’t think Bateman did enough against France to 100% nail the shirt.

Hopefully KPP will recover from his injury in time for Greece - would be interesting to see how he goes.

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Sun Oct 23, 2022 11:29 am  

Give Batchelor a go against Greece.

Re: Wigan World Cup Representatives : Sun Oct 23, 2022 11:49 am  

Batchelor and KPP should be in,personally I dont think Lees is good enough.