Re: Byrne : Wed Sep 13, 2023 3:40 pm  

FearTheVee wrote:

Not a good year for props around Billinge way. Looks like Saints will be missing four of ours this weekend vs Wire.

Byrne and in particular Havard have impressed me this year. The Wigan pack is so, so much better without dross like Clubb, Singleton etc around the place any more. I would include Isa in that too and am surprised people are excited about the prospect of him returning.

Definitely much better pack this year (despite Redvee still desperately hanging on to the notion of it being weak) and, on top of big improvements from the likes of Havard and Byrne, I think Dupree coming early has been something of a masterstroke. We'd have been seriously struggling for numbers without him given that 3 of our first choice props are currently sidelined which has been the case for much of the season.

KPP, Hill, Nsemba and a resurgent Mago, finally being the type of prop we hoped we'd signed, have also added much to the size and power in the pack and we're now in a position where we've been able to bully opposition packs in a way we haven't for quite a while. The Catalans away game being a prime example.

For that reason I get where you're coming from with Isa although I think it's more as a consequence of KPP and Nsemba proving so effective. In the past his defensive aggression and will to win have been important for us despite his limitations in attack. It's probably pushing it a bit to call it "excitement" at his potential return and more a case of having the extra body at the moment. I've little doubt we'll need it at some point and, whilst he may not add anything to what we already have, he also won't let us down.

Re: Byrne : Wed Sep 13, 2023 3:55 pm  

The most pleasing thing about Byrne and Havard is having them tied down to long term deals. You cannot develop your own props, blood them in the first team and see them walk away at 22/23 because they won’t be at their best until 26/27/28+. It’s sad to lose KPP just as we’re seeing him kick on but to have those two and Dupree at a good age really sets us up.

Re: Byrne : Wed Sep 13, 2023 5:02 pm  

Small ray of hope in Peets Wigan TV interview, stating they’re getting second opinions to see if he’ll make it back before the end of the season or if he’s done. Sounds like he’s probably done but you never know.

Re: Byrne : Wed Sep 13, 2023 7:21 pm  

Yes made me wonder why he wouldn’t just put it to bed if it was 100%. Maybe there is a chance we will see him &
Ethan again soon

Re: Byrne : Wed Sep 13, 2023 7:50 pm  

Smalls wrote:

Yes made me wonder why he wouldn’t just put it to bed if it was 100%. Maybe there is a chance we will see him &
Ethan again soon

If Havard was done we’d have been told by now. Reckon he’ll in the squad come the semi final.

Re: Byrne : Wed Sep 13, 2023 9:25 pm  

FearTheVee wrote:

Not a good year for props around Billinge way. Looks like Saints will be missing four of ours this weekend vs Wire.

Byrne and in particular Havard have impressed me this year. The Wigan pack is so, so much better without dross like Clubb, Singleton etc around the place any more. I would include Isa in that too and am surprised people are excited about the prospect of him returning.

You could beat Wire with no pack

Re: Byrne : Wed Sep 13, 2023 9:41 pm  

Zig wrote:

You could beat Wire with no pack

Bit harsh, if you remember they won the league back in March.

Re: Byrne : Thu Sep 14, 2023 7:02 pm  

I never thought I’d have said this a few months ago but if this is true it’s a huge loss. He has been superb for a while now and is turning into a real pack leader, he’s certainly making me eat my words and long may it continue.

Us and Saints have had some tremendous bad luck in the props this season. I don’t know whether it’s a testament to both clubs quality or the lack of it in SL for where both are in the league.