Chan, Eseh and Walters are in different cases for me. Chan and Eseh are project signings. I don't think either of them were signed with the expectation of playing much for Wigan this year. They might make it, they might not. Walters, however, was definitely signed with this season very much in mind. Personally, I have been giving him the benefit of the doubt, as his pre-season was messed up and, as we saw with KPP last season, that can take a while to come back from. I do think Walters has shown improvement over the last three or four games, but he definitely needed to. He has been prone to errors and has not always looked like he's bringing the intensity he needs. And, as many of us have said, there is considerable doubt as to whether his future is in the back row or the front row. Right at this moment, he doesn't look to me as if he has quite the aggression needed for the front row, or the punch out wide for the back row. Certainly not compared to Nsemba, for example. But, he is improving, so I am hopeful that if he stays fit and keeps getting minutes he will continue to pick up. Next year, if he has the benefit of a proper pre-season, he may still be the player we hoped he would be. I would still like some more cover in the back row, though, with Faz getting older and Isa possibly on his way out. For Chan and Eseh, I am not too fussed. Hopefully, some more game time next season and then we should know if they have a long-term future with us, or whether they're in the Ramon Silva category.

I think there's no question that Wigan's Academy isn't as strong this season. However you don't need all of the team to come through to first team, just needs 3-4 who are real class to step up which I'm sure will happen at Wigan. At any club it's rare to find more than that number within a squad, making it at first team level


Your scholars are very strong which will form the basis of your next Academy

These things can also be mitigated with smart signings (like we've done with Walters), but it's much cheaper to bring someone through though.  

Seems like plenty of our rivals are making moves to bring in new bodies before the end of the season.

We’re desperately in need of a freshen-up, but we’re not even being linked with anyone. Radlinski seems hell-bent on watching the season go down the toilet.


I’d have taken Shorrocks on loan – even if it meant giving Ellis a week off, or moving him up to prop for a week or two. A fresh body, a bit of a lift for the squad, something different.


And before anyone starts with “what about the cap” – how is it that other sides seem able to move players on, yet we can’t? Could Chan not have been shifted? Did we really need to carry Hurst’s contract for a season knowing he wouldn’t play? Saints are being linked with a new signing, but before he can come in someone needs to vacate a quota spot. What are the odds on them actually getting it done?

We probably don't have any cap space. So many players have had their contracts renewed it's bound to affect the salary cap.


Trouble is our two highest paid players and them being two of our three marquee players haven't played for months. French has been out for a couple of months and Thompson since the Catalans game when we also lost Walters.  Although Walters has returned he was out for around 10-11 weeks Thompson still hasn't played.  That is just too much talent missing from the squad  not to have an adverse effect on performance..


If there was a shake up needed then Forber to be bench 9 instead of Leeming.  Walters right 2nd row and Junior off the bench. Maybe also Eckersley to replace Wardle for a couple of weeks so get Jake rested and fit again.


IMO our first 17-20 is the best in SL and by some distance. For that to be reflected in performance they all have to play especially our best players which they plainly have not.  


 

Not a bad shout that but for me it would be Forber instead of O Neil