19-man squad vs St Helens

[Johnone]

During my time of watching WIGAN RLFC (Since 1953 ) last nights performance, particularly considering the opposition was one of the most inept & passive that I have seen from a Wigan Team. At times they stood back seemingly intimidated or was it in admiration of the Saints forwards. Both Catalans & Warrington have shown the way both to contain & beat this excellent St Helens team & that is you must pressure them, being in their faces for 80 mins from the kick off. If they are allowed the space that we where content to gift them last night there is only going to be one result. The last couple of games that i have watched this Wigan team they seem content to surrender possession, defend their own line for long periods (& very well for the previous two games) but was obvious to most that such tactics would not work against last nights opponents, the lack of a competent kicking game also hampers our efforts to gain any decent field position. What is most upsetting is that we all know that this team is much better than last nights performance .

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

Warrington showed how to beat Saints in an important game. Did Lam and the players watch the video? Obviously not.

They did Dave, however our pack is not as good as Wire’s. That said and I commented on this last week, we needed to compact the middle of the field and force Saints outside of us. The last thing we should be doing is allowing a quick play the ball. Our line speed was nonexistent and as a result we gave the Saints forwards too much room to work in and their pivots too much thinking time. Rugby League is a simple game but if you watched us last night you would think not.

[wall_of_voodoo]

The last couple of games that i have watched this Wigan team they seem content to surrender possession, defend their own line for long periods (& very well for the previous two games)

Said the same. At this point of the season we should be ironing out these problems yet the poor completion rate followed by mediocre kicking on the last really places the side under pressure of its own making. Not seeing any signs of this improving which does beg the question what do they actually practice in training

[pearsy]

I can't understand Wigan they buy a player like French then have trouble finding a staring place .So what Iam asking is where will they play him next year? or will he be the next Escare

[fozzieskem]

I can't understand Wigan they buy a player like French then have trouble finding a staring place .So what Iam asking is where will they play him next year? or will he be the next Escare

Why buy him at all really has to be the question surely?

Yes he’s exciting but he’s built for the wing and maybe fullback positions Wigan have,when got plenty of cover.

It was an odd signing to begin with as the weeks go on and clubs work out how to play him and Wigan don’t know where to play him as I say odd.

Next season let’s hope all will become clear

[bertina]

Tommys kicking is terrible...... that's why we need anotger half next season imo...... hes still solid but 10-20 yard kicks are just not good enough in the big games...... it was the same v salford

Absolutely right. I’ve said on another thread our kicking game is killing us.
The opposition are constantly starting their sets on the half way line. We start ours with our arses on our try line.

[bertina]

Warrington showed how to beat Saints in an important game. Did Lam and the players watch the video? Obviously not.

They did Dave, however our pack is not as good as Wire’s. That said and I commented on this last week, we needed to compact the middle of the field and force Saints outside of us. The last thing we should be doing is allowing a quick play the ball. Our line speed was nonexistent and as a result we gave the Saints forwards too much room to work in and their pivots too much thinking time. Rugby League is a simple game but if you watched us last night you would think not.

I completely agree. Why keep inviting players like Thompson and Walmsley and LMS down the middle when they are constantly getting over the gain line.?
It’s not rocket science, but we didnt seem to learn on Friday.
They never allowed us that comfort, and that’s why we couldnt get out of our own 25.

[Caboosegg]

Warrington showed how to beat Saints in an important game. Did Lam and the players watch the video? Obviously not.

They did Dave, however our pack is not as good as Wire’s. That said and I commented on this last week, we needed to compact the middle of the field and force Saints outside of us. The last thing we should be doing is allowing a quick play the ball. Our line speed was nonexistent and as a result we gave the Saints forwards too much room to work in and their pivots too much thinking time. Rugby League is a simple game but if you watched us last night you would think not.

I completely agree. Why keep inviting players like Thompson and Walmsley and LMS down the middle when they are constantly getting over the gain line.?
It’s not rocket science, but we didnt seem to learn on Friday.
They never allowed us that comfort, and that’s why we couldnt get out of our own 25.

The fact that LMS was allowed to do anything but have his face rubbed in the pitch is a disgrace. .

Remember when he would always be involved in scraps.... when the players new how important derby matches where and what pride in the shirt meant!!

[Barney841]

Think we all know saints are very good team, the best in the league, with good players that are well drilled.
It was the way we lost, biggest game of the season, that was the most disappointing. No energy and no desire.

[pearsy]

Wigan web site aksing for the moment of the match on Friday night.For me it's when the ref blow the whistle at the end of the 80