What happens when Nobby listens to the fans?

[GeoffN]

Drop Mathers, Phelps and Smith, we said. Play Tomkins, McIlorum and Ainscough, we said. Stop hanging back in defence, we said.

Told you so, Nobby! Well done for listening, even if 4 games late!

Great performance, guys, well done all round!

I don't think that was completely the case. Phelps is still injured as far as I know, and will probably walk back into the side once he's fit again.

As for Smith, I was told earlier in the week that Sam Tomkins wasn't originally included in the squad for this game and was a late inclusion because a player picked up an injury.
I didn't see Smith out there while the players were warming up, although I may just have missed him. Either way, he went off and didn't return against Quins, so my guess is that Smith is injured which is why he didn't play.

Either way, I think Tomkins has ensured his selection for the game against Leeds.

If Noble brings Smith back for Tomkins, he'll quite rightly get crucified by the fans. Same if he brings Phelps back for Ainscough, who was also outstanding tonight.

[lucky 13]

Did Smith not play reserve earlier today ???

Was told early in the week Sam T would play for reasons not related to injurys .

[GeoffN]

Did Smith not play reserve earlier today ???

No, he didn't play.

[cpwigan]

Maybe Smith has a convenient injury and that line is spin to cover him being dropped.

[lucky 13]

I got Smith would be in the reserves and that Sam was playing thought the Northampton thing pushed things along a little .

[TomThumb]

It is the first time in a long time, that we now have competition for places and look at the difference it makes. Tim Smith wasnt happy according to sky about being dropped.. therefore he has to earn a recall, which means he has to perform better in training or the reserves to win a place in the seventeen. I must admit I was expecting Tomkins to be in the seventeen but didnt expect him to take the stand off role with no T Smith on the bench. I fully expect Smith to come back with a bang at some point when he deserves his chance.

I know nobody has mentioned Coley's contribution, but I thought he looked better tonight than he has done for a while, maybe his time on the sidelines has given him a much needed kick up the arse!

Competition for places... is the way to go..

I must admit I was extremely proud tonight that the Wigan lads have been given a chance to shine in front of the home fans..

[Wigan_forever1985]

Watched it on sky and smith is not injured the point was stressed, in nobbys interview post match he said "tim may get another shot if he applys himself" which makes me think mayeb his well documented problems are rearing their heads

[TomThumb]

I just thinks its a case that tim's form isnt good enough and until it changes or Tomkins' form drops then he has to prove his worth... rightly so, in my opinion.

[GeoffN]

I just thinks its a case that tim's form isnt good enough and until it changes or Tomkins' form drops then he has to prove his worth... rightly so, in my opinion.

Wonder why he didn't play in the reserves, then...training is no real guide, he'd have to prove himself in matches first, to be fair to Sam. Same should apply to anyone.

[TomThumb]

Smith was 18th man.. so i guess thats why he didnt play in the reserves.