Ainscough goes to Cas on loan

[weststand-rich]

His post match interview body language didn't look too good for Wigan. When asked if he thought he still had a future at Wigan and could break into the Team, he paused, looked startled, briefly smiled, started and then rethought what he was going to say before reeling out an ambivalent reply.

Ainscough has talent. He played a cracker on the attack for Cas. But I can't see him displacing either Roberts or Paddy from the wing. The only way I can see this happening is if either gets a catestrophic long term injury OR if Phelps isn't retained next year and Roberts/Paddy move to the FB role permanently.

[cumbria_warrior]

I seem to remember Lee Mossop giving a similar interview when at giants last year, now look at him, he is having a great season so far. I too hope though that MM and IL have took Shaun to one side and discussed reasions behind him being loaned out and if he has a future at the club, If anyone from the club is on here and read this (MH) any input or comment will be greatly recieved

[exile in Tiger country]

My thoughts exactly, he was wrong footed a bit by the question, but definitely gave the impression that he wants to play for Wigan.
We need to hold on to this lad, he is undoubtedly a talent, and has improved massively under the high ball as was demonstrated last night, as Justin Morgan had obviously told Dobson to attack Ainscough thinking he would be weak link. He wasn't!

[lucky 13]

It was a hard question for the lad. It was his first game for them he scored three tries and then he's asked if he wants to play for another team. If he says yes I only want to play for Wigan, it would not be getting off on the best foot with the Cas fans or club. If he said he wanted to stay at Cas it would do his Wigan career no good either.
The lad signed a new contract last year I think? So a month into the season is a little quick to think Wigan, or the player himself think his long term future is away from the club.
With the form Roberts and Richards are showing it would be hard for any winger to get in the team, to have him playing SL rugby is a bonus for us long term.
The coaches may think Roberts is the answer at full back, allowing him to take the wing spot next season, an injury or anything could give him the chance he just needs to take it when it arises .

[weststand-rich]

I think your essentially right Lucky. He's too good to let go, but there's no obvious room for him either. What a dilema to manage!!

If everything remains equal I think the pragmatic solution is a long term loan, perhaps like Scott Moore at Huddersfield last season. The player gets to play and develop but we retain the registration for the long term option.

[GeoffN]

It was a hard question for the lad. It was his first game for them he scored three tries and then he's asked if he wants to play for another team. If he says yes I only want to play for Wigan, it would not be getting off on the best foot with the Cas fans or club. If he said he wanted to stay at Cas it would do his Wigan career no good either.

I think that's exactly right, lucky, in fact I think it shows a hitherto unexpected diplomacy from the lad. Most players in that interview situation would have said he'd have preferred the team to win whatever his own personal contribution - Ainsy didn't, which shows to me that he realises why he's there, which is to help himself, not Castleford.

I'm a lot more confident that he's in MM's long-term plans than I ever was with Nobby's plans.

[BriH]

See also other thread "Ainscough goes to Cas"

[cpwigan]

The game showed the good and the bad of Ainsy. 3 tries scored and 2 conceded, 1 from woeful defending of a kick. Until he learns how to defend (particularly kicks) then I am afraid Ainsy will not progress. Fans often ignore blunders, coaches do not.

[GeoffN]

The game showed the good and the bad of Ainsy. 3 tries scored and 2 conceded, 1 from woeful defending of a kick. Until he learns how to defend (particularly kicks) then I am afraid Ainsy will not progress. Fans often ignore blunders, coaches do not.

Only one was really his fault: the "air shot", and better players than Shaun have had that happen to them.

[cpwigan]

The problenm for me Geoff is that it often happens to Shaun. I think it was Jason Robinson who did something similar v Cas at Cas years ago and we lost but it was a one off. Shaun needs to learn from his mistakes. I don't understand why he finds it so hard. The high kicks (fair enough) but the grubbers should be perfect for him.

If you are winning games easily then such mistakes do not matter but in a tight '4 pointer' it is those mistakes that hurt. You tend to have fewer chances on attack in such games and basics / defence are more crucial IMO.