We need genuine competition for places, Joel and Bateman should be nowhere near the centres unless we have an injury crisis. I have said before that Higgy looks a class act and Forsyth has impressed since moving from Saints but they are still learning and are a long way off first team rugby.doc wrote:We already have Gells signed up for another 4 yrs (presumably after the club were informed that Sarg was moving elsewhere). Gildart is looking good and we have Higginson and Forsyth coming through in the U19s. Coupled with Joel and Bateman as back up I don't think we need any new signings or we risk losing some good prospects.shaunedwardsfanclub wrote:He's already signed a contract elsewhere for 2017. We need to move heaven and earth during the next 12 months to sign Percival from Saints and pair him up in the centres with Gildart.nathan_rugby wrote:Also confirmed that taking up 3rd year of his contract but likely to move onto a new challenge after that.
Gildart has been exceptional in the last two matches but it is unfair to ask him to produce that level of performance for a whole season. Before Thornley decided to leave you can bet the club's plan was to send Oliver to Workington for a large portion of next season with him playing the odd game in Wigan's first team.
That leaves us with Sarginson and Gelling as 'experienced' centres. Both have experienced lengthy periods on the side lines and a repeat would leave us seriously exposed. Both are still learning their trade and at the moment I don't think that either posses the quality that we should be looking for.
We need to be in the market for an experienced player whilst we are nurturing our other centres. Alternatively, we should offer Saints a tidy sum for Percival, look to pair him with Gildart in two years time and create the best centre partnership in SL.