Wigan squad for Leeds (R21)

[widdenoldboy]

Hull pt2 for me, luckily the Grand Final isn't played over the Pennines.

Moving the ball painfully slow near their line, not sure why?

Moore just can't wait to penalise us to show he is impartial.

Smith will probs get 3 games for that.

[Firestarter]

The loss of Briers had been papered over by the trophies I shudder to think what he can do if he does end up at saints and I think Graham’s assessment of 3 great performances is very fair

Unfortunately i think he has signed for saints fozzie

[DaveO]

The loss of Briers had been papered over by the trophies I shudder to think what he can do if he does end up at saints and I think Graham’s assessment of 3 great performances is very fair

Unfortunately i think he has signed for saints fozzie

I think so and Wigan dishing out 7 year deals probably meant even if Rads became aware he was available there was no chance of signing him.

[morley pie eater]

Been talking about squad rotation since before this period of 3 games in 10 days and Matt Peet just goes pretty much full strength for all games. This is the sort of tired performance you'd expect. I don't know whether it's too much confidence in our squad, not enough confidence in our fringe players, or not enough respect for Leeds, but I can't see how this has been beneficial for us.

Even when we were dominating possession early on our attack was lethargic. We weren't testing Leeds at all and there wasn't enough movement or conviction in our play.

Our discipline was poor but a lot of those came from some very lazy efforts. I can't even blame Keighran for his penalties conceded as it was clear he was struggling right from the start when he looked strained and running in treacle chasing down Rhyse Martin from the break.

I just hope this doesn't make things even worse, particularly with Smith likely to be suspended for a few games.

Agreed as always EEP.
I said 2 or 3 weeks weeks ago that we needed to play 1 or 2 games with reserves, especially in the forwards. Even if it meant losing, The first team would be kept fresh. Now they must have doubts in their own and the team's ability, and, with tired bodies and minds, it will take some pulling through. I also said that mental fatigue is the main problem.

[WIGIAN13]

Abject performance but key spine players missing dent the attack simple, issues at 1 6 9 and 7 now for 3 weeks I reckon. Plan to move Keighran to 6 now also goosed as he probably gets another week ban so more disruption in the backs . It takes luck with injuries and bans to get consistency. KR and Wire getting the injury luck currently with no key guys out . Never thought Id say it but we need a think on whether we need a new 7 plan just think Harry is too predictable and easy to defend minus French he has zero running game and zero other threat other than a high bomb. I wouldnt trust Rockybnit to drop the water bottle . Need to stop the rot, use some fresh legs invincibles to away semi if we dont.

[Firestarter]

Abject performance but key spine players missing dent the attack simple, issues at 1 6 9 and 7 now for 3 weeks I reckon. Plan to move Keighran to 6 now also goosed as he probably gets another week ban so more disruption in the backs . It takes luck with injuries and bans to get consistency. KR and Wire getting the injury luck currently with no key guys out . Never thought Id say it but we need a think on whether we need a new 7 plan just think Harry is too predictable and easy to defend minus French he has zero running game and zero other threat other than a high bomb. I wouldnt trust Rockybnit to drop the water bottle . Need to stop the rot, use some fresh legs invincibles to away semi if we dont.

If keighran and smith are banned its hampshire and farrimond in the halves.Hooefully none but if its only smith( as i reckon) then its field and farrimond in the halves and eckersley at fullback which isnt so bad.You never know but french could be fit as its all hush hush

[Fujiman]

Abject performance but key spine players missing dent the attack simple, issues at 1 6 9 and 7 now for 3 weeks I reckon. Plan to move Keighran to 6 now also goosed as he probably gets another week ban so more disruption in the backs . It takes luck with injuries and bans to get consistency. KR and Wire getting the injury luck currently with no key guys out . Never thought Id say it but we need a think on whether we need a new 7 plan just think Harry is too predictable and easy to defend minus French he has zero running game and zero other threat other than a high bomb. I wouldnt trust Rockybnit to drop the water bottle . Need to stop the rot, use some fresh legs invincibles to away semi if we dont.

If keighran and smith are banned its hampshire and farrimond in the halves.Hooefully none but if its only smith( as i reckon) then its field and farrimond in the halves and eckersley at fullback which isnt so bad.You never know but french could be fit as its all hush hush

think someone’s said Rocky came off injured so that may keep him out next week anyway.

[fozzie58]

Abject performance but key spine players missing dent the attack simple, issues at 1 6 9 and 7 now for 3 weeks I reckon. Plan to move Keighran to 6 now also goosed as he probably gets another week ban so more disruption in the backs . It takes luck with injuries and bans to get consistency. KR and Wire getting the injury luck currently with no key guys out . Never thought Id say it but we need a think on whether we need a new 7 plan just think Harry is too predictable and easy to defend minus French he has zero running game and zero other threat other than a high bomb. I wouldnt trust Rockybnit to drop the water bottle . Need to stop the rot, use some fresh legs invincibles to away semi if we dont.

If keighran and smith are banned its hampshire and farrimond in the halves.Hooefully none but if its only smith( as i reckon) then its field and farrimond in the halves and eckersley at fullback which isnt so bad.You never know but french could be fit as its all hush hush

think someone’s said Rocky came off injured so that may keep him out next week anyway.

Not that it was making any difference to the team performance but I did see him holding his arm then he disappeared

[M6 Warrior]

It’s not the playoffs yet but we’re really struggling at this point of the season. 3 heavy defeats in the last 5 is a telling statistic which can be turned around but we don’t look like doing that at the moment. We look bereft of ideas in attack and falling off too many tackles. Someone needs to have a strong word with Harry- we know what a grub Bentley is and Harry got drawn in. Last thing we needed when the game was already done was a potential 3 match ban to our only remaining halfback. It’s a tough passionate sport but sometimes we have to play with the brain.

Still a long way to go and we’re still in the top 2 but we won’t make Old Trafford if we continue with a 40% win percentage. Back to training this week, some serious conversations to be had and hours of practice on attacking shape needed. Next Saturday is now an even bigger game than we expected a few weeks ago.

Not the best game after a long trek up the M6 but all part of following the boys to trophy success!

[Wigan_ITK]

Smith haters are back in force on this post this evening

It’s clear as day he’s a) exhausted and b) frustrated as hell.

A lot of people seem to forget he’s one of the best organising 7’s in the game, yet he’s currently expected to not only organise the backs but be the focal point of every single attack.

Yes without French he’s struggling but name me one 7 in the game who wouldn’t struggle being expected to play both 6 & 7 which is what is happening.

Think of his partners recently;


Farrimond - not ready
Rocky - not good enough

And let’s not forget the Brad shaped hole which will have a massive impact on the attack as well.

Few people on here need to remember what’s he’s done in the last 2-3 years and stop putting the blame solely on him.

Clearly he’ll get a break now and it’ll do him the world of good which can only benefit us.