Gareth Thomas

[Kittwazzer]

This will give us cover for George for next year FREE OF CHARGE if rumours are to be believed.

Sorry and no disrespect to GT but his name and George Carmont's should not be uttered in the same breath

And there is something surreal about a 60 year old in his 3rd season covering for. 33 year old in his final season. Wonder if he can pluck chickens?

[Shaun1967]

This will give us cover for George for next year FREE OF CHARGE if rumours are to be believed.

Sorry and no disrespect to GT but his name and George Carmont's should not be uttered in the same breath

Surely Goulding and Marsh would have something to say about that!

They may well have, and may well be in front of Thomas in the pecking order, however I see the playing side of things as a secondary reason for signing him.

IL has voiced his opinions on bringing in more players from Union. What better way of achieving that than by employing one the highest profile names in Union to act on our behalf? If you were a Union player considering changing codes, who would hold most sway with you; Hetherington, McManus, or Gareth Thomas?

I don't for one minute think that he would get much if any game time with Wigan. However why not register him if he costs nothing?

[HGWarrior]

Surprised I'm the first to post this on here as the news is two hours old.

Published on Wednesday 31 August 2011 11:11


GARETH Thomas is poised to become Wigan’s first signing for 2012.


In a shock move, the former British Lions centre is set to sign a one-year deal with the Challenge Cup winners for next season.

The 37-year-old has been on the hunt for a new club since his current outfit, Crusaders, announced they would not be continuing in Super League next season.

He was on Wigan’s radar earlier this year as a replacement for George Carmont, before he signed an extension at the doomed Wrexham-outfit. And though Carmont has since made a U-turn on his retirement plans, the Warriors still want him on board to provide depth to their three-quarters.

It is understood he has been offered a one-year deal and is keen on a move to the DW Stadium, where he would link up with his current Crusaders and Wales national coach Iestyn Harris – who will be appointed Shaun Wane’s assistant next year, a move exclusively revealed by the Evening Post last month.

The move for Thomas would surprise many supporters.

He turns 38 next July, and is the competition’s second-oldest player after Steve Menzies. But unlike former Kangaroos international Menzies, Thomas is relatively new to league, having only been persuaded to switch codes when ex-Warriors chief Brian Noble was in charge at Crusaders at the start of last year.

His form has been steady, but his age will raise concerns among the Warriors faithful, especially as Joel Tomkins is starting to flourish in the right-centre berth – as he showed at Wembley last Saturday – and home-grown products Darrell Goulding and Stefan Marsh are waiting in the wings.

But his capture would certainly help broaden Wigan’s profile. Thomas still has a huge following in Wales for his exploits in the 15-a-side code.

And his profile has rocketed since he became the sport’s only openly gay player – he is often featured in the national media, while Hollywood legend Mickey Rourke is currently making a film about his life.



http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... _1_3727731

[cpwigan]

http://www.wiganwarriorsfans.com/wigan/ ... 1&o=737267

[HGWarrior]

Thanks for pointing that out CP but should it not be out of 'The Rumour Mill' forum and in 'Web Warriors'?

[Wes]

If he is used to attract Union players and publicity etc should we not have signed him as a RU Recruitment officer rather than a player!?!

Wrong message to our youth this IMO.

Agree with CP though re Marsh, I dont think Goulding will stick around either but thats only my opinion I havent heard out to suggest that.

[cpwigan]

No idea HG, up to mods or Mike where they put things

[Shaun1967]

If he is used to attract Union players and publicity etc should we not have signed him as a RU Recruitment officer rather than a player!?!

I am suggesting that this role may be a possibility. I am not aware that we have signed him as a player or in any recruitment / PR capacity.
There is a bigger picture to look at rather than jumping to the conclusion that I originally did that this would be a bad signing for us.

I reiterate the point though, where is the harm in registering him if he costs nothing?
His age and RU reputation don't necessarily put him ahead of the very limited string of young players we have at the moment in that position.
If he is being signed purely on a playing basis then I agree 100% that it is a bad signing both in terms of what he offers as a player, and the message it sends to our younger players.

[DaveO]

I have moved it to the rumour mill. It scared the living daylights out of me seeing it posted in the main forum!

[the winky one]

This is one of those rumours that's so worryingly abstract it could be true!. I think Thomas should go to wignes, i cant see any place for him in our squad, id much rather we spent time looking for a class centre to unlock the full potential of charnley, thats not a dig at joel who's done a job but its a specialist position

Where is Wignes?