Paul Deacon

[cpwigan]

In the Wigan Observer, Madge says he wants him to play on in 2011.

[TonyH]

Presumably on the bench for when Tommy L goes to 9, looks like Sam will be appearing more regularly at Full back

[TonyH]

Still not convinced Sam at fullback is the right move in the long term. I think there's more chance of this club producing a quality fullback than another quality halfback, regardless of how highly rated Mellor is. I also think Tomkins is better at stand off anyway.

Me too but full back is the best attacking position on the park and Sam is probably our biggest attacking threat, the full back role in Australia is very different to the one played over here, you look at players like Slater and Minichello then look at players like Wellens and Briscoe totally different styles of full back so maybe Madge wants Sam to be more like an Aussie fullback.

[cpwigan]

I think you may be reading too much into it. Deacon is a damn good back up in case somebody gets injured.

[Kiwiseddon]

I thought he was great against Leeds. Really steered us around the pitch. He is improving (especially given the lack of game time) and whilst he's not the most dynamic player, he's got experience in spades and can chuck a pass or two.
We will at some point have injuries next year and he is the sort of player who can just step into a half back role. I've no problem with him playing next season.

[Wigan_forever1985]

Deacon for me is the rugby league equivalent of Beckham (minus the looks and marketablility). He is one of the guys who will always do a job for you, if you want a kcik tha 9 times out of 10 will fall in the wingers arms give it to deacon. I agree with CP, as long as he isn't drawing a huge wage he is a great backup player, a guy who has the big game experience and wont crumple under pressure.

[botica]

I thought he was amazing V Leeds and really bossed the play.

However how would that effect his contract, payscale etc. I thought it was structured to pay him extra when on staff to compensate him for the lower money as a player. His decision though and hope they can work something out x

[Exiled Wiganer]

I think this is excellent news. Assuming that we are letting go - Pryce, Feca, Bailey, Piggy and re-signing Fielden on a lower wage then in addition to Hoffman, Lima and Finch coming in I think we could do with a utility back and then we'll be well set to win something next year.

[thomo]

got to fit a part year Gaz Hock under the cap as well
if phelps and pryce go we need another back as back up

[DaveO]

got to fit a part year Gaz Hock under the cap as well
if phelps and pryce go we need another back as back up

There is no such thing as a part year player under the salary cap. If we pay Hock £2000 a month his salary cap value is 12 x £2000, not (say) 6 x £2000. That is just the way it works.

Dave