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Many are calling for Lockers to retire but who would you replace him with? There are not many players around with his skillset, certainly none in this country! I can't think of anyone in SL who could get anywhere near filling his boots.

shaunedwardsfan​club​ wrote:Many are calling for Lockers to retire but who would you replace him with? There are not many players around with his skillset, certainly none in this country! I can't think of anyone in SL who could get anywhere near filling his boots.

Bateman

shaunedwardsfan​club​ wrote:Many are calling for Lockers to retire but who would you replace him with? There are not many players around with his skillset, certainly none in this country! I can't think of anyone in SL who could get anywhere near filling his boots.

Many could fill his boots at the moment. Plays less than 6 games a season.This is a massive waste on salary cap.Think lockers is great but the time has come to call it a day. Bateman is perfect replacment.

Ben Currie would be a great replacement

Firestarter wrote:Ben Currie would be a great replacement

We missed him a LONG TIME AGO

We got Chris Taylor, Wire got Ben Currie.

We have many viable options to replace Lockers at 13, but our coach needs to change our style of play, as NON are capable of being able to replica what Lockers does for THIS team in THUS structure.

Bateman
Sutton
TT
FPN
ISA

All of the above could play 13 and play it well, but none will provide the same shape we get when Lockers plays there.

Lockers' influence goes beyond the number of games he plays but even his biggest fan would struggle to argue that he is coming to the end of a very good career.

Given the (justified at times) criticism of our style of play this season though, can any of those suggesting getting rid or Lockers and/or replacing him with players who's skill set is much closer to a conventional second rowers explain how that would be constructive?

I'm a fan of Bateman but he's not a ball playing loose forward who will offer the option of a third half back when needed

What about trying Williams there? He's played in the forwards he's got the skills for a creative 13 and if Sam Tomkins has lost some pace for fullback bring him into the halves with Tommy L and look for another fullback,it would give flexibility off the bench as Williams could easily move back in the halves or hooker if needed and have somebody like Shorrocks or Hampshire on the bench, I think this could give us plenty of attacking options.

I think Lockers will have one last season next year. Personally I would use him at prop, where he could be "spelled" and only play about fifty minutes per game. If you're looking at a like for like replacement, then Nick Gregson would be the closest we have at Wigan. I suppose that may also may depend on how he comes back from his ACL injury.

Gregson is the closest replacement, but it's Bateman's spot to give up for me. We don't need an exact replica of a legend, we should play to what we have rather than try and force something