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Not necessarily saying we need major signings for next season, but with Rocky and Cooper not being here next season, have we got any replacements in mind or is it looking likely we will go more towards putting the younger lads in?

Blackpool_Pie wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 10:47 am Not necessarily saying we need major signings for next season, but with Rocky and Cooper not being here next season, have we got any replacements in mind or is it looking likely we will go more towards putting the younger lads in?

Its a weird position to be in but feels like we don't really need to address any area at the moment unless we have more unexpected departures

i suspect we may use the funds to help improve the teams contracts rather than seek new blood

Wigan_forever1985 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 11:18 am

Blackpool_Pie wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 10:47 am Not necessarily saying we need major signings for next season, but with Rocky and Cooper not being here next season, have we got any replacements in mind or is it looking likely we will go more towards putting the younger lads in?

Its a weird position to be in but feels like we don't really need to address any area at the moment unless we have more unexpected departures

i suspect we may use the funds to help improve the teams contracts rather than seek new blood

the bulk of the 1st team are now tied in with long term deals, with the below for another 2 seasons if not longer

French, Field, Miski, Smith, Eckersley and Marshall in the backs
Thompson, O'Neill, Leeming, Dupree, Nsemba, Ellis, Havard in the pack

This year alone, we will have improved contracts for Eckersley and Nsemba, so good chance anything saved by Cooper and Rocky leaving will have been consumed in the longer term deals we've given out

We've also just decided to retain Isa for another 12 months, as he was originally off contract, so whilst it may not be a massive contract, there's a bit more of the pot gone, but IMO well spent as he will offer backup to Faz, Nsemba and Walters, plus his experience around the younger players will be invaluable

Not really any obvious weak areas, maybe 2nd row but there are 2 lads promoted from Academy who are excellent prospects.

Probably unpopular but the only area for improvement i would say is possibly the right wing. I know Miski does a good job but i would like to see someone faster as an option.
Apart from that i think Wigan are set up for the foreseeable future untill Isa and Faz call it quits.

Douglas and Eckersley will cover RW. Can see Douglas taking over long term. We also have Noah Hodkinson promoted to the first team to cover the backs.

As stated previously we have promoted several back rowers to first team squad for next season.

I would like to see Cooper replaced

medlocke wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 1:42 pm I would like to see Cooper replaced

i think Hill is ready to step up in that sense, unless you mean a well seasoned / hardened prop

With Thompson & Havard both able to play big minutes, then Byrne, Dupree, Mago, Hill and even Ellis, i think we are still well stocked with props

i've been having conversations on RLFans, and i know both Leeds and Saints fans would like to add a couple of props to their 1st team / squads, so they may be short in supply or come at a premium if there is a bit of demand for a specific player

I'd be looking to upgrade the wing in terms of more impact going forward. Also maybe upgrade a backup prop and possibly backup second row, but I think we're good there with Isa back as well as Faz.

You should always look to improve IMO otherwise you're standing still with everyone else catching you up.

Mike wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2024 3:31 pm I'd be looking to upgrade the wing in terms of more impact going forward. Also maybe upgrade a backup prop and possibly backup second row, but I think we're good there with Isa back as well as Faz.

You should always look to improve IMO otherwise you're standing still with everyone else catching you up.

i agree we should always be looking to move forwards, but i think the club has done that over the 18months or so. key players on long term contracts, doesnt appear to be any noises about wanting to go to Oz and looks like an opportunity next season with Keighran, Faz and Isa (that i can think of), who are off contract, so chances to refresh a little if the club decides not to offer new contracts

re wing, i think Miski offers us plenty of go forward, but he's not the fastest, so we lose out a little there when we have French, Field, Marshall and other with plenty of pace. I think the best example of where Miski is lacking, is the interception v Leigh, when he was caught, although i gave him benefit of doubt as i think he's carrying a leg too, but the others would have been away and under the sticks