Billinge_Lump wrote:
Briscoe showed how average he was in the Four Nations, where he looked as slow as Wellens ever did but more ponderous.
If he wasn't from Wigan none of you would even mention him.
Correct. I got caught up in the hype about Briscoe midway through the season, but when you assess the quality of British fullbacks and the performances from Shaun Briscoe in the Four Nations you realise just how over rated he is and how poor British fullbacks are - Richie Mathers, Paul Sykes, Matt Blaymire etc VERY average.
Widdop would be a top signing and there is a chance of signing him with MaGuire's link up with Melbourne Storm. But we would some competition IMO because he was named in the Toyota dream team alongside Australia's finest talents and other NRL clubs would probably be in for him & the lad probably has the ambition to play first grade in the NRL. Next season we will see how good he is as when Slater is away on SOO duty he will get his chance. For England's sake I hope he stays in the NRL, but from a more selfish view I would love for Wigan to sign him. A play making fullback who is one of the finest talents in the Australian game and he is English! (Oh he kicks goals as well). He should have been called up to the England squad in the Four Nations. If the British selectors open their eyes he should get called up for this years international tournament.
As for INS and OUTS a lot depends on how players perform this season. I had Andy Coley and Cameron Phelps out last season, but both (deservedly) got new contracts.
Phil Bailey will most likely go. The competition for second row spots is very high and I don't think he will be resigned.
George Carmont - A lot just depends on how Karl Pryce and Darrell Goulding get on. If neither develop to how he hope then we may just keep Carmont or we may look to bring in another centre from Australia/New Zealand.
Andy Coley - I think he will go at the end of the season. An average player who we should be looking to replace to challenge the top sides in the league.
Cameron Phelps - Is not as good as some people make him out to be. His attacking ability at fullback is very good (you can tell he was a six), but he is too unsure with high kicks and vunerable with 1v1's. Defensively it would take a massive improvement for him to be signed on. A likeable lad and that is why he gets the support he does, but you have to be ruthless with regards to recruitment. If Gareth Widdop becomes available/can be made available I hope we get him and NOT Shaun Briscoe.
Karl Pryce - Will most likely leave at the end of the season. Unfortunate with injury, but not shown anything in his time here to suggest he will be a big success. Huge disappointment and will most likely be left to leave to clear some cap space.
Darrell Goulding - All depends on his development. He is agile, quick and good with his feet. Hopefully Martin Gleeson can help his development defensively & so can Michael MaGuire. I still have high hopes for Goulding.
Harrison Hansen - is a great squad player. Gets through the defensive work and takes the ball up well. Doesn't count on the quota and wont demand a huge wage for the work he does. Should be resigned.
Mike McIlorum - is a really promising player who could make it at international level, but he still has a fair way to go. He is also very agile, quick and very strong defensively, but I don't think he is creative enough. He needs to be a bit more elusive at dummy half. He adding a bit of kicking to his game last season which was impressive. His discipline could be better, but I wont hold it against him - Terry Newton was similar.
Lee Mossop - resigned. Loads of potential, tough lad and is settling into Super League. Enough said.
Paul Prescott - I can't believe people calling for his head! Most props mature at around 26/27ish and I think Prescott will make a fantastic prop! He never takes a backwards step, well disciplined, holds his own in defense and is a hard working lad. Big unit and will be a very good player for Wigan.
Feka Paleaasina - Lost 1 and a half stone already in the off season. He has the right attitude and will sort himself out. The previous regime neglected his fitness, but Feka should take some of the blame. That said he is still devastating in Super League even if he is unfit - so imagine him in the same shape he was when he was at New Zealand Warriors! Rumoured to be a big earner so it would have to be the right contract.
Stuart Fielden - his wages would have to come down considerably to be even considered as a possible resign. We need to see some fire in the belly from Fielden again to justify a new contract. If his heart isn't in it then we should get rid.
