jonh wrote:
First game I remember watching was the 85 final where I was 7.
Realistically though probably going from 87/88 season though as a barometer.
Edwards and Gregory where my favourite players as a kid. I can’t really count Kenny as I only really remember him playing that one game for us.
For me as good as Greg was he was also very limited in the fact he generally turned his back when passing off his weak hand. Lam for me probably had a better all round game.
Edwards nearly got the nod for the longevity alone and the quality throughout his time at Wigan but again I went with Barrett because he was a more natural talent. Edwards was obviously very gifted but I feel he had to work hard for everything he got. Barrett was just a natural talent and a physical specimen.
I have never seen a better display from a 6 than in the Bradford comeback game. It was a masterclass.
Second row was one area I struggled. I nearly went with Haughton just for that brief spell where he was nearly unplayable ball in hand.
I was never a fan personally of Betts, he was obviously a wonderful player but I just never warmed to him. No idea why.
Furner I thought was brilliant for us, although just having a rethink I’d probably go for Hoffman on reflection.
Put my hand up to shifting players to accommodate them but Hanley was the master and I think he could play anywhere. Faz had maybe his best season for Wigan at Prop (didn’t he pick up the Golden Boot),
Locky just so very gifted particularly ball in hand as a 13.
Cheating a little I know but just had to include all 3.
"That" Season (2004) Faz played 10 games at prop-He played 20 in the back row
That's why no matter which way I look at it, I have to leave Lockers out - Faz and Hanley are shoe ins for 2 of the back 3 spots
And as good as Lockers has been, those 2 would both get in at 13 before him - Faz played a lot of his career in 2nd row so ok to play him there.
Don't ask me why, but from someone like yourself I find it strange that you never warmed to Betts as you put it.
He was a Model professional, Played 80mins most weeks and played EVERY week (Didn't he play something like 80+ consecutive games around 90/91/92?). He played his best rugby in the Big games and was as tough as they come.
One of my best memories is the try he scored at Headingley in Mission impossible season, He barged over taking 3/4 men with him and when he stood up after scoring and raised his arms to the 3/4k Wigan fans it was just Spine tingling.
Hoffman/Furner in terms of class would push them, Goodway was close and Faz for sheer longevity and consistency of performance, But I just think Betts had the lot. (Let's not mention Haughton, I'll put that down to Lockdown Fever or someone has pinched your password!
)
Edwards/Gregory argument is a difficult one
If I wanted someone to play for my life it would be Edwards - And I do think there is a place in any team for players with dedication/work ethic over ability
If I could watch one player again at his best one more time it would be Greg. Despite the obvious flaw of turning his back (Which I don't think ever got exposed) He was sublime at times.
Lam was very good, and defensively one of the best 7's I've seen. he was Very good in all areas of the game, but I just think he didn't get us over the line enough like the others did.
Barrett was fantastic season 1 - dipped a bit season 2
But Kenny was just awesome
The one that gets missed a lot is Ella - He was every bit as good as Kenny over the regular season, but was injured when we lost the CC QF to Cas at home so missed out on the exposure of the CC Final - I do think if he'd have made a CC final people would remember him more fondly.
-Kelvin Skerrett
