Nasty injury. I did my ACL 3 times on the same knee. Hope the lad makes a full recovery.

Seems to be a strong rumour that Leeds have let Bailey and Kirke go releasing space for Lee Mossop. I wouldn't be happy about this. I thought we had first refusal.



Still think of him as our player. Even if his fitness is suspect I'd rather he come back than us sign Larne Patrick.

Alternately Leeds recent contract upgrade for Watkins, and rumours Hall is going to need one as well, means Leeds have to cut down else where?

i wouldn't have Mossop back. He would take up a fair chunk of the cap and spend most of his time on the sidelines. He wasn't really that good in his last season with us either. A shame as I really rated him circa '09

BJB also gone, and Clarkson off the cap for next season too. Hall signed a new contract recently anyway. Hardaker's contract runs out at the end of 2016, I'd imagine re-signing him is close to the top of the priority list.



I'd take Mossop, however his form and injury record have been terible the last couple of years, which makes the signing a gamble if it is true.

Leeds look pretty short in the front row and need a big signing there, especially as they will have to replace two more this time next season.



Mossop is a good player but would be high risk IMO, even more so if a fee was required.

Also signed Adam Cuthbertson from Newcastle Knights so that'll take up a bit of the "cap"

We were under the cap last season and we'll be under the cap again even with the Watkins upgrade and Cuthbertson signing.

Ian Kirke is a good signing for Wakey. He'll go well there I reckon. He's a big strong lad and very steady.

No doubt Leeds will be under the cap, it's more whether they are so far under the cap to find replacement(s) for the players that have gone this week

Larne Patrick to Wigan with Jack Hughes going the other way?

Not sure Huddersfield would be happy with that swap.

Why would they be? Jack Hughes is average at best.

Agreed, it's happened though

assuming Taylor goes we will have the following from April onwards



8 Clubb

9 McIlorum

10 Flower

11 Tomkins

12 Farrell

13 O'Loughlin



14 Tautai/Pettybourne

15 Williams/Powell

16 Patrick/Crosby

17 Bateman



That's a bloody good pack for SL level in my book.

It is. The only one I would question at the minute is Tomkins. He's done nothing since he's been back and his inclusion in the England side is a joke. Also, will Williams or Powell not be required to play 6?



The Patrick deal is a good bit of business by Wigan. They are getting a much better player than the one they're letting go. I've said for a couple of years that Hughes won't last at Wigan. Too many brain farts.

I have to disagree with that.



JT was injured this time last year on England duty and didn't play again until August of this year.



He was never going to be at the races so he's done incredibly well to get to where he is.



There's not that many SL backrow players I'd swap him for. Looking at other players hovering around the England side Ablett, Ferris, Bateman etc he's easily in thier bracket even though he's still finding his feet.



After that there's clear dayldaylight between him and JJB, Harrison and Wilkin.

Based on his performances since returning the League, I would have Ablett, Farrell, Harrison, Ferres, Westwood, Whitehead and Bateman comfortably in front of Tomkins. Based on the last couple of months of the season, McCarthy-Scarsbrook would also be in front of him.



I'm not saying he's a bad player, far from it, just that there are question marks over him as his form has been a bit underwhelming that's all.

I don't think JT has played to well since his return to league and 100% agree he should never have been picked for England but coming back to league from union is hard to do if we look at past history.



Just look how poor a top top player like Harris was and he never got back to anywhere near as good as he was.



However, I think he's done ok based on just coming back, not having any per season and basically getting up to speed with super league. In fact I think he's done better than most have in the short time he's been back and I think he will be a big player for Wigan again next year with the experience of the play offs, grand final, the four nations and a good pre season.

I don't agree with that bit. His performances since coming back were disappointing.



He needs to be much much better next season to warrant international selection. Based on 2014 form there are about 10 English second rowers in front of him.

I think that's a very fair summary.



I'd like to add that Joel is a leader. He captained Wigan many times under Madge. He has also got a lot of experience of big game Rugby League and Union, which may be another reason he was wanted by England.

Still think that we need a SO next year. Powell/Williams to share the bench hooking role, Hampshire out on loan to leigh? Pleased with our strongest 17 after that though.



1. Bowen

2. Charnley

3. Gelling

4. Sarginson

5. Burgess

6.

7. Smith

8. Clubb

9. McIlorum

10. Flower

11. Tomkins

12. Farrell

13. O'Loughlin



14. Bateman

15. Tautai

16. Patrick

17. Powell/Williams

With the rumours circulated atm i would not be surprised to see Brough for Taylor. Giants are down a prop now with the swap today.

Like I said in my OP he was injured November 13. Didn't play until Feb 14 and then had back surgery surgery in March.



He's done well to get a decent level of consistency.

Can't for the life of me fathom why Hudds would ever let Brough go. He makes everything tick in that team and they'd be sorely lacking without him.



The only way I can see there being a glimmer of truth in it is if Hudds have managed to nip in ahead of Wire and signed Cooper Cronk!

Are things financially good at the Giants atm.



They turned down their chance of hosting a team from the NRL due to the 150k deposit for it.



Just the rumours for Patrick came on here from the same people who said Brough was on his way.