Lauaki a Warrior

[CherryPie]

There's definitely potential with Lauaki but he'll be 28 by the start of next season and you would expect a forward to be having their best years at that age. His brother is a terrific player albeit in the other code, but I just don't see how Wigan could transform him into a top quality player.

For next season the back row will contain : Hansen, Hock, O'Loughlin, Farrell, Tuson, Hughes
And props : Lima, Prescott, Fielden, Mossop, O'Carroll

I just don't see where Lauaki fits in. From what I've seen he's much better as a second row but he needs to be in peak fitness for that (which he clearly isn't). As a prop he's been very very poor.

[theowdun]

(09-02-2011 08:43 PM)CherryPie Wrote:  There's definitely potential with Lauaki but he'll be 28 by the start of next season and you would expect a forward to be having their best years at that age. His brother is a terrific player albeit in the other code, but I just don't see how Wigan could transform him into a top quality player.

For next season the back row will contain : Hansen, Hock, O'Loughlin, Farrell, Tuson, Hughes
And props : Lima, Prescott, Fielden, Mossop, O'Carroll

I just don't see where Lauaki fits in. From what I've seen he's much better as a second row but he needs to be in peak fitness for that (which he clearly isn't). As a prop he's been very very poor.

Cherry I agree with you that Lauaki may have potential which has'nt been unleashed at Hull,but how he would get into the team when you see the players you have mentioned is another matter.
But what really concerns me is this talk about Thomas coming to Wigan,this I think could prove to be the most unsettling thing to hit Wigan for a few years.
It has been said that Wigan have a very exciting set of young backs waiting for a chance at the first team but what will this do to their confidence when they see a 37 year old threaten their chances of first team rugby.
On the Cherry and White site it has been mentioned a few times that in some of the easier matches (on paper) Wigan have had in the run in that some of the young backs should have had a chance. It was also stated that all Maguire was concerned about was this season because he wont be here next year and if that was the case it is allmost like a second kick in the teeth tfor the young players if Thomas comes in. Carefull thought is required about the Thomas move.

By the way Cherry what has happened to the Cherry and White site it has been down all week, is Bilko still down Wembley ?.

[CherryPie]

I don't think the signing of Thomas will have too much impact at Wigan. Even if he is good enough I can't see him playing many games. With Carmont needing rests every so often I think it just increases the competition for places.

There are a few good outside backs at Wigan but the ones with the most potential are Ryan King (a winger) and Matty Russell (mainly a fullback but can play wing). There's plenty of competition for places in those positions but centre is a bit of a problem.

Goulding has been inconsistent and Stefan Marsh has yet to pass the ball once in 12 SL appearances. They are reasonable back up but there's no harm in bringing another player who could act as cover for a game or two. Neither look like they will be good enough in the long run though. That means Joel Tomkins look likely to be a permanent fixture at centre, which I don't think is too bad.

There is also Jamie Acton who has some potential, but the best way to describe him is raw. He could become an excellent player with so much size, power and pace, but he's a long way off first team yet, particularly defensively.

With Lauaki, he seems like he would be a Feka sort of player, but getting rid of Feka was actually one of the best moves the club made. There's no point having an impact player if their lack of hard work during games goes against the very thing that players are judged on.

As for the Cherry and White site, I think Bilko is having some time away from all that so I'm not sure when it will be back up and running.

[adam-rhinos]

I have had this confirmed.