Wirral Warrior

Wigan to edge it in a non-televised thriller

Better discipline, reduced error count, pace, improved support play to name but 4

Close Wigan win...be a good chance our future half-back?

Not that he is ever going to admit it, but Bennett is out of order with his comment that Sutton would not have been spotted unless he was playing in NRL. Thats's a poor reflection on his, or UK based scouting/coaching team, awareness of Super League talent. Sutton had been playing for Wigan for 5 seasons winning 2 Grand Finals and a WCC and had been steadily improving. Lazy analysis by Bennett. Elstone spot on to call him out. We would be calling him out if as Chief ExecSL he wasn't vocal in supporting SL.

Good decision....but who's going to tell Schoey?

Agreed...Hicks was over compensating last week. The 'authorities ' should not put ref's in that position. Sutton should have been over here for French and all NZ matches,

That's why we need neutral refs.....he's a good ref but he is put in a difficult position

It's all gone quiet over there........for now

Fantastic occasion.....pity no neutral ref. Sutton should be over here doing Eng games and Thaler/Hicks over there

Point really well made by Dunbar re aggregate crowds at the major events. If you also add in the trips to France (and Australia) which never existed in 'the good old days' , the crowd figures are reasonable when evaluated in this context.

What did others think about how Proper Sport Radio (Mon 6-8) covered , or rather didn't cover the story? Its usually a good listen, especially from Phil 'the voice of reason' Caplan amidst the Schoey rants and RWS ' endless sarcasm. Lam and particular the return of Edwards ( not just to Wigan, but to the Game) was only given a relatively short mention late in the show. This was the story of the week , if not the month or season. But they relegated it behind the increasingly boring and unfunny references to 'Leeds in Crises' and the Pyongyang Pylons etc I admire their passion but they need to get an editorial grip. This was clearly the biggest story even for a Yorkshire programme. When they did cover it , it became an all out attack on Leneghan and Radlinski because they thought Shaun Wane's feelings would have been hurt. Shaun Wane has , and always will have the utmost respect from the vast majority of Wigan fans, but all parties realise there has to be a 'new direction' ( to quote GH) and change is inevitable. Securing Edwards is a massive coup for the game as a whole and ironically, the delayed start date will inevitably generate proportionately more coverage for the game. Only 'The Voice of Reason' seemed to grasp this point.

Agreed - its a superb documentary. I did write to the producer/presenter Carolyn Hitt (?) to congratulate her, as she cleverly and movingly told the story of the movement of players and uncovered some of the other reasons ( as opposed to financial) for code breaking. She acknowledges that it shed new light on the game on Rugby League and she changed her views from her original preconceptions.

Good news that it is back. Dave Woods is a consummate professional and even when being critical he exudes confidence and positivity. Agree they need to feature more contributors , particularly those who don't always get a platform. The agenda should focus more about the game, the players , form, tactics etc. Too many forums including the local Radio Stations now just revert to endless speculation about politics - structures , finances , governance. To the outsider it would appear that the sport is too inward looking with no confidence or belief in the merits of the sport. In football you never hear constant and boring opinions on re-structuring options - they talk about THE GAME.! Hope Back Chat doesn't fall into that trap.

Fully agree - all 3 clubs should be applauded for their ambition. If the 'authorities' are not willing or able to progress the game, the clubs have no other option than to act decisively and progressively.

Spot on ! Light in the pack and mechanical in attack is the perfect description. I would also add too light in Centre's. In addition lacking composure and allowing poor discipline and decisions creep in. If they spend the FPN money it has to be spent wisely to correct these areas rather than another project player or this season will be continual catch vv Saints, Leeds, Wire and Cas