WN83

Not much would surprise me but just how useless the RFL are gives me hope the delay isn't due to this and it's simply a case of them putting a couple of hours a week in to trying to get this series on. They'll probably accelerate the organising once Sutton and co have got the free Vegas alcohol out of their systems. No doubt they'll be over there on another 'fact finding' mission (one which leads to Superleague clubs sorting their own spot out at the Vegas table).

It's a very good side that and one that probably looks better written down than I'd have imagined. The pack was very good last year but if guys like JWH, Micky Mac and Martin start, that'll push some starters like Hadley and Whitbread down to the bench and suddenly there is absolutely no let up in quality. I think HKR will win the LLS this season at least. Wigan and Wire will have dips because of Vegas and I don't see KR dropping many points at home.

You'd imagine Cartwright's first priority will be to make the side gritty and tough to beat. I look at the 17 and it's not going to out attack too many sides but if he can get them competing for everything, it'll be a step forward.

Personally I would find a spot for him because I think the best balance of a bench is to have 2 props, a second rower and a hooker but I don't think he'll get in the 17 early doors.

You say that but I have been known to have a pie for starters, main and dessert before now.

Not too much to debate with Wigan but I would say that Harvie Hill deserves a place in the first 17 for the opener, after a couple of really strong performances in pre season. We'll be something like- Field Miski Keighran Wardle Marshall French Smith Havard Leeming Thompson Farrell Nsemba Ellis Subs Mago Hill Fober and then Dupree or Byrne.

A real shame for him, Leeds and the league in general. I was looking forward to seeing how he would go. Leeds don't seem to get much luck with injuries in recent times, especially so with the overseas wingers they've signed.

Without doubt. They deserve some slack I suppose with the flip of location seeming to come pretty late but there are no excuses for it dragging on much longer.

You wonder at which point do they just play it safe and go Elland Road, Wigan, Hull etc because the longer it drags, the less hope you have of making a real go of grounds like Wembley, St James and the like. I get it's not straightforward sorting out dates for football stadiums but they ideally you'd want things announced and tickets on sale in the next couple of weeks.

You're an argumentative soul aren't you You strangely took some sort of offence to me saying I'd read somebody saying he'd be back for round one, rather than you guessing he was struggling with the injury.I have no clue if it's true but Isa himself has confirmed he was back in full training and that the injury isn't why he's called it quits, it was simply a case of him having been given a great job opportunity. It all points to your 'thoughts' about him struggling to come back from the injury being incorrect but you plod on lad. We best stop boring people now. Go and enjoy your weekend

The press release doesn't mention him struggling to come back from the injury, which is what you suggested, so maybe the bloke in the pub put his own spin on things as well.

Second row is the major position Wigan probably need to keep a really close eye on over this next season or two. Faz getting no younger, Walters hasn't really proven much yet and then there are a couple of young options. Nsemba is an incredible talent but that NRL threat likely to always be there, even with the new deal.

I presume Wigan will put their trust in Zach Eckersley if Keighran heads home and give him the 3 shirt. That would leave only the possibility of either being back up or potentially forcing out Miski and Eckersley then going on to the wing. It's not beyond the realms but I presume he'll get an offer as a starting player elsehwere. I would be happy to see him back in the Wigan squad in 2026 but I wouldn't be surpised if he ends up at Saints. English centres are thin on the ground and signing one to replace Hurrell, would open up a quota spot to use in another position.

It was a comment I'd seen elsewhere from somebody who said they'd spoken to him. Either way, his suggestions seem to be that it isn't the injury that has forced retirement and more an opportunity that has come up elsewhere. I've read a rumour about it being in Womens football (presumably not playing).

He's apparently said his injury is fine and he was fit to go from round 1 but this opportunity away from the pitch is too good to turn down. I'm glad he's got himself set up and will leave on his terms. He's been a great servant. People were skeptical when he signed but he went way past anyones expectations and has played a major part in the successes the club has had over his time.

Marcus is that you?

There would be so much to learn for those Manchester United players in a professional, humble and driven environment, like the one at Wigan (and other rugby league clubs). Sadly, I'm sure it will have very much been seen as them doing Wigan and Rugby League a favour by gracing them with their presence for an hour or so, a bit like they'd see a visit to a sponsors premises. United should use this spell of turmoil to bring their players back down to earth and make them realise the position of privilege they're in but unfortunately, if they tried to do that, the toys would come out and they'd just move somewhere else for 100/200/300k a week.

Read it yesterday and it's very sad. Who knows the full circumstances behind it but hopefully they can get the medals back. If you were given something as important as one of his medals in the pub, you'd like to think the people accepting them would know something isn't right and even if they wouldn't know who to approach to ensure they're given back, would be more than open to returning them once they're asked.

You can have her (Wigan are being greedy on the trophy front anyway) Sorted

Bit before my time I don't care if they're from Wigan (they're not), Leigh (they're not) or Atherton (they are), I'm just happy to see young sportspeople from the area doing well and representing the local people and the country with such great performances.

It's an amazing time for the area.

As somebody who lives in Atherton, I love how much mither a couple of it's residents are causing the Leythers when people claim they're from Wigan Aspinall and Hodgkinson aren't from Wigan itself and they aren't from Leigh either. They are from a small town within the Wigan borough however and I think people across the whole area feel rightfully proud of what they are achieving. To have 2 elite sportspeople from a town the size of Atherton is pretty incredible.

Happy as a Wigan fan but happier for the sport as a whole. We need some attention and recognition and things like this help. Our players and coaches deserve to be in the conversation for any awards being handed out.

All very true. The game getting it's act together with the internationals would have the biggest impact on us attracting sponsors IMO. Big companies aren't likely to see much benefit in sponsoring teams in towns like Wigan, Castleford and Huddersfield, especially when the games are hidden away on Sky (and not even the main channels much of the time) but if we had regular internationals, they may be interested in putting their name to an England national side, especially when those games are on terrestrial tv and even against Samoa, are pulling in decent numbers. If we could sort that aspect, you'd then like to think it would have a positive knock on effect on the sponsorship in the club game.

True but he's just a good example of the sort of issue we face when compared to the Union guys, who make something that dull sound like the most exciting entertainment you'll ever see. I look at a guy like John Davidson in the written media as well and with friends like those, we certainly don't need enemies.