Wigan fans were left disappointed last week when it was announced that Josh Charnley and Dan Sarginson would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Charnley has opted for a move to rugby union, while the lure of the NRL and the Gold Coast was too much for Sarginson ahead of 2017.
How damaging their departures prove to be won’t become evident for a while, but there is no doubting that head coach Shaun Wane has a plan in place to replace his two stars.
With the announcement of their imminent exits coming out early, the club has plenty of time to react, but who might they look at to replace the duo?
Here are four potential replacements Wigan might have their eye on.
1. Justin Carney
While the bulldozing wing seems comfortable at Salford, he is still only on a year-long loan with the Red Devils from Castleford.
There’s no doubting the Australian’s try-scoring exploits, his record is exceptional and would be welcomed by any side in the competition.
Whether he is of Shaun Wane’s liking is another matter, but it’s hard to ignore a player of his quality should he become available.
2. Tom Johnstone
Look away now Wakefield fans, because links of a move to the Warriors have already surfaced.
His talents are undoubted and his rise to stardom has already commenced at the Wildcats.
The Easter period has seen his stock increase massively, with his sensational try against Huddersfield being followed by a hat-trick against Salford.
At just 20-years-old he is a remarkable talent, and one Wane is likely to have his eye on.
3. Greg Eden
Eden put in a stunning performance against the Warriors in the World Club Series and is continuing his efforts to secure a longer deal at Brisbane.
But, given he is out of contract in the off-season, a move back to Super League might be an appealing option should his NRL venture not end successfully.
He knows what Super League is about following stints at four of Wigan’s rivals, and that experience might be appealing to the club.
4. Antonio Winterstein
This really would be a signing of intent, with North Queensland’s top scorer in 2015 potentially available at the end of the year.
The Samoan international is out of contract despite his incredible performances for the Cowboys, where he scored 16 tries last year and played in the NRL Grand Final.
It’s not know how Winterstein would feel about a move to Super League, but it’s hard to imagine that Wigan wouldn’t be interested in his services.
