Looked to lightweight in the forwards for me and I didn't think I would be saying that for a long time after seeing your 2nd/3rd choice pack spank us at CP last season.

The sooner Josh gets back the better so that Burgess can go on the left wing, with Sarginson as his centre.

The decision by Wane to pick M Mac as a sub spoke volumes about his fitness, you can almost say Wane used the match as a fitness test for M Mac.

Young Powell came through the match very well considering the game time he had to do, he was tackling his heart out right to the end.

Lack of creativity stood out though, it is a long time since a Wigan team never made a break in a match.

I also thought Bowden looked a bit overweight. I didn't really noice in the friendly last week. Or maybe my new widescreen TV is wider than I thought. Oh well...

I thought Bowen looked quality apart from the high shot.

Poor all round tonight weak defence pedestrian in attack and if Thornley is a winger I'm the pope.

On the other hand it's the first game so plenty of time to improve.

Correct your Holyness.

Bowen looked fine. He's always been an odd shape with weird running style, he doesn't look over weight, he's just not got a traditionally athletic stature.



As for our performance. A lot of new faces, some decent glimpses here and there. Far from panic stations yet.

Hopefully a nice early wake up call. We did look a bit lost in defence at times.

I thought Bowen showed some bite. Looking forward to seeing him when we are in full flow

One big plus, we have a solid fullback under the high ball.

The captain played a true captain's game. He's a very willing player who tried to do everything - playmaker, tackler, place kicker. goal kicker. Hopefully others will help him out or he's in for a long season.

Is hampshire injured? If not surprised he wasn't on the bench as offers you that spark in attack

He also graciously stood aside to allow Brough to pass by him with ease and create a simple try. He struggled defensively tonight but he'll be back up to speed in time.

Thornley isn't a winger so why play him there? Sarginson looked good with ball in hand, he can tackle but can't defend. When Josh returns, Burgess to left wing and Thornley his centre. Hudds looked like they'd score everytime they went down their right, our left. That has to be sorted.

If SW plays Sarginson and Burgess play left side the NZW and Roosters will tear us apart.

I would also be surprised if SW played Powell at 9 again. Tackled himself to death but nothing creative at all. Just wonder what the instructions to him were before he went out there tonight.