Myler is a classy player imo and I won't change my mind on that just because he's now turning our for one of our biggest rivals. There isn't a great deal of difference between him and Eastmond imo. I'd have Tomkins slightly ahead but then maybe i'm bias.



I'd like to see all 3 involved in a starting line up and to me the easiest way of doing that is by shifting Eastmond to fullback. It's a position we need to start getting more out of and we're miles behind the Aussies and Kiwi's in what we can offer whilst having guys like Wellens and Briscoe there. The Kiwi's went down the route of putting an attacking fullback in there and a more recognised halfback in Hoahia(sp) and it's paid off bigtime. IMO Eastmond would be a sensation roaming around the middle of the field supporting halfbreaks and running the ball out.



As for Pryce he is a winger/centre imo and has been lucky to be given such a run at 6 by Saints. He's had players like Long and Cunningham helping him out and he's thrived without the pressure of having to play like a proper 6. He'd be our best winger by miles if he got played there. He again could just concentrate on doing what he does best and just running the ball.



As for the centres I like Shenton and he did a very solid job. He'd easily be in my squad but if Senior plays like last year and was willing to tavel he'd be my choice still as left centre. Either way i'm happy enough with Senior or Shenton.

Like everyone else I was very impressed by Joel Tomkins last Friday. He was devastating at times and I remember thinking at half time the oustanding performance he was putting in. He was international potential in him definitely, but this friday will be a big test of him. Let's hope he is up to it.

Pinched off the other website.



(Name - Meters - Carries - Tackles)

Joel Tomkins - 119 - 21 - 36

Stuart Fielden - 117 - 18 - 19

Andy Coley - 98 - 15 - 26

Iafeta Paleaaesina - 75 - 10 - 4

Harrison Hansen - 66 - 9 29

Sean O'Loughlin - 53 - 12 - 27

Paul Prescott - 52 - 8 - 17

Lee Massop - 33 - 5 - 16



Statistically in terms of metres gained, Stuart Fielden and Joel Tomkins were our best forwards. Feka paleaasina on average was making 7.5 metres per carry, which was more than any of our other forwards. He only had to make four tackles in defence. Harrison Hansen was making, on average, 7,3 metres per carry.



It's easy to get carried away with statistics. For example it doesn't take into account the amount of minutes played (Joel played 80 whereas I would argue Fielden didn't play the full 80) and not to mention the opposition.



Friday night will be a great indication of how good our forwards realy are, because in truth, Celtic Crusaders had a dire set of forwards.

I think the thing with our set of forwards is that nobodies stats at the end of the season will probably stand out like a Graham or a Peacock because they're all much of a muchness and the work gets shared amougst them.



It was a solid enough opening from the pack but as you say Crusaders pack isn't the best and theres going to be much tougher tests around the corner.

Lee Mossop defensive stats are very impressive considering the amount of time he was on the pitch.



I remember watching Joel about three years back in the reserves/academy. His performances were very much like Fridays, superb. He then got injured and never quite looked the same again. Here's hoping he carries on where he left off on Friday, if he does he will be deservedly in the England squad

For me Joel was a revelation last week. Effort, fitness, impact all top notch. My only reservation was that he seemed to be used as a battering ram a little too much. I really want him to start running more of those exquisite lines he sometimes comes up with to score some of his best tries. Now we have Deacon who looks like becoming an organiser/distributer I'm looking forward to Joel getting on the end of some of Deacon's plays. It should be devastating.

Well give it time it was the first competitive game of the season after all. At least the signs are there that Joel will have a good season, and with a little work between him and the ball players in the team that link should spark up.



It was only a couple of years ago that Joel was the top try scoring forward in the comp, if he continues on like he started off on Friday I wouldn't bet against him being the top scoring forward again this year.

Said it last season Joel is a unsung hero in the Wigan team.He seems to have bulked up a bit over the off season,after last Fridays performance hopefully he going to get even better as the season goes on.

totally agree. he and HH tae a lot of flak at times but think they both more than pull their weight compared to some.

pryce at full baclk!!! lmao!! pryce will be lucky to ever play for us again.

Apart from the fact he's talking about leon playing for England at fb rather than karl for us.

Personally I think both Pyrces are a waste of space... Leon needs dropping, great talent, but e attitude, and cannot see anything at all in Karl, he's embarring to watch, as one wigan fan said at weekend theres more aggression in a tub of lard. Should be giving lads the chance who want to actually play for there team and give 100%