St. Rughead wrote:
Personally I think Wigan will struggle next year. They've signed a few alright players but nothing special, Bowen aside, who realistically is only going to be there for a year or two for a fat pay cheque. After 2014, I can see Charnley and Green leaving too, so pretty much the core of the team will have changed in a 2 year period. I think this could be transition time for Wigan.
The pack is pretty stable, young and very strong in depth.
Wigan have both England Knights half backs (aged 20) and both England academy halfbacks (aged 18)
The left wing replacement for Richards will be interesting as I see three players Gelling, Burgess and Manfredi all challenging for it. Burgess is a prolific try scorer at academy level and about 6'4", very pacey and can certainly challenge in the air. Manfredi is more in the Charnley mode, a very strong and elusive runner.
The position that worries me a little is fullback, I'm not convinced about Tierney but Hampshire may move there anyway.
I'm also looking forward to seeing if Oliver Gildart continues to progress as along with Saints Percival he is the best centre prospect I have seen for quite a while, but he is very young (17)