: Mon Mar 16, 2009 6:52 pm  

Bridger wrote:

Fair enough but based on what exactly?

I've posted my reasons with regards to Hock, Lockers and Tomkins i.e. physical attributes.

I'd have Bailey in front for his experiance and leadership qualities which I think are under estimated by a lot of people.

I know it's coming across as though I don't rate Hansen which isn't true, I just think there are better options.

: Mon Mar 16, 2009 7:04 pm  

PaulM wrote:

I've posted my reasons with regards to Hock, Lockers and Tomkins i.e. physical attributes.

I'd have Bailey in front for his experiance and leadership qualities which I think are under estimated by a lot of people.

I know it's coming across as though I don't rate Hansen which isn't true, I just think there are better options.

Your point about aggression is very valid, not just with Hansen but also with the Wigan pack as a whole.

Your point is summed up nicely by the way that Manly met Leeds with so much aggression in the World Club Challenge game - they didnt just better Leeds with skill but also with aggression, at times Leeds looked like they were being bullied out of the game.

: Mon Mar 16, 2009 11:15 pm  

PaulM wrote:

I've posted my reasons with regards to Hock, Lockers and Tomkins i.e. physical attributes.

I'd have Bailey in front for his experiance and leadership qualities which I think are under estimated by a lot of people.

I know it's coming across as though I don't rate Hansen which isn't true, I just think there are better options.

I don't see how there size matters when we know that he is better in defence than all 3 of them and I've already posted the bit about metres made.

He is clearly doing a good job, better than some but people don't seem to rate him above our other backrowers because he's smaller. It baffles me!

: Mon Mar 16, 2009 11:39 pm  

I have always liked Hansen, he showed last year the kind of work he does for the team. A lot of people seem to think you have to be massive to be a good second row. Watmough, Glen Stewart, Paul Gallen, arguably 3 of the best 2nd/back rows in the world and all well under 6 foot.

I would be starting Hansen at 12 with OLoughlin and Tomkins fighting it out for 13. As neither of the 3 set the pitch a light with dazzling skills but Hansen's workrate in attack and defence in my opinion is the better of the 3.

Just out of interest and slightly of the topic which if any of our many 2nd rows would be easiest to convert to a good centre?

: Tue Mar 17, 2009 7:58 am  

B.B.F.L. wrote:

Just out of interest and slightly of the topic which if any of our many 2nd rows would be easiest to convert to a good centre?

None of them stand out to be honest.

The problem is, something will have to go because at present we have:
Hock 25
Lockers 26
Tomkins 22
Hansen 23
Mossop 20
Flanagan 21
Farrell 18
Tuson 21

8 backrowers, all highly rated by the club (and others) but only 4 slots (usually) in the 17. And that, is assuming we don't renew Bailey's contract.

: Tue Mar 17, 2009 8:54 am  

Bridger wrote:

……. 8 backrowers, all highly rated by the club (and others) but only 4 slots (usually) in the 17. And that, is assuming we don't renew Bailey's contract.

Hock 25-Impact
Lockers 26-Start 11
Tomkins 22-Start 13
Hansen 23- Start 12
Mossop 20-Possible move to prop?
Flanagan 21-Let go due to numbers?
Farrell 18-keep as by the time he's 23/24 Lockers will be 30ish
Tuson 21-Not seen enough to comment but could be a casualty?

Wouldn’t be the end of the world if we do let Flanagan go would it? From what I’ve heard and seen (which isn’t that much I must say) he doesn’t have the potential that either Mossop or Farrell have and his age is possibly counting against him? Farrell is a keeper due to his relative young age by the time he’s coming round to 23-24 Lockers will be pushing 30ish.

: Tue Mar 17, 2009 4:26 pm  

thepriestman85 wrote:

Hock 25-Impact
Lockers 26-Start 11
Tomkins 22-Start 13
Hansen 23- Start 12
Mossop 20-Possible move to prop?
Flanagan 21-Let go due to numbers?
Farrell 18-keep as by the time he's 23/24 Lockers will be 30ish
Tuson 21-Not seen enough to comment but could be a casualty?

Wouldn’t be the end of the world if we do let Flanagan go would it? From what I’ve heard and seen (which isn’t that much I must say) he doesn’t have the potential that either Mossop or Farrell have and his age is possibly counting against him? Farrell is a keeper due to his relative young age by the time he’s coming round to 23-24 Lockers will be pushing 30ish.

Good assessment there pal

If any of them were to move to the centres I think it would be Lockers

None of them stand out though

Someone mentioned moving Mossop to prop but if we did wouldn't this hinder the development of Ben Davies? Won't we have enough props with Fielden, Feka, Coley/new prop, Prescott, O'Carroll and Davies?