I think we'll be able to recall Deacon should he be fit, but we have to work on the assumption he will miss out.
I can't comment on whether it should have been Phelps or Roberts to replace Deacon based on form but I will say this, Phelps brings us more options i.e. he could have played full back or stand off, and has an okay kicking game (though far from brilliant) and I also see Phelps as a safer option in that he's more consistent. Roberts is a confidence player and if he doesn't have much, he could have a shocker, where as I think Phelps would be steady.
I'm also of the opinion that we should do as least disruption to the team as possible when replacing Deacon, so given the squad we've announced I'd go with Sam at 6 and Roberts at full back, leaving Richards on the wing. We've enough outside back options to suggest that if Roberts wasn't 100% fit, he wouldn't be selected, and his best performances in a Wigan shirt have come at 1, and Pat is undoubtedly better outside Carmont, so that's the way it should stay.
Tuson and either Davies or Prescott to miss out for me, probably Davies since Maguire seems relecutant to give him a full run out whenever he is selected, and it is essential we have 4 fully charged props for the rest of the play off compaign. Having calmed down a little from Sunday, I'd also start Joel, hopefully gifting Leeds 2 points that ultimately won them the game will make him see he needs to be a lot smater and more disciplined
I'd also start Hansen, Fielden and Coley in the pack too in the hopes of getting off to an absolute flier, and trying to kill some of KR's enthusiasm and confidence.
To summarise then:
Roberts Goulding Gleeson Carmont Richards S Tomkins Leuluai Fielden Riddell Coley J Tomkins Hansen O'Loughlin
McIlorum Farrell Paleaaesina Prescott
A few months ago this would have probably have been regarded as Wigan's strongest team - with the current squad. Play to our potential and we will win comfortably! It is vital that MM selects 4 props.
This is the main point for me, we need 4 props! Also I don't want to see Pat at fullback, like other have said, he is wasted there. Yes he's solid, but we lose so much threat down the wing.
I mentioned on another thread we should go with four props. This should happen for the remaining games of the season. We can beat Cas, Wakey & Salford with three props but not Leeds, Wire or Stains as has been proved by this year's results. If we don't beat HKR then we needn't bother about the rest as we are out! This squad playing four props should put 40 past HKR. With three it would be doubtful if we'd win! Interesting that MM has named five props in his 19 so even if one has fitness problems now then another one is ready to play!
I think we'll be able to recall Deacon should he be fit, but we have to work on the assumption he will miss out.
I can't comment on whether it should have been Phelps or Roberts to replace Deacon based on form but I will say this, Phelps brings us more options i.e. he could have played full back or stand off, and has an okay kicking game (though far from brilliant) and I also see Phelps as a safer option in that he's more consistent. Roberts is a confidence player and if he doesn't have much, he could have a shocker, where as I think Phelps would be steady.
I'm also of the opinion that we should do as least disruption to the team as possible when replacing Deacon, so given the squad we've announced I'd go with Sam at 6 and Roberts at full back, leaving Richards on the wing. We've enough outside back options to suggest that if Roberts wasn't 100% fit, he wouldn't be selected, and his best performances in a Wigan shirt have come at 1, and Pat is undoubtedly better outside Carmont, so that's the way it should stay.
Tuson and either Davies or Prescott to miss out for me, probably Davies since Maguire seems relecutant to give him a full run out whenever he is selected, and it is essential we have 4 fully charged props for the rest of the play off compaign. Having calmed down a little from Sunday, I'd also start Joel, hopefully gifting Leeds 2 points that ultimately won them the game will make him see he needs to be a lot smater and more disciplined.
I'd also start Hansen, Fielden and Coley in the pack too in the hopes of getting off to an absolute flier, and trying to kill some of KR's enthusiasm and confidence.
To summarise then:
Roberts Goulding Gleeson Carmont Richards S Tomkins Leuluai Fielden Riddell Coley J Tomkins Hansen O'Loughlin
McIlorum Farrell Paleaaesina Prescott
Same problem for me. One freak injury to a backline player and we lose the game.
Super League Champions League Leaders Under 20's Champions Club of The Year Floodlit 9's Winners Pat Richards: Man Of Steel Sam Tomkins: Young Player of the Year Michael Maguire: Coach of the Year
Wire_91 wrote:
its your first final in about 8 years and now you ravin and rantin about it F**k off, and ill be going old trafford tomoz cheering on the saints and ill be writing on this forum givin you loads of shi* when your drying you eyes and the wire fan will be here handing out the tissues in the thousands, thats if you do take that many fans cause now it looks like its your fans who have jumped on the band wagon now your in a final, this time last year there was only 1000 people in the jjb and now its fillin up cause youve won the league hahaha proper true supporters you are
As I understand it Phelps has been running well at 6 in the reserves. If Roberts is nit fit then personally I would have liked to see Tomkins at 1 with Phelps at 6.
We need our kick return to be top class and that is what Tomkins gives us. The major threat for me is Dobsons kicking game and if Roberts is not up to putting in the big kick returns we go with our next best option which is Sam.
Same problem for me. One freak injury to a backline player and we lose the game.
You simply cannot pick a team with that risk imo.
What would you suggest (apologies if you have explained on a different thread), given the players that are in the 19?
We could cover injuries in the backline, though obviously we'd be a lot weaker for it. For example, if a winger's injured, move Roberts to wing, Sam to 1, O'Loughlin to 6 and Farrell to loose.
No he didnt. It was Stefan Marsh and Feka that missed out from the 19. And Feka didnt play because of an injury.
In which case the official site is wrong then.
"The Warriors make one change to the squad that lost 26-27 on Sunday to Leeds Rhinos with Amos Roberts recalled, Paul Deacon misses out with a groin injury."