: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:15 am  

but what they do not want to do is risk letting players such as O'Barrell and Prescott leave to get this player.

This should be music to the ears of Wigan fans

We are currently £20,000 under the cap for 2009, the departure of Barrett had free'd up money, but they have invested most of this into the young lads such as Tomkins, Mossop etc.

As should this

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:16 am  

NickNJ wrote:

Some important questions were raised, particulary liked the grapple tackle Q. I'd not be surprised if the sheep at the RFL changed Sl rules to fall in line with the NRL which would throw a curveball in the competition, Saints would struggle without momentum.

Thanks for that, it was more to do with the importance of the grapple in the tackle, than grapple tackles.

I know Nobby recognises how important it is, like NRL coaches do, and it suits Wigan's style down to a t, it was also very effective against an England team composed of Saints and Leeds players.

[DaveO]

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:17 am  

Steinlager wrote:

They were, but the night wasn't about announcements. We have scheduled press releases, and media presence for that it's only sensible.

The people there wanting announcements where the ones wanting answers to the problems theyve read on here, which arent really problems. The announcements would have satisfied them.

Last night wasn't about that, but we were reassured as to things being put in place, and given excellent explanations of why things have taken so long, and how things are already being corrected for next year.

So why was Roberts there then? There has been no official announcement about his signing and no press release on the official club site yet he was apparently introduced to the fans. I can see no story in the national media about him being a Wigan player either.

Isn't this a complete contradiction to having scheduled press releases with the media present?

Dave

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:23 am  

DaveO wrote:

So why was Roberts there then? There has been no official announcement about his signing and no press release on the official club site yet he was apparently introduced to the fans. I can see no story in the national media about him being a Wigan player either.

Isn't this a complete contradiction to having scheduled press releases with the media present?

Dave

What does it really matter?

He was presented to the fans as a sort of treat for them. He was also happy to chat to fans and to the press men who were there. It will all be made official and the paperwork straightened out in the next couple of day.

I can't see there's any real negative in this.

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:23 am  

DaveO wrote:

So why was Roberts there then? There has been no official announcement about his signing and no press release on the official club site yet he was apparently introduced to the fans. I can see no story in the national media about him being a Wigan player either.

Isn't this a complete contradiction to having scheduled press releases with the media present?

Dave

They explained it at the forum Dave, just prior to introducing him. They basically invited him along, and no doubt this week he will be inveilled at the arranged press date. He walked on stage, waved and walked off.

What is annoying me is that a lot of the useful content from the evening is getting taken away by people trying to summarise it. Missing their explanation of such an announcement being a key one.

Unfortunately we are all more concerned about settling our self made 'big' issues off here to pay much attention to things like that.

They've made clear their policy not to make announcements on anything until signed, sealed and delivered.

[Pemps]

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:28 am  

Alex BP' wrote:

...Like MH said, they're about to start on next years kit already!

I'll put in on here when I get a minute

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:28 am  

Steinlager wrote:

Thanks for that, it was more to do with the importance of the grapple in the tackle, than grapple tackles.

I know Nobby recognises how important it is, like NRL coaches do, and it suits Wigan's style down to a t, it was also very effective against an England team composed of Saints and Leeds players.

It's certainly no coinidence that the england team was predominantly focussed on speed of the ruck and momentum. During the world cup i felt it was the end of Saints dominance, a little hasty but time will tell with the direction SL takes.

Interesting to hear Noble speak openly about psychology and NLP, he's always talking positive when in the dressing room. He comes across as knowledgeable, inspirational and his record is top notch, he'll lead us to greater things over the next 24 months.

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:32 am  

Hogan Knows Best wrote:

IL clearly showed fans that in the 2009 squad we have 19 UK players of which 15 of them are from Wigan. And yet 4 or 5 people asked the same question 'why do we have a team full of overseas' we clearly dont. Once again fans showing that they do not know anything about our club.

Yeh that person who was saying "You said we're trying to reduce our amount of overseas players, yet we've got more this season than last. How does that work?" So IL answers the question... then "Yeh but...we've got more overseas players this season than last...so how does that work?" IL answers again... "Right...but this season we've got more overseas players... etc etc" !!!!!

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:33 am  

Newton-Le-willows-Warrior wrote:

best question of the night had to be the one asking lenegan to evaluate himself

oh and Lenagan also commented that we may have the scholarship scheme with an Aussie club set up in the next 18 months- he was hinting at St.George and Cronulla or the Gold Coastmainly

That was in response to my question, although it was interesting to hear someone disagree with the idea, claiming that if a young player goes over to Australia and does well than the Aussies may be tempted to "steal him".
I really do hope that we form this alliance with an Aussie team as I believe it will benefit Wigan in the long term.

I spoke to IL after the forum and he confirmed that another (I think he said five) players will be joining the academy / scholarship shortly.

: Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:36 am  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

That was in response to my question, although it was interesting to hear someone disagree with the idea, claiming that if a young player goes over to Australia and does well than the Aussies may be tempted to "steal him".
I really do hope that we form this alliance with an Aussie team as I believe it will benefit Wigan in the long term.

I spoke to IL after the forum and he confirmed that another (I think he said five) players will be joining the academy / scholarship shortly.

It's a massive point of concern tbh, and something that may need addressing in arranging that type of alliance. I certainly would love some of young players to work in a Wayne Bennett directed environment.