This is a really good point. [size=50From a southern softie, who likes flat beer and Whelks[/size

......and who was brought up in Wigan.

Thats what i think, really thought he was fantastic last year and said you wouldnt be the same without him.



What exactly is his injury?

But in reality that won't be an improvement, last year we were the best team in the league and this year we are not.



Last year after we lost that playoff to Leeds one of the worst things about it was the fear that with an ageing side we were a team that had a window of opportunity to win the Grand Final before a young and up and coming Wigan team overtook us and that last year might have been the best chance. This season is supporting that theory although we have by no means faded away, just the edge has come off us with signs that a few of our players are starting to decline, albeit slowly. Leeds were in this position a couple of years ago, we saw at Wembley the signs of rustiness in their once great team but they did rally for one last hurrah, probably like Chelsea have done in football this year in the Champions League when the league has shown they are in this position, so our best hope may be that the players sense it and in the big games they rise for one last herculean effort. Even for the guys like Hodgson, Morley who have won Grand Finals before down under, they will know that this is the last time in their careers that they are going to be playing for trophies.



I think it will take time for Saints, Leeds and Hull to rebuild to a point where they are challenging Wigan and I think Hudds will slip back when Brown leaves, and Catalans are good but not THAT good, so I think we may be entering a stage where Wigan take pole position and are the premier side in SL for the next two or three years, with us slipping back to a point of best of the rest but behind Wigan. This will especially be shown when Briers leaves as it will be very difficult to replace him, and who we get to fill his place will determine a lot.



That said I would not get too cocky if I was a Wigan fan as there are risks on the downside for them as well. They really need to re-sign Finch, if he leaves then Matty Smith is nowhere near the same calibre of replacement. I also think a Iestyn Harris situation is developing with Sam Tomkins where it's inevitable he will go to union in a year or so, probably the RFU will make their move in 2013 so they can have him in time for the 2015 World Cup, and Wigan will get a large transfer fee as he is still under contract. Wigan are good and have a lot of strength in depth of home grown talent but remove Finch and Tomkins and they will need to sign big (from Australia) to replace them, big as in get someone like Slater or Inglis to join.

Sorry Sally but signing big from Australia is almost impossible now, every club needs to build from Within to be successful, seeing players given a chance in SL must motivate every player in the U18's and U21's to do everything just to be selected for the senior side.



Losing Leuluai and finch next season would be a big blow, we would have others chomping at the bit though just for a chance, Losing too many is always a killer which worries me as Carmont, Lima, Fielden are gone or almost certain to go.



If Joel Tomkins comes back from Union next season, i think Sam wont be going anywhere apart from Maybe the NRL.

No way atall we are second in the league and have won eleven games on luck!...



IMO were doing well this year, bit scratchy at times but im not worried atall, go look at the league table n chill....

Just in reply to those doubting Wigan's ability to keep up this level of play. In 2010 we (Wigan) led from the beginning, maintaining that consistency all the way to our Grand Final victory. Just because Wire led from the beginning last year, looking very much the team to beat, only fall at the last hurdle. Doesn't suddenly mean that'll be the case with any subsequent teams that dominates the weekly rounds. Know one's placed to determine whether a team has peaked or not until season end.

we have missed monas more than anything his speed around the ruck hope he is back soon

Last season we were by miles the better team, but as we painfully know Leeds were 'Crowned Best In Super League'.



If we reach 2 finals the that will be an improvement, I agree that improvement will not be in form but in the season outcome.



I agree what you say about the current top clubs and I still greatly fear Saints. They are the ones who this year could stop us reaching our 1st ever G/F.



But all this is early days in a season only 50% done. Wherever Saints, Leeds Giants & Catalans finish come round 27 they will greatly turn up the heat come the play-offs & we must match and better that.

I'm relaxed at this stage of the season. 2nd place and not playing our best with key players out. I trust Smith. Wigan will not relish playing Warrington as they will a few more times this season no doubt.



That said last year was probably our best chance to win the SL, but that does not mean we cannot win it this year.

Call it a mirror image of last season. Wire were the best side by a country mile last season. Wigan had definately fallen behind them. This year, probably due to the reasons already mentioned on here - injury to M Monas (massive blow), King gone, Morley injured / not playing at same level. Whereas Wigan for whatever reason (Wane / Harris?) have improved players performances and recruited extremely well. Hansen, Goulding, McIllorum, Finch, Sam and Mossup have all improved on last season. Added to that Dudson, Flower, Luarki have been relatively successful recruits. Hock is benefitting from getting game time back under his belt. (When he is not suspended that is!)



I was worried about Hoffman going as he was a class act, however Hock, when he keeps his cool, has been sensational.



Joel left but was not missed as he played a full season out of position at centre anyway, where Goulding has come in and is putting them on a plate for Charnley, something Joel couldn't do.



What tickles me is that Wigan posters last year, knew deep down that Wire were better. Coming out with rubbish like, were not putting 50+ past teams like you are because we are conserving energy. What total rubbish. I don't hear them complaining about wasting energy after Friday nights performance. Alright you lost in the play offs, you didn't bottle it, you just didn't quite get the result against an inspired Leeds.



Fair play to Sally for the opening post. Still think that Wigan / Wire are the best 2 teams by a mile. There will be the odd upset and strange result but the only fixtures I have concern over ATM is you away in the league and the Wembley final should we both get there which would be a great game and worthy final.

good post