Peet is a fantastic coach, who has done an amazing job, is the first thing I'd say but I've always thought if there is a very slight weakness there, it's a unwillingness to rotate a little and give out opportunities to fringe players. Nsemba got a proper run on the back of Isa's broken leg and smashed the door down but pretty much every other game a fringe player has got is on the back of an injury. 

Eckersley, Farrimond, Hill, Forber etc only ever really play when an injury hits us. The odd appearance has been given out against London last year or Salford this but not much else. I just think having a little look at players and giving out some opportunities keeps everyone on their toes and keeps it fresh. 


It's not a major concern at all but something I think there could be a bit of tinkering done. 

There's always improvement even in the best players and coaches - and I think Peet has been and is one of Wigan's best coaches I've seen  since I started watching in the 80's, not just in the performances on the field but his impact off the field in the community and also with the playing group off the field too.  


He has mentioned in the past that he's been too reticent in giving younger players game time, and also the need to manage both Farrell and Junior's time specifically, but so far this season has only done so when forced to.   


I think we saw last season when Harry had a ban of 3-4 matches he came back with more intent and purpose and I think a few players could benefit from a small reset  - and a few players could benefit from some contingency planning in case we have injuries further down the track when games are more important  - it's only fair on the incoming players.


I'm sure Wigan are managing the players workload and training to peak at the right time this season, and are probably (just a hunch) one of the more advanced teams in doing this, so it might be seen that the players don't need a break from 1st team.    We've certainly seen a drop off in energy from Junior, and the team are way off their peak line speed in defence and attack at the moment.  


I'm confident we will start to see an improvement from this run of home games, but I think a little contingency planning wouldn't do any harm....

Have to say that I was very surprised that Marshall played against Leigh. When he made that interception it was like he was running in treacle. He was clearly hampered with an injury. 

I can understand Wade not being thrown in at Leigh but Eckersley and Douglas were available. 


I also think that Nsemba has been quiet of late, he's been much easier to handle and hasn't had that same impact. However I was also staggered that he passed his HIA, he looked out of it. Saying that Dagnall's was even worse two days later and he passed his so I honestly don't know anymore. 


Maybe there is the need for a bit of youth to come in, Taylor Kerr for one for example. He doesn't seem to rotate much Peet unless there are injuries. 

yep, fully fit Marshy would have been under the posts with that interception. It was weird seeing the Leigh players sort of over run him

Re Nsemba, its probably the weakest area of our squad in terms of depth, especially with Isa retiring at the start of the season. He would have been perfect to allow us to rotate / rest Faz / Junior and you knew exactly what you would get with him. When you look at the backrow forwards we've lost over the last couple of seasons, we've gone from a full on production line to very little with Smithies, KPP, Nicholson, McDonnell, Isa, Rushton all moving on (the ones i can think of)


i think Big Steve / NK touched on the point too about Matty Peet seeming reluctant to play the younger players unless he needs to. May be a bit of a learning for him in his coaching development. If he can introduce 1 or 2 in games we know we should be winning, as thats the ideal time instead of throwing loads in when the team isnt playing well or riddled with injuries

A Keighran/Smith combo will be interesting. Two left footers which isn't ideal. But Keighran is a very competent half - it'll be good to see him get his hands on the ball a bit more.