When the Crusaders signed him I thought it was a smart move for them. I live in Chester and my son has played RU v Wrexham several times and so I have seen the effect having an SL club has had on the area and even in the RU club I have seen young lads walking about with Crusaders merchandise. So given the area and the game the Crusaders signing him was a great move IMO despite the fact he was clearly not going to set the game on fire on the pitch.



But that was the Crusaders. I don't give a stuff what film he going to be in because if [iwe[/i sign him we have to play him (as I simply do not believe he has any coaching credentials we want). And would we really compromise the team for some PR? Because that is what it would boil down to IMO.



I am not one of those who thinks the ultimate aim is to have a team of all Wigan lads and I think it is essential we do sign top players from outside the club such as the Barrett's, Hoffman's and Finches of this world. Every now and again we may sign a lower profile player like Carmont who turns out to be top quality (Sam Panapa MkII is Carmont IMO) but I can't see how Thomas fits in with any of this.

I don't see why this should be true if it is then its the Harris factor thats involved (though I see it as just pure BS from The Sun), Harris obviously speaks highly of him as a leader and although it raised a few eyebrows at first perhaps its a Ben Cross type of signing mainly the experience is the main reason, However the rumoured signings aren't exactly going to fill the (Wane as Coach) doubters heads with confidence Lauaki & Thomas doesn't exactly excite you quite like the signings of Finch, Lima & Hoffman but i'm happy we've signed/signing Dudson.

He was a very good union player . I an afraid he cant play League for toffee. He is a defensive liability , even Carl Pryce ran a few past him . He was a terrific PR signing for the Crusaders but that's all . Check the Crusaders Boards to see what the fans in the know think about him .



Regards , EW

What about Richie Mathers?

To say that I'd be very disappointed if we signed a 37 year old who's played just 28 games of rugby league would be a huge understatement.



I don't care how much of a leader he is. I don't care if he's a cross between Churchill and Patton. No, no and no!

He probably has the same agent and PR as harris ............ both using the wigan fame and success to 'up' their own profile and possible employment situation.

Both wrong on so many fronts. IL shouldn't have to come out and deny these connections being fed to the sun by their agents, but in these two cases i feel he should.

Has anyone thought it may be in a assistant coaching capacity

We spoke to him at the Crusaders/Quins game a few weeks back, and asked him if he had anything lined up. He said yes, but would wouldn't divulge, simply telling us to "Watch this space!".

I think you are massively over stating the knowledge of the average poster on these here forums.

Would provide good cover at a postion you're weak in.

would rather play marsh or goulding at centre if joel or george gets injured, for me taking Thomas to play at centre is a backward step for us, we need to develope young talent to play there or if we do contract a new player at least someone who will be available to play for 3 years to help nuture our young players

The more and more I think about this the more ridiculous it seems, this guy would get absolutely tortured on here after playing one game for Wigan because he simply isnt good enough.