I’d be all in favour of a bigger bench, as a start increase to 6 but 2 of the 6 have to be under 21 at the start of the season.

I agree but it doesn't mean that there should be more substitutions, just a greater choice.

I've always believed that you should have eight players on the bench (substitutes) but but no interchanges, once a player is off he can't return unless it's a hia.
Allow six substitutions from those eight players. At least two of the players should be 21 or under at the start of the season and four should be home grown.

Sounds like Harvie Hill had an eventful afternoon in the reserves Derby, two tries and a red card

Thought I would try and resurrect this a little as this place has been dead for a while now. There are loads of posters not posting anymore, I'm even missing my previous arch-nemesis Phuzzy 


So the question is- are any of you missing Saints being as strong as we used to be (obviously you don't want us to win trophies)


The reason I ask is that I have seen a couple of Wigan fans on Twitter recently saying that they feel HKR fans are unbearable and are missing a strong Saints- with the explanation being that at least we have a strong history as a club. 


I get that in the main as even though, I am a Utd fan I despise Liverpool but I do have more respect for them as a club than say City or Chelsea, due to their history. 


I've noticed for a while now that we barely get a mention on here win or lose, good or bad which shows how far we have fallen as a threat to Wigan. Conversely on Red Vee (and to be fair it is a much less toxic place now) Wigan are mentioned frequently (not all bad I hasten to add, indeed lots of times they are held up as setting the standards on and off the field)


So I guess this is a long winded way of me asking the simple question....


Do you miss us?

I don't think you've gone, by more it seems luck rather than good judgement you've found a balance in your team.
Keeping Whitby and Walmsley fresh will be Wellens' big challenge and then getting Welsby back for the business end will be a massive boost, obviously he has to play but the re-shuffle that will entail will probably determine how far you get.
He's the best full back in the league but that does give Wellens the problem of getting the half back combination right.

For me I think SL is at its best when Wigan, Saints and Leeds are all strong.


I want to win everything, that's obvious. IF we can't however then I want Saints or Leeds to win it. Why? Because of the sheer effort each of those clubs delivers for the league. Proper youth development, big fan bases, rich histories stuffed with great players. You reap what you sow in life and those clubs only add to the sport, whilst so many others take, take take. 

Very interesting that you rate Welsby higher than Field.....

I personally think that Robertson has been the bigger shining light this season in a completely unfamiliar new role. Dagnall has also lessened the impact of losing Murphy for the second time this season (who had looked really good prior to his latest injury)

Very interesting viewpoint and one that I would guess isn't shared by the vast majority of Wigan fans!

More than likely and I can see why that would be so. 


What happens however, is that when you just "hate" Saints, you miss the bigger picture. 


What's good for Wigan, is good for Saints and that works both ways.  It's a rivalry built off competition - not based off politics or religion.  There needs to be respect there. When either team has success it pushes the other to compete. You win 4 in a row, we win all four in one go. Nothing stings as much as Saints winning something and I wouldn't have it any other way. 


Some would love it, but imagine if one of us went the way of Bradford. It would not only massively cripple the rivalry, but potentially the sport too.  Quite simply - it should never be allowed to happen, EVER.  Who would either team boast against?  F-ing Wire? 

Just think he's a very good all round fb, when you played Wire and he stopped Matty Ashton twice it was brilliant defensive play, the second time especially you could see he'd psyched Ashton out, but having said that if you desperately need someone to make a match winning play out of nothing then Field is your go to man.

This little debate is why i like posting on here & other RLFans club forums.

you can have a sensible debate, and appreciate players from other clubs for their talent


All Wiganers know Welsby is a class act, the odd one will be a tool and show themselves up by stating otherwise, but 99.9% will acknowledge the fact he is a quality full back. Yes, there will be banter cos he plays for Saints, and as long as that doesnt cross the line should be there, or the rivalry wouldnt be what it is


i've been regularly posting on the Hull FC board due to the debate around Sam Eseh, and again, there is plenty of respectful posting with knowledgeable fans appreciating a differing viewpoint