I see what you mean, although I'd say Finch is a stronger defender than Leuluai, it's just that Leuluai hits harder.

I think both young halfbacks will need games and I also think they'll need to be tried on both sides of the pitch as it can make a big difference to some players.



I hope Wane keeps Mellor in the side or has Powell on the bench against London, so long as the rest of the squad is close to full strength. I'm not sure when clubs are allowed to start negotiating with out of contract players but Wane will need to know what type of player we're looking for in the halves next year, because it seems like we will need to sign one.



Come to think of it, I think you're right in saying that Powell should have played instead of Leuluai. He's a halfback who can play hooker (I'd rather he played there than Logan Tomkins or Carberry) and passes well to his right while I think Mellor tends to look better on the left.

You are entitled to your opinion, however, dont expect to be appointed youth talent scout any time soon will you.



First team debut, 19 years of age,scores two tries, fielded every high ball except for the off side one, pulled off a superb one on one ball and all tackle when they broke in the second half, and you were disapointed !!!



Yes he's raw, a bit flat behind Finch in attack and wasnt deep enough in defence occasionally, but

Matty is one of the best prospects in the super league at the moment, and barring injury I expect him to be our first choice full back next season.

Fully agree.



His flaws were minor and his strengths a major plus. There will be very few 18/19 yr old kids make debuts like that anytime soon.



5 or 6 games at fullback with Sam at 6 this season and plenty of appearances for Leigh should ready him for a possible starting berth next year.

The above scenario should it pan out as we'd all like it too, would go along way to solving next years problems at halfback. I'd be all for it.

It would indeed. In attack at least we'd have a scary team with Russell at 1 and Sam at 6.



I'm still saying we should try and sign Matty Smith for the 7 jersey if Finch goes. He's not a superstar but he'd keep us ticking over with 2 attackers like Sam and Russell in the team.

I can certainly see the sense in that. A good steady away player with a great kicking and passing game would compliment Sam and Russel perfectly. Whether that's Matty Smith I don't know.

Just watched the tries he scored on the highlights, they needed some scoring. he looks a powerful runner for an 18yo.

As someone totally unbiased, I thought Russell had a very good game. A fullback who makes a mistake is noticed as he is usually out on his own, but the lad played with a lot of maturity, and it is wrong to knock him.



It was a cracking game of Rugby, and the atmosphere was good. Thanks to all the Wigan supporters who came.

Pretty impressive stats from Russell and Mellor. It's just a pity about Mellors three missed tackles, but that was probably partly down to fatigue and the fact that we were two subs light for much of the game. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2012

Pretty impressive stats from Russell and Mellor. It's just a pity about Mellors three missed tackles, but that was probably partly down to fatigue and the fact that we were two subs light for much of the game. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2012

Quote Rogues Gallery="Rogues Gallery"Pretty impressive stats from Russell and Mellor. It's just a pity about Mellors three missed tackles, but that was probably partly down to fatigue and the fact that we were two subs light for much of the game. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2012'" I distrust those stats quite a bit, highlighted by the fact they have Russell making no errors despite the clear dropping of the bomb.

Quote Rogues Gallery="Rogues Gallery"Pretty impressive stats from Russell and Mellor. It's just a pity about Mellors three missed tackles, but that was probably partly down to fatigue and the fact that we were two subs light for much of the game. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2012'" I distrust those stats quite a bit, highlighted by the fact they have Russell making no errors despite the clear dropping of the bomb.

Weren't Widnes given offside at that time? If so that error wouldn't be counted.

Yes think they might have been actually.