Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:24 pm  

It's just their pack early doors that really worries me. It could blow us away if we don't stand up to them and defend our socks off. If we do get through that first half hour in reasonable shape, I'm confident we have a bench that can cause them some problems and we should be more match sharp then they are. I'm not hugely worrying about the result tbh, I'm just looking forward to the full day and the atmosphere in the ground. It should be a fantastic occasion and I do think we'll do ourselves justice.

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 1:37 pm  

Don't you all find it hilarious that we have a Saints fan telling us what we can and can't think?

If we win I'm going to think it's the greatest achievement in world rugby and far eclipses what Saints did last year and you know what? There's sweet feck all anyone can do about it

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 1:53 pm  

Scott Sorensen also out for Penrith and an interesting story by Matt Shaw that he had a conversation with Wigan in 2021 but ultimately re-signed with Penrith. Will probably be a little too old by the time his next contract expires - Wigan haven't tended to go for overseas recruits who are 30+ recently.

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 1:59 pm  

The other noteworthy media story I read was that Cleary is open to a SL move. He admits that he would like to experience a new country, culture etc so would consider it. Given his partner plays for Man City then he would at least be in the same country as her. Can't see him giving up SOO anytime soon though.

In terms of SL clubs there's probably only really Wigan and Warrington that could afford him. Given that Wigan have Smith and then the next cab off the rank Farrimond if Smith goes to the NRL, then I could see Warrington making a real bid.

Of course he could mean right at the end of his career rather than anytime soon.

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 2:05 pm  

Stu M wrote:

The other noteworthy media story I read was that Cleary is open to a SL move. He admits that he would like to experience a new country, culture etc so would consider it. Given his partner plays for Man City then he would at least be in the same country as her. Can't see him giving up SOO anytime soon though.

In terms of SL clubs there's probably only really Wigan and Warrington that could afford him. Given that Wigan have Smith and then the next cab off the rank Farrimond if Smith goes to the NRL, then I could see Warrington making a real bid.

Of course he could mean right at the end of his career rather than anytime soon.

I doubt it'll be anytime in the next 7 or 8 years, so tough to say who would need him or could afford him. It would be nice to think the game in this country could tempt that sort of player to come here at some point though.

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 2:06 pm  

Stu M wrote:

The other noteworthy media story I read was that Cleary is open to a SL move. He admits that he would like to experience a new country, culture etc so would consider it. Given his partner plays for Man City then he would at least be in the same country as her. Can't see him giving up SOO anytime soon though.

In terms of SL clubs there's probably only really Wigan and Warrington that could afford him. Given that Wigan have Smith and then the next cab off the rank Farrimond if Smith goes to the NRL, then I could see Warrington making a real bid.

Of course he could mean right at the end of his career rather than anytime soon.

Was aware his girlfriend played for Australia but didn't realise she played for City. The only way it could happen is if one of the wealthier SL owners decided to offer a ludicrous sum using the marquee rule. I have a feeling Mike Danson wouldn't dismiss any chance to have a crack at something like that (even if the chances are slim).

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 2:08 pm  

MadDogg wrote:

Scott Sorensen also out for Penrith and an interesting story by Matt Shaw that he had a conversation with Wigan in 2021 but ultimately re-signed with Penrith. Will probably be a little too old by the time his next contract expires - Wigan haven't tended to go for overseas recruits who are 30+ recently.

He would've been and still would be an ideal replacement for Willie Isa IMO. A new second rower is the only thing I can see that we'll probably need for 2025 (Dependant on what happens with French), so maybe they can re-visit it. His replacement in the second rower tomorrow is leaving Penrith, so maybe he could be an option (Luke Garner).

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 2:46 pm  

MadDogg wrote:

To be perfectly blunt and I apologise for the pessimism - I think there's a good chance we get tonked tomorrow.

I’m in that boat. If Havard, Thompson and Walters were playing I’d be more upbeat. The one thing that makes me think that there is a chance of a win is Peet. He’s a smart lad and I’m pretty sure that he will have a couple of surprises up his sleeve.

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 2:52 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

It's just their pack early doors that really worries me. It could blow us away if we don't stand up to them and defend our socks off. If we do get through that first half hour in reasonable shape, I'm confident we have a bench that can cause them some problems and we should be more match sharp then they are. I'm not hugely worrying about the result tbh, I'm just looking forward to the full day and the atmosphere in the ground. It should be a fantastic occasion and I do think we'll do ourselves justice.

There is no doubt that we are really up for this. Saints showed us how to win this game ... defence.

Re: World Club Challenge - Wigan v Penrith : Fri Feb 23, 2024 3:03 pm  

Stu M wrote:

Yet we were told when the game was announced that if Wigan win it would be a much bigger achievement than our Buster Douglas beating Tyson analogy given by sergeant pepper.

Because it would be.

If it was Saints playing Penrith tomorrow and you won, would it be a bigger achievement than last year? I'd argue that it would be. Going back to my original analogy, beating Tyson is one thing, beating him in the follow up fight is a whole different ball game. Great teams don't repeat mistakes.

The above shouldn't be controversial. The only reason Saints have an issue with it, is because we aren't going along with the narrative that their win is the greatest achievement in the history of sport.

Wigan winning on Saturday is good for the sport. Saints winning last year was a BIG step. Us winning is an even bigger step. Not because of personal rivalries, but because of perception. Two wins say that, the undisputed best team in Aus, have been beaten in consecutive WCC games. It shows the NRL that hey, just maybe, the top teams (that's both our clubs) in SL aren't as weak they think we are. Most Aussie fans think their sides can turn up, have a laugh or joke and they'll still win. Hopefully tomorrow is the final nail in that thought process.