Wigan are 4-0 down and losing the arm wrestle in the middle of the pitch.
Hull are controlling the go forward and a try looks inevitable given the pressure and field position they have had.
Enter Locky, nearly instantly the game changes. Wigan turn the momentum round.
Not long after they put together one of the best constructed sets I’ve seen in a very long time to score a try from a cross field kick.
Who is instrumental in directing that set? Who takes the ball on the 4th didn’t get excited near the line but instead took the carry to the exact spot in needed to be in the field to set up the play?
Obviously the answer is Locky.
His body is clearly fading, however he needs to play next year for several reasons.
1. The comp isn’t set up where you need to have your best players on the pitch every week. You can literally wrap him in cotton wool and just use him when he is needed.
2. He is clearly still our leader. Faz seems to be developing into that mould as does Powell but neither in my opinion are ready to step up permanently in that role.
3. He is still a top class player when fit. You simply can’t replace that.
4. Smithies needs game time and experience but also not over exposure, Locky can still provide that support.
5. Locky has given everything he has to Wigan through some very good times but also some very difficult times. I feel he has earned the right to play on, if he wants to, for one last year which may well see us evolve the way we play and have a real opportunity to challenge on all fronts in 2020.
I’m enjoying this year but I can’t see anyone stopping Saints but next year I think we have a real opportunity, he deserves the chance to go out on a high.
Terrible news if he is gone for the season, for Wigan and him personally. He will however recover I’ve no doubt and want to come back for more, and I think 1 more year is not just a gesture of loyalty but a necessity to complete the post Wane transition of the team.
