Last year a lot thought that we would be having a fallow year.

Having a system where we have to build for the future and produce our own talent will mean that we fans have to expect good and bad years. I would prefer it that way than simply always buying up ready made replacements. It adds to the anticipation and is ultimately good for the game. When we can buy quality I like to think that we will be nurturing their ability.

A well organised club will take change in their stride and be looking to the future. At the moment Wigan seem to have an interesting mix of home grown, superstars and projects. Both Clubb, Sarginson, Bateman el al could really surprise us with the right coaching and some of the young lads will be superstars. My real worry is getting a league structure that allows us to keep/fully develop our talent rather than just fighting for the crumbs with the rest.

I dont know why but this post made me smile!

They will both be missed, no question about that but for my money Lee Briers will be missed by Warrington more than we will miss Sam. I accept what Wire fans say about Briers not playing a fair bit last year but think he was always there for the more important games, Myler just doesn't have the guile of Briers from what I have seen of him and with regard to Sam I felt last year that the better teams had sussed out how to stop him from being as effective as he had been in the past and being as he wanted to go then maybe it was the right time. I am firmly of the same opinion as Bilko on this one and believe that Pat is the player we will miss the most. There was a thread about Pat a short time back where some fans thought he wouldn't be missed because he maybe isn't as fast as he once was but it's not all about his speed as he is still no slow coach but we will miss his kicking, his positional sense and his all round reliability. He has always been the quiet man in the background and often deserved man of the match more than the eventual recipient. Always surprised me that some youngster isn't spending the majority of his training time perfecting his kicking skills cos he would probably then be a shoe in for the first team

Woh, hold on. This experienced NRL fullback could be a complete flop over here (if he was as good as you hope he is, he wouldn't be coming over to play in an inferior comp.). This question is a no-brainer. Briers has been past his sell-by date for a while, whereas Tomkins is in his prime.

His move to the NRL will show the world just how good he is and I wish him all the best. The town of Wigan will weep rivers of tears over this move (be honest and stop trying to put a ridiculous positive spin on the transfer).

I appreciate your sentiments, but this team has already moved on. Sam this year has only played half a season, and whilst always a threat has never quite hit the high notes in the big games. Wane has been working on building a team which is not reliant upon the Sam, which is what we were 18 months ago. I am convinced that he was let go because a reasonable succession plan had been put in place. If you look at our squad now, you will see that we have gone from spending big money on marquee signings, to buildings a quality squad with 2 players in every position. This allows us to take advantage of the current system, and rest players to ensure we hit the play-offs full tilt.

On that basis, we have mitigated the risk of letting him go and utilised the money we have received as described above. We also have a lot of quality coming in through the current U19s, some of whom next season will be seen to be 'new Sam's'.

The best way to replace Sam is not to replace him, but to re-evaluate and work out where your new strengths are. I am confident that we have done this. Just like we did in the recent past when we lost Offiah, Hanley etc

As I am not a Wire fan, I cannot say whether they have done the same, but I dont think they will be too far off in the regular season matches with the replacements that they have lined up.

The main concern for both teams is how to win the close matches where Sam and Lee were often the difference.

The GF and CC wins for us are pointers that we can cope. How Wire will fare, only time will tell.

You are nasty, karma

One player is young in his career has left for more money but as his brother left to RU for same thing you can't blame them as they won every trophy RL had to offer and you can't take that away. Lee Briers is a different kettle of fish completely he has stuck with Warrington for 16years. Been annoying to opposition fans but loved by the wire. Forced to leave and retire from game due to injury not leave for money you can't compare the two. Lee Briers will be missed more and not just for his playing but his personality on the field.

I won't miss his personality, hunchback or pendulous chest, personally.

Another wonderful post from one of the 'single figure IQ' poster brigade. Life in your house must be hilarious to watch - a series of grunts and head scratches as you try to work out how to open the front door, can of beans etc. Perhaps you could do a reality TV series





Back to topic - I think both will be big losses although Wigan have shown they can replace 'stars' with players who, on paper, are not their equivalent. that bodes well for Wigan replacing Sam. In terms of replacing Briers, this is a more difficult one in terms of finding someone with the ability to do something 'out of the box' to make the difference in really close games against top teams. Time will tell whether that is available in-house in the way Wigan have replaced people recently or whether an external replacement is needed. I hope its the former.

also left for the challenge as they were given the opportunity too.

Both will be a massive loss to the product that is Super League. Both clubs have lost a creator, magician and a leader. Who will Sky turn to now for a focal point of SL?

Whilst Sam and Lee were/are outstanding players they would be the first to admit that they could do nothing without the work of team mates.



Sky would do well to market the sport as a TEAM game not concentrate on individuals (i.e Wigan Warriors is one of the great clubs in world sport not just in rugby league and Saints/Leeds are not far behind). There doesn't need to be a focal point. The breath of fresh air that is Premier Sports recognises this and has managed to show each game in a positive light regardless of whether there are superstars playing or not.



Some of the best and most entertaining rugby in this world cup has been played by teams from which we would have been hard pressed to name any individual (before the tournament). The record crowds, many of whom have never heard of Sam Tomkins -sounds unbelievable, but I think true- suggest that there is a market for RL in this country.