In terms of quality there is no question that Smith and Chase would be lower quality than our current halves, unless they improve significantly under the Wigan coaching set up (which is possible).



Having said that, you are wrong about Tomkins to a degree, while of course any player, no matter how talented, benefits from top class players making opportunities for him, it's going too far to say we will "need" other threats to give Tomkins opportunities. Tomkins would be a dangerous player in a backline of Wellenses.



He's Sam Tomkins, he does what he wants.

I agree, Tomkins doesn't 'need' other threats in order to create his own opportunities, that is evident. It certainly does help though. If a defence can actively target Tomkins it will help shut him down a little and minimise the threat, the Australians have shown that superbly.

We have other threats, the main one being a grunting 'all knees, elbows and tattoos' Gareth Hock running through the gap.

Whilst it's true Hock provides a threat, it isn't really relevant to the discussion about halves?

It was in answer to this.



What other threat's around Smith did you mean "to create opportunities for Tomkins and the 'new 6' "?



Wigan are a team choc full of threats, Hock / Lockers / Hansen / Farrell / Gelling / Carmont / Charnley...I could go on!



Smith will go okay as opposition teams can't pinpoint just one or two dangers in the Wigan team, giving him plenty options and free time. We do need to be smart with regards to his halfback partner, if it does end up being Chase the chances of increased silverwear will continue.

True, but there is a massive difference between Australian defences and those in SL.

Spot on. I am happy with the signing of Smith, he's not a world beater but he does the basics well and is a team player.

Fair enough, I probably wasn't clear in my expressions. I was talking about the 6, 7 and 9 exclusively but I can't argue with anything you have posted, although I wouldn't count Hansen as a threat he's more of an extremely solid player for me.



I'd also file Gelling with Meli under the 'pudding' category at this moment in time.

Hansen knows how to hit a gap, even of he isn't picked out as much he's still a runner that has to be picked up, which obviously sucks defenders in, which of course makes a half backs job much easier. I'd say that's a threat to the defending team.

But Chase wont fit into the Wigan systems. His style wont fit with Wigan. He's greedy. He never passes. He's a bad influence. He's been anonymous this year. He's Dennis Moran MKII. He's overrated. He beat Sam Tomkins to Man of Steel. He plays for England but he's not even English. He turned his back on New Zealand. His name is Rangi. He plays for Castleford. He prefers to be a big fish in a small pond. He'll never make it at Wigan. I just don't like him. There are many halfbacks who are better in this league. What about Joe Mellor? What about Danny Brough? Michael Dobson had a good game last week. Sean O'Loughlin could move to six. Let's stick Matty Russell at six. Ian Millward might have corrupted Chase and if he signs it will be a plot for Agent Millward to try to complete the job he started in 2006! Get the kids in!

You could say exactly the same about Wilkin, he's absolutely magnificent at running lines. I'd hardly consider him a threat though.



You can't just consider any player a threat because they run at gaps.