https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/12/ ... ave-wigan/ Reads like the club was not very happy with this and how long it took, transfers only been signed on 23rd december leaving us no time to sign a replacement. At least we got a significant transfer fee out of it and a player off the books who doesn't want to be here

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/12/ ... ave-wigan/ Reads like the club was not very happy with this and how long it took, transfers only been signed on 23rd december leaving us no time to sign a replacement. At least we got a significant transfer fee out of it and a player off the books who doesn't want to be here

Why did they let Nicholson go to Wire if they knew this was going to happen.

He'd already gone by the time this surfaced by the looks of it

I like new signings, but no need to sign someone for the sake of it. We have a strong squad even with Bateman leaving and we know we have money to spend if we get a few injuries throughout next season. I expect Smithies to get the number 13 shirt.

Yes, seems like the club thought they had this wrapped up and buried back in july, only for it to resurface during the world cup.

I agree and reads like we were left with no time, even if we did want to sign anybody. There often is some interesting players becoming available mid season so at least we will have the funds ready to offer if they are worth it.

Fair enough to him. Possibly last big money he’ll get with the age he is.

Wigan get a decent wedge of cash, big earner off the books and a marquee slot back.

We Will be fine,two very good centres signed,money for a player who wanted to go ,marquee status freed if required,cover freed for the position Bateman had.

All is good in my book.
Roll on Febuary.

Dan said Bateman was leaving but if he didn't leave he would be staying, I can't believe how he always get's it right, Dan is the Man

The fact we are not replacing him straight away is a frustration but it’s understandable given where we are in the preseason and also the situation with our quota.

Bateman going and not being replaced has a significantly negative impact on the squad I had us as favourites in my mind for the title this year but now I’m not so sure.

It’s clear the club want to take their time, see how the land lies with the current players we have available and then maybe look to strengthen mid season.

F Bateman

Yeah yeah, there are cap considerations etc. but lets be real, the main reason we can't get in a replacement is that our quota spots are full up (and very questionably used in the first place).

I said before that I've been pretty disappointed with Bateman this time around, and wanted more pace/power and hard running in the second row, but obviously this weakens the squad and we're hoping KPP kicks on another gear or two this campaign. But with him off as well, I hope we're already looking and planning for 2024 and what recruitment might have to look like and freeing up quota spots so we can look at the whole market.