Sts did tremendously to get to the final without your regular halfbacks. You also only lost by 12 points.

Add a couple more strong forwards in LMS and Perry, a bit more pace out wide in Shenton (he can't be slower than Gidley) and having both Pryce and Eastmond in the team, I would have thought there's every reason to believe you'll be stronger next year? The only issue will be getting over being without Cunningham, but TBH I'd be very much looking forward to next season.

Wigan may well be stronger next year. As both Leeds and Sts have found though, an injury to the wrong player at the wrong time can prove disastrous. This is not the 80s again - if Wigan do lose a player, they won't be able to replace them with an international reserve. Wigan may also find it harder mentally next year, and every other side will want a piece of them.

Inj any event quite a few sides will spend a lot of time in the off-season looking to copy some of the things Wigan do - particularly in defence. Leeds even said early this year that they'd purposely stopped trying to dominate the PTB so much because they felt they were being penalised too much - I suspect they'll revisit that.

Mcguire came highly recommended. Sizzler doesnt. The aussies cant wait to see the back of him such is his tactical ineptness (if there is such a word lol)

The current Australian national coach must think highly of him.

Weren't you complaining on another thread about the thought of him getting sacking threads after two or three matches next year?

I'm speaking as a neutral who really enjoys the game nd the Saints V Wigan rivalry.

Wigan will not dominate. They will of course be a presence and that is only normal. They are arguably the biggest and are definitely the most sucessful club in the English game and a good Wigan is good for the game. However its not as if Saints are poor. Its not as if Wolves are unable to compete. etc.

Its a cliche but Wigan are the Man. Utd of the game and it is good to have them to aim at.