If we'd have won the double, we'd be confident going into next season.

We didn't think Wigan were going to be as good in 2013 as they were in '12, losing the likes of Leuleuia (sp), Finch and Lima, but they were even better.
The'yve recruited well in Bateman and Bowen, but losing Tomkins is obviously a massive blow. Richards and Mossop I think they'll replace easily enough.

The only thing I think Wigan should be worried about is that, the way their squad is changing, there less and less room for error. At the moment, Wane seems to have them jumping through all the right hoops, so that's not showing now.

We've made a lot of positive moves to start becoming genuine competitors again. A well stocked pack, a good hooker, a good scrum half, a good full back, pace out wide. However we have a gaping hole at 6 and a little problem at centre.
Our margin for error is minute. Should [i*s*[/i Wheeler [i*chortle*[/i get fit and stay fit [i*sides splitting*[/i and play a season at 6 for us and young Percy gets that little extra beef to manage a proper season, then we could look like the dogs danglies, but the chances of that are frankly a million to one.

We also still don't know if Brown can get us motivated on a regular basis. We know that Wane's teams will always turn up when it matters, but not the same for Saints at the moment.
The final danger seems to be sentimentality over senior players.
Wellens shouldn't be anywhere near the starting 17 and I wouldn't pick Wilkin or Boof in my first choice pack, but we know they'll be knocking about in front of the likes of Flash, Thompson, Walker, Greenwood and Clough.

2 things that jump out from this thread, 1 is that I can't really see any arrogance from them, the other is that the idea of an 'A&B' squad is totally meaningless.

A good summary. I agree on the sentimentality , it is the road to ruin in a professional environment especially one with a salary cap. As a club we need to be ruthless when it comes to the playing squad and that means making the call to let players go who have in the past given excellent service.

I think it will be a test for Wane too as coaches will be looking to counter Wigan , can he adapt and evolve ? There will come a point where aggression alone wont win matches, especially against the better sides.

One big test Wane has to overcome is to play without Sam Tomkins. He's had success at u18's, u20's and at first team level and at each level he's had Sam in his side. I'm not saying for one minute he's made Wanes career because he's a fine coach but it will be interesting to see if we can mix our gameplan up should we have to. If Bowen isn't the success we hope he will be then we will certainly need to do that.

Wigan will be splashing the cash again soon. They in negotiations with a club for another player.

as if you would say no to zak hardaker.

He's only get a game at centre with us and even then I wouldnt want him ahead of Percival. He would be a waste of cap space for us as the only position we are desperate for is a proper out and out 6

you would have him over both wings, and more than likely move lomax to 6 and put him at fullback.

The only player who comes close to him in your back line is Lomax.

he is better than:
Gardner
Percival
Swift
Turner
Makinson
Lance...

Doubt Wigan will get him anyway.

Richards kicked goals for fun, I'm not sure they'll be able to replicate his conversion rate although Matty Smith is a capable goal kicker.

Tomkins is a big loss obviously, they'll have to change the way they play slightly losing him but if Bowen hasn't come for a holiday and can stay injury free, he'll be a good addition for them. The rest of their squad remains settled and they have a fairly young squad.

They'll be the team to beat but the gap has closed. Warrington look weaker, Saints, Leeds and Huddersfield are all stronger (especially ourselves in terms of depth and youth).

It'll be a good season next year, looking forward to it.

Wigan may be the team to beat and it is a large squad, strong and young. Endless props, loads of back rowers, six half backs and threequaters with pace to burn.
Warrington are going to miss Briers and Morley big time. Still top four.
Leeds don't seem to be that much stronger than last year, fifth.
Saints do seem stronger but I don't rate either centre or Hohaia. Jones better as a 2nd row. To get back into the top four.
Huddersfield have brought strength into the pack and pace to the wings. Still not convinced they can break through as a Play Off or Finals team. Top four.
Top Four in any order from Wigan, Wire, Hudds and Saints with Leeds fifth.

I also hear your coach will be announcing his new deal soon as talks are at a advanced stage. Also a new addition to the coaching staff is in talks.

Scotland coach? Wane got an extension after the challenge cup but i think it was only a year.

next year will be the first derby i have looked forward to in 3 years.